Early Years Practitioner (0–2 Years)

Location: Pine Trees Nursery, Prestwick

Hours: 30 hours plus

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications

About Us

We are a large, busy, family-run private nursery dedicated to providing exceptional early learning and childcare in a warm, nurturing, and professional environment. We are passionate about supporting children to thrive through high-quality care, meaningful learning experiences, and strong partnerships with families.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Early Years Practitioner to join our 0–2 years team. This is an exciting opportunity for a caring and dedicated practitioner who has a genuine passion for supporting babies and young children during the most important stages of their development.

The Role

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play a key role in providing high-quality care, learning, and development opportunities for children aged 0–2 years. Working as part of a large and supportive team, you will help create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

The successful candidate will be professional, nurturing, and committed to delivering excellent standards of practice while building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and learning experiences for children aged 0–2 years.
• Support children's emotional wellbeing, development, and individual learning journeys.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate experiences that promote curiosity, exploration, and development.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress in line with nursery procedures and national guidance.
• Act as a key worker, building strong attachments with children and positive relationships with families.
• Ensure children's individual care routines, including feeding, sleeping, and personal care, are met with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that supports all children's needs.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver high standards of care and education.
• Contribute to nursery improvement initiatives and quality assurance processes.
• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements

• SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7 (or equivalent).
• Experience working within an early years setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and the importance of responsive, nurturing care.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or eligibility to register.

Preferred Requirements

• Currently working towards an SCQF Level 9 qualification in Childhood Practice or equivalent.
• Strong experience working with children aged 0–2 years.
• Experience supporting children's learning through play and responsive interactions.
• Knowledge of current early years frameworks and best practice guidance, including Curriculum for Excellence and Realising the Ambition.
• Experience working within a busy nursery environment.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Professional, reliable, and committed to maintaining high standards.
• Warm, nurturing, and passionate about supporting young children's development.
• Patient, caring, and responsive to the individual needs of babies and toddlers.
• Confident and proactive in their approach to teamwork.
• Able to support and positively influence colleagues through leading by example.
• Flexible, organised, and able to thrive in a busy nursery environment.
• Committed to continuous professional learning and development.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Support towards further qualifications, including Level 9 studies where appropriate.
• A supportive and welcoming family-run nursery environment.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Company pension scheme and additional staff benefits.

If you are an experienced and dedicated Early Years Practitioner who is passionate about providing exceptional care and learning experiences for babies and young children, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to our growing nursery team.