About The Glasgow Academy

The Glasgow Academy is a high-achieving, co-educational independent day school for children aged 3–18.

Founded in 1845, we combine a proud heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education. We are committed to delivering an outstanding all-round experience, supported by first-class facilities and a breadth of opportunities that enable every pupil to thrive.

As the oldest continuously independent school in the West of Scotland, we are anything but traditional in outlook. With over 1700 pupils in our care, we are ambitious for every individual - working hard to provide an education that is dynamic, inclusive and tailored to the needs of each child, both in and beyond the classroom.

The Post

Various posts: Room Leaders, Early Years Practitioners, Playworkers – The Bridge (0–3 y.o.)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape something truly special from the very beginning.

We are seeking to employ enthusiastic, dynamic and forward-thinking Early Years staff to play a key role in our brand-new 0–3 provision, The Bridge, set in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. This new facility represents a significant investment in early years education and offers the chance to build a nurturing, inspiring environment where our youngest children can flourish.

This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a pioneering early years setting, working alongside a committed team creating a culture of excellence from day one.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is qualified to, or is interested in working towards, an Early Years qualification or a

BA in Early Education & Childcare / Childcare Practice (or equivalent)

• Brings energy, creativity and fresh thinking to early years practice

• Has a genuine passion for working with children aged 0–3

• Is motivated to contribute to the development of an outstanding new setting

The Role

You will:

• Help to foster a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to explore

• Play a role in implementing the ethos, routines and learning experiences within The Bridge

• Work collaboratively to provide leaning opportunities rooted in inclusion, curiosity and high-quality care and learning

• Support the Head of Nursery and Kindergarten and the Deputy Manager in establishing strong foundations for parent partnerships and child development

Professional Practice

Applicants should be confident in current early years frameworks and guidance, including:

• GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child)

• Realising the Ambition

• How Good Is Our Early Learning and Childcare (HGIOELC)

• Curriculum for Excellence, including Early Level Benchmarks

A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice is essential.

Why join The Bridge?

Because opportunities like this don’t come along often. You will have the chance to be part of a new chapter - helping to build a setting that truly puts children at the centre, values staff voice, and creates a vibrant, supportive community for families.

Our Philosophy

At The Bridge, we believe childhood should be rich in curiosity, discovery and joyful exploration. Our philosophy is rooted in nurturing confident, inquisitive children through meaningful relationships, exceptional care and experiences that encourage them to explore the world around them.

From creative play and sensory discovery to language, movement and outdoor learning, every experience is designed to inspire curiosity and wonder.

Within a calm and caring environment, children feel safe, valued and empowered to grow into confident learners with strong foundations for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Uphold the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times, responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns

• Engage fully in Child Protection training in line with School expectations

Health, Safety and Welfare

• Ensure the daily health, medical and dietary needs of all children are met

• Maintain the highest standards of care in line with Care Inspectorate requirements and legislative guidance

High-Quality Early Years Practice

• Work collaboratively to create inspiring, safe and stimulating learning environments, indoors and outdoors

• Deliver nurturing, child-centred experiences tailored to each child’s developmental stage

• Promote early literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing through high-quality play-based learning

• Observe, track and record children’s progress on a regular cycle, contributing to high-quality documentation and reporting

Relationships and Community

• Build strong, trusting and inclusive relationships with children, families and colleagues

• Foster meaningful partnerships with parents and families to support individual needs

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive ethos across the Nursery, Kindergarten and wider school community

Leadership and Development

• Maintaining SSSC/ GTC registration and professional standards

• Participate in Professional Review and Development Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with School policies, Care Inspectorate standards, and national frameworks

• Contribute to evidence-gathering, monitoring and evaluation of practice in line with improvement priorities

Transitions and Admissions

• Support smooth, nurturing transitions for children joining, moving within or leaving the setting

• Support the Head of Nursery and Kindergarten and the Deputy Manager in opportunities for parental engagement

Wider Contribution

• Engage fully in Professional Learning, staff meetings, in-service days and wider school life

Professional Expectations

• Treat every individual with respect, care and consideration, reflecting the School’s commitment to equality and inclusion

• Be flexible and willing to work across all school sites (if required) to meet the needs of the service

Other Duties

Professional Contribution and Leadership

• Actively promote and embody the ethos and values of The Glasgow Academy in all aspects of the role

• Undertake any reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Nursery and Kindergarten and or the Deputy Manager, contributing positively to the ongoing development of the provision

• Demonstrate a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and wider contributions, supporting the evolving needs of the Nursery and Kindergarten

Reporting

Early Years staff are accountable to the Head of Nursery and Kindergarten, the Deputy Manager, and through them to the Deputy Rector/Head of Prep School and the Rector.

Qualifications

• A willingness to work to complete an early years qualification or a BA in Childhood Practice (or equivalent), as recognised by the SSSC

• Current registration with the SSSC as a practitioner, or the ability to register upon commencement of employment

• Additional relevant qualifications that would assist in a role within Early Years

Experience

• Experience of working with, or caring for, children in an Early Learning and Childcare setting or an interest in doing so.

Knowledge

• Demonstrates an awareness of Care Inspectorate standards and documentation, alongside key national frameworks including Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level), Realising the Ambition, and HGIOELC

• Actively seeks to enhance practice through ongoing professional learning, engaging in training, research and reflective practice to drive continuous improvement

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships across the school community

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing positively to the ethos and wider life of the school

• Communicates clearly, confidently and with sensitivity, demonstrating a calm, supportive and professional approach

• Engages with children in a nurturing, responsive and developmentally appropriate manner

• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate a high-quality experience and environment for children aged 0-3

• Effective written communication skills

• Confident and competent in the use of IT systems to support learning and assessment

• Encouraging and supportive of others

The Values

Our shared values and code are central to life at The Glasgow Academy and underpin everything we do as a school community.

Further information on our values and code can be found here2.

Remuneration and Hours of Work

The opening hours of the Nursery are from Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm each day, 45 hours per week, all year round.

There are a variety of roles and different working patterns are available.

For all roles we will offer a competitive salary, tailored to experience and demonstrating our commitment to attracting high-calibre candidates.

The closing date is Monday 10th August at 4pm.

For further information and an application form, please go to The Glasgow Academy website:Vacancies | The Glasgow Academy

The Glasgow Academy has a no smoking policy. This includes e-cigarettes.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief, marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

It is a legal requirement that all employees must demonstrate that they are entitled to live and work in the UK. You will be required to produce documentary proof e.g. passport and work permit, where applicable, to demonstrate your eligibility to work if selected for interview.

We have been awarded the Gold Level of the Armed Forces Employee Recognition Scheme and warmly welcome applications from current and former Service personnel.

The Glasgow Academicals' War Memorial Trust is an educational charity registered in Scotland, Charity No SCO15638

www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk