About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated, caring and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join our early learning and childcare team. The successful candidate will help provide high-quality care, play and learning experiences for children aged 0–5 years in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
This role is suitable for someone who is passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing, development and learning, and who understands the importance of professional standards, safeguarding, partnership with families and reflective practice.
Main Responsibilities
The Nursery Practitioner will:
- provide warm, responsive and child-centred care that supports each child’s wellbeing, learning and development;
- plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality play and learning experiences based on children’s interests, needs and stages of development;
- carry out observations and contribute to children’s individual learning records, care plans and next steps;
- support children’s emotional, social, physical, cognitive and communication development;
- promote children’s rights, dignity, inclusion, choice and participation;
- work in partnership with parents, carers and families, sharing relevant information about children’s routines, progress and wellbeing;
- contribute to a safe, secure, clean and stimulating nursery environment, indoors and outdoors;
- follow nursery policies and procedures, including child protection, safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention, medication, food hygiene, confidentiality and data protection;
- respond appropriately to any concerns about a child’s welfare and report these in line with child protection procedures;
- work positively as part of the staff team and contribute to quality improvement, self-evaluation and reflective practice;
- support transitions, routines, mealtimes, personal care, sleep and rest times in a respectful and nurturing way;
- model positive behaviour, professional boundaries and inclusive practice at all times;
- maintain professional conduct in line with the SSSC Codes of Practice.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must:
- hold, or be working towards, a recognised qualification for practitioner registration, such as SVQ Social Services Children and Young People at SCQF Level 7 or HNC Childhood Practice, or another SSSC-recognised equivalent;
- be registered with the SSSC as a Practitioner in a Day Care of Children Service, or be willing and eligible to apply within the required timescale;
- be a member of, or willing to join, the PVG Scheme for working with children;
- have knowledge and understanding of child development, play-based learning and children’s wellbeing;
- understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities;
- communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues;
- work well as part of a team;
- demonstrate kindness, patience, reliability, professionalism and respect for confidentiality;
- be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and children’s rights.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience working in a nursery or early learning and childcare setting.
- Knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition, GIRFEC and Health and Social Care Standards.
- Paediatric first aid, food hygiene or child protection training.
- Experience supporting children with additional support needs.
- A driving licence, where this is genuinely required for nursery outings or service needs.
Safer Recruitment Statement
Stepping Stones is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Safer recruitment procedures will be followed for this post.
Appointment will be subject to:
- a completed application form;
- verification of identity and right to work in the UK;
- qualification checks;
- SSSC registration checks, where applicable;
- PVG Scheme membership for regulated work with children;
- two satisfactory references, including the most recent employer where possible;
- checks on employment history, including explanations for any gaps;
- a structured interview that explores values, suitability, safeguarding knowledge and professional conduct;
- successful completion of induction and probation.
Applicants must complete the nursery’s application form so that safer recruitment checks can be completed consistently.
Equality Statement
Stepping Stones is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where children, families and staff are respected, valued and supported.
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
