We are currently looking to recruit experienced and passionate Early Years Practitioners to join our established team at our Craigmillar Park nursery, a busy and well-resourced 121-place setting. We also have a sister nursery at Craiglockhart Avenue, providing future progression opportunities within Edinburgh for those wishing to develop their career further.
Starting Salary - £29,500
All Early Years Practitioners start on a minimum salary of £29,500 per year, as we are a Living Wage accredited employer and all staff are paid above the Living Wage.
For those looking to progress, we offer clear career development opportunities across our two Edinburgh settings, with Senior Early Years salaries starting from £16 per hour, equivalent to £31,616 per year. We actively invest in our team and provide paid support towards further qualifications, including university study, to help you grow professionally and expand your knowledge.
To be recognised and registered by SSSC as an Early Years Practitioner, applicants should hold an SVQ Level 3 or Level 4, HNC, BA in Childhood Practice, or GTC registration (or equivalent in Early Education).
Work/Life Balance
- 38 hours per week
- 4 days per week with 1 full day off
- Hours between 7:45am – 6:00pm
- Children arrive from 8:00am – allowing staff time to connect and prepare
- Last pickup at 5:50pm – so you leave on time at 6pm
- No cleaning after hours – professional cleaners attend nightly (7pm–11pm).
Job Role
- Creating inspiring, welcoming learning environments
- Planning, observing, evaluating and reflecting on children’s learning
- Delivering age- and stage-appropriate experiences tailored to each child
- Working within a strong key worker system
- Maintaining floor books, self-evaluation and playroom observations
- Communicating positively and professionally with parents and carers
- Contributing to self-evaluation
- Upholding high standards of care, safety, professionalism and practice
- Being a reflective practitioner and positive role model within the team
We currently have vacancies across all age groups and welcome discussions around room preferences, please include this in your cover letter.
What makes us different?
At St Margarets Nursery & Pre-school, we believe that outstanding early learning and childcare begins with a happy, supported and respected staff team. Our philosophy is simple and deeply embedded in everything we do: happy staff lead to happy children, and happy children lead to happy families. We are a highly reputable nursery with a strong local reputation for delivering consistently high-quality care, nurturing environments and meaningful relationships with children and families.
One of our greatest strengths is the stability of our management and operational team, who have worked together for over ten years. This long-standing leadership has created a calm, well-organised and supportive nursery environment where staff feel secure, listened to and genuinely valued. We are extremely proud of our very low staff turnover, with several of our Early Years Practitioners having been part of the St Margarets family for more than a decade. This continuity allows us to build strong, trusting relationships with children and families and ensures the highest standards of care and practice are consistently maintained.
- 33 days of annual leave (pro rata) to use as you wish
- Bonus week of annual leave for every employee
- Nursery closed over Christmas and New year to spend with your friends and family
- Over time is paid at time and a half rate
- Up to 50% childcare discount
- Free parking
- Full nursery uniform provided, t-shirts, gilets, jackets, polo, hats etc
- Free food, breakfast, lunches and all snacks for staff
- Free teas, coffees & refreshments
- Free feminine and hygiene products in all bathrooms
- Staff appreciation gifts throughout the year
- Star of the month (£100) & team of the month (paid day/night out)
- Fully paid team bonding days & Christmas night out, VIP and drinks package
- On-site, full time chef, kitchen assistant, cleaners, finance team, receptionist & management team, so you can focus on what matters most: the children
Staff-wellbeing
Staff wellbeing is at the heart of St Margarets Nursery & Pre-school. We aim to be one of the most supportive nurseries for physical, mental and professional wellbeing, offering extensive in-house and external training, a mentoring system chosen by staff, and a culture where support, reflection and professional respect are part of everyday practice. Our nurseries are exceptionally well resourced, with continuous investment in indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring both children and staff have the very best spaces in which to learn, work and thrive.
If you would like to know more about the job role, please feel free to give us a call on 0131 667 0778 or email us directly on [email protected]
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £29,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
