Employment Opportunities

Lathallan Nursery is a place of opportunity where children can regularly engage in a range of imaginative and enriching experiences beyond the classroom. It is a place where children can be courageous and take risks, challenging themselves and each other to be the best they can be.

Strong, positive, caring relationships based on trust and respect are at the heart of our philosophy, and our nursery provides a setting for children to develop long-lasting friendships within a safe, secure, and welcoming environment indoors and outdoors.

Lathallan Nursery is part of Lathallan School and delivers high-quality education and childcare predominantly in the outdoors for children from birth to 5 years within its sprawling 60-acre grounds.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and highly motivated practitioner to join our professional, passionate, and skilled team. You will be delivering adventurous, play-based educational experiences as part of our high-quality care and education over four days per week, working 42 hours per week including paid breaks.

Making the most of our expansive space, we are heavily outdoor learning–focused and are looking for someone who shares our excitement and enthusiasm for nature. Learning is inspired and led by the children exploring the rich, natural landscapes of our environment; our staff’s role is in supporting them to have fun, flourish, and succeed. The possibilities and wonder are endless!

The ideal candidate is passionate about outdoor play and is prepared to spend periods of the day supporting children’s play and learning, whatever the weather. You will need to be resilient and organised—there will be days of wet feet, cold noses, and of course our favourite, mud!

To work with us at Lathallan Nursery, you must be someone who:

• Loves the outdoors and is committed to spending time engaging children to thrive through independent exploration.
• Is passionate about working with young children, caring first and foremost about their emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Firmly believes in the concept of free play and the benefits it offers to children’s learning in addition to their mental health.
• Can be positive, enthusiastic and professional every day you come to work.
• Can be creative and flexible in your approach to supporting children to take risks, problem solve and make decisions across all age groups.
• Is able to step back and take a calm and considered approach, with a genuine interest in the work children do.
• Understands the value of community and family, particularly when it comes to inspiring children.
• Promotes the values and ethos of Lathallan School through their interactions with others.
• Is a team player.
• Is committed to their own personal development and growth, remaining abreast of current developments in childcare and education policies and practices.
• Shifts are 10.5 hours per day (inclusive of a paid break) over 4 days per week.

Required skills and experience. You must have:

• Worked with young children in a learning environment for at least 1–2 years post-qualification attainment.

• An ongoing, working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition, and current good practice.

• An understanding of the importance and benefits of daily outdoor play for young children.

• The ability to assist children to come up with ideas for what to do and to problem-solve alongside them, providing them with skills and knowledge in a safe environment.

• The ability to follow internal policies and procedures whilst also meeting external legislation and guidelines from our governing bodies.

• Good observational skills to support accurate and effective assessments, reflecting the needs, interests, and stages of development of the child.

• The ability to work within the team in order to support the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.

• Good administrative skills to ensure children’s files, learning, and support plans are accurate and up to date with support from the team lead.

• An understanding of child development and the ability to engage and motivate children across age groups.

• Strong communication skills to support the development of positive relationships with children, their families, and the nursery team.

• An understanding of nature-based, inquiry-led learning would be advantageous.

• A current Childcare Qualification recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (e.g., SVQ3 SSCYP, HNC) to allow you to work as an Early Years Practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and education to children in a nursery setting, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Develop and implement engaging activities that promote early childhood learning and development.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues to foster a supportive environment.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by SSSC standards.
• Collaborate with team members to manage daily operations and enhance the overall nursery experience.

Application question(s):

• Do you have relevant outdoor play experience?
• Do you have a least 1-2 years post qualification experience of working in a Nursery
• Do you have a relevant childcare qualification at SCQF Level 7 or above to work in childcare as an Early Years Practitioner? e.g. SVQ3 SSCYP, HNC

Experience:

• Childcare: 2 years (required)

Location