Qualified Early Learning & Childcare Practitioner
About Us
At The Wendy House, we are more than a nursery — we are a community cornerstone where children come together to learn, grow and thrive.
We are committed to delivering high-quality early learning and childcare within a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment, where children feel a strong sense of belonging.
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Job Purpose
To join The Wendy House Family as a qualified Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner, taking an active role in providing high-quality care, learning and development opportunities for children.
The postholder will use their professional knowledge, skills and judgement to support children's wellbeing, learning and development, contribute meaningfully to planning and assessment, and help create the warm, nurturing "home away from home" experience that sits at the heart of The Wendy House.
Key Responsibilities
Childcare, Learning & Development
- Provide high-quality early learning and childcare in line with Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition: Being Me and current national guidance.
- Plan, deliver and evaluate meaningful, responsive and engaging play and learning experiences based on children's interests, needs and developmental stages.
- Observe and assess children's learning and development, identifying progress, achievements and appropriate next steps.
- Maintain high-quality records of children's learning and development.
- Support children's independence, confidence, curiosity, creativity and emotional wellbeing.
- Use nurturing, responsive and developmentally appropriate interactions to extend children's thinking and learning.
- Ensure children are actively involved in shaping their experiences and environment.
- Contribute to creating a safe, stimulating and welcoming home away from home environment.
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
- Follow all child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Recognise, respond to and report any concerns regarding a child's safety or wellbeing promptly and appropriately.
- Promote children's wellbeing in line with GIRFEC principles and support a holistic approach to meeting individual needs.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
- Contribute to children's personal plans, risk assessments and additional support arrangements where required.
- Ensure children's dignity, rights and individual needs are respected throughout all aspects of practice.
Teamwork & Professional Practice
- Work effectively as part of the nursery team and contribute positively to the culture and ethos of The Wendy House.
- Build warm, professional and respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues and partner professionals.
- Act as a positive role model and consistently demonstrate high standards of professional practice.
- Follow nursery policies, procedures, risk assessments and agreed ways of working.
- Take responsibility for maintaining high standards within the environment rather than waiting for direction from senior staff.
- Contribute positively to staff meetings, room meetings, self-evaluation and quality improvement activities.
- Support trainees and Modern Apprentices appropriately where required.
- Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, flexibility and professionalism.
Planning, Observation & Assessment
- Take responsibility for an allocated group of key children where required.
- Complete meaningful observations which demonstrate children's progress and development.
- Use observations, children's interests, family contributions and professional judgement to identify appropriate next steps.
- Contribute to responsive and intentional planning which demonstrates clear outcomes for children.
- Review the impact of experiences and interventions and adapt practice accordingly.
- Work collaboratively with families and other professionals where additional support needs are identified.
Professional Learning & Development
- Maintain the qualification and registration requirements associated with the role.
- Participate fully in supervision, appraisal and professional development opportunities.
- Maintain appropriate records of Continuous Professional Learning.
- Reflect critically on practice and use feedback, research and current guidance to continually improve.
- Keep knowledge of developments within Early Learning and Childcare up to date.
- Take ownership of personal professional development and contribute to the improvement of the wider service.
Community Engagement
- Support The Wendy House's role as a community cornerstone.
- Build positive partnerships with families and encourage meaningful parental involvement in children's learning and nursery life.
- Contribute to community projects, events and partnerships.
- Help children develop an understanding of their wider community and the world around them.
- Support the nursery's commitment to sustainability, kindness and positive community impact.
Person Specification
Essential
- A recognised Early Learning and Childcare qualification suitable for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Practitioner, such as SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Eligible for, or currently registered with, the SSSC in the appropriate category.
- Experience of working with children within an Early Learning and Childcare environment.
- Sound understanding of children's learning, development and wellbeing.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
- Understanding of the importance of observation, assessment and responsive planning.
- Ability to build warm and positive relationships with children and families.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, responsible and committed to providing high-quality experiences for children.
- Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Good working knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition and GIRFEC.
- Awareness of the Health and Social Care Standards and the Care Inspectorate's expectations for high-quality Early Learning and Childcare.
- Experience supporting children with additional support needs.
- Experience contributing to children's personal plans and multi-agency working.
- Knowledge of children's rights and rights-based practice, including the UNCRC.
- First Aid, Food Hygiene or other relevant Early Learning and Childcare training.
SSSC Requirements
The successful candidate must:
- Be appropriately qualified and eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Practitioner.
- Register with the SSSC within the required timeframe where not already registered.
- Maintain their SSSC registration throughout their employment.
- Work in accordance with the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.
- Meet all ongoing Continuous Professional Learning requirements associated with their registration.
Safer Recruitment & Pre-Employment Checks
This post is subject to Safer Recruitment procedures and appropriate pre-employment checks. The successful candidate will be required to:
- Be a member of, or join, the appropriate Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
- Provide satisfactory references, normally including their most recent employer.
- Provide satisfactory evidence of identity and their right to work in the UK.
- Complete an appropriate self-declaration regarding criminal convictions and other relevant information.
- Provide a full employment and education history, with any gaps appropriately explained.
- Provide evidence of relevant qualifications and professional registration.
- Complete any further checks required to demonstrate suitability to work with children.
What We Offer
- A supportive, family-oriented workplace culture.
- 30 days annual leave.
- Ongoing professional learning and development.
- Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice.
- Support from experienced senior practitioners and management.
- Opportunities to take on champion roles and areas of professional responsibility.
- Opportunities for career progression within Early Learning and Childcare.
- The opportunity to contribute to a nursery where children's wellbeing, belonging and experiences genuinely come first.
How to Apply
Please send your CV to:
[email protected]
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Employee mentoring programme
Application question(s):
- Are you available immediately?
Location:
- Perth, Perth and Kinross (required)
Work Location: In person
