Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner, Inch View Early Childhood Centre, Perth

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner - PKC13959
£26,465 - £28,342 (30 Hours per week, Whole Year working)
Inch View Early Childhood Centre, Perth

Inch View Early Childhood Centre is seeking a motivated, nurturing and enthusiastic Early Learning & Childcare Practitioner to join our dedicated team in a 2–12 years setting, supporting children across early years.

You will play a key role in delivering high-quality care and learning experiences that meet the needs of all children, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment.

Working as part of a committed team, you will support children’s wellbeing, development and learning in line with national guidance including Realising the Ambition, Curriculum for Excellence and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC).

This post is 30 hours per week, full year working, Monday to Friday 8.45-3.15.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and deliver high-quality play and learning experiences for children aged 2–5 years.
• Contribute to planning, observation, and assessment of children’s learning and development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Promote a nurturing environment that supports wellbeing, inclusion and equality.
• Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment in line with Care Inspectorate standards.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Support transitions within the setting and into school/other provisions

Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Skills & Experience Required

The ideal candidate will:

• Be caring, nurturing and patient, with a strong understanding of the importance of attachment and wellbeing.
• Have a fun and playful approach, enjoying engaging with children through meaningful play experiences.
• Be enthusiastic and energetic, helping to create a positive and joyful environment where children feel nurtured, valued and included.
• Show sensitivity to individual needs, responding with empathy, care and understanding.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Work effectively as part of a team, contributing to the caring and supportive ethos of the centre.
• Value the importance of outdoor play, creativity and child-led learning.

You must have experience of working with children.

You will have a relevant qualification in Early Learning and Childcare (e.g. SVQ Level 3 or equivalent).

This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), if you are not yet registered, you can still apply, as long as you are willing to apply for registration within 3 months of starting with us and be registered within 6 months.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!

Here's what we can offer you:

• A generous annual leave package
• 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
• Eligibility to join our pension scheme
• Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
• Access to a range of benefits
• Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), if you are not yet registered, you can still apply, as long as you are willing to apply for registration within 3 months of starting with us and be registered within 6 months.

All new employees have a four-month probationary period. Further details are available in the FAQs at “How to apply for a job or apprenticeship with us”.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Julie Wilkie, Centre Leader on 01738 472450 or at JWilkie@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check.

If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.