Package Description
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract, 35 hours per week.
Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
The Role
George Watson’s College wishes to appoint two full time Early Years Practitioners on a fixed term basis until June 2027.
Hours of work will be 8am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday with a 30 minute unpaid break (35 hours per week), 44 weeks per year (term time plus professional learning days plus seven weeks of annual leave). The salary for this position will be in the Grade 3 range which currently stands at £30,701 - £36,359 per annum (based on 36.25 hours, 52 weeks per year). This equates to £25,082 – 29,704 per annum for 35 hours and 44 weeks.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr George Salmond, Head of Junior School.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Main Responsibilities
Preschool Education and Care:
- To work as a member of the Preschool team and contribute to the efficient smooth running of the Preschool service.
To help provide a stimulating and happy care environment by participating in a competent, interesting and enthusiastic manner.
To be thoroughly conversant with the Early Years Curriculum (HGIOELC, Building the Ambition, Curriculum for Excellence), to participate as necessary in the development of Preschool curriculum, policy and methodology and to maintain SSSC registration.
To have a thorough knowledge of child development and apply this knowledge in response to the individual needs of the children.
To recognise the important role parents play in their children’s learning and to actively involve them.
Operational Responsibilities:
- To share responsibility for a group of children within the Preschool Class.
To be responsible for setting up/tidying up equipment in both indoor and outdoor areas, in co-operation with colleagues, and to contribute to the maintenance and care of all equipment and apparatus.
To take responsibility for the organisation and preparation of snacks and to encourage the children to participate as fully as possible.
To work with the children in indoor and outdoor areas of the Preschool maintaining good order and discipline and being aware of safety and health factors at all times. The latter includes taking responsibility for cleaning soiled children where necessary and assisting with lunch and rest time supervision.
To be responsible for small groups of children on organised outings and within the school grounds.
Maintaining Records:
- To help maintain the learning files for this group of children, identifying, recording and taking forward individual next steps in learning in consultation with the Preschool Teacher.
Personal and Departmental Development Activities:
- To participate in appropriate professional staff development opportunities both in and out of the school and to take part in the School’s Staff Development Scheme, including Appraisal and Review.
To contribute to team planning meetings.
Communications and Working Relationships:
- To foster good relationships and effective communications with the children, parents, staff and visitors to the Pre-School.
To attend meetings and school functions as appropriate and to contribute positively and effectively to the corporate life and welfare of the pupils, colleagues, the Junior School and George Watson's College.
Other responsibilities:
- To endeavour to play a part in the constant desire to keep George Watson's College in the forefront of modern education.
To carry out any other duties as directed by the Head of Junior School or members of the JS Management Team.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Criteria:
- HND in Childcare and Education or SVQ level 3 in Early Years Care & Education or equivalent
- SSSC Registration
- Previous demonstrable practical experience in a similar environment
- Excellent team working ability
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Literacy
- Initiative
- Resilience
- Flexibility
Desirable Criteria:
- Creative and imaginative ability
About the school/organisation
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
