Early Years Practitioner
| Posting date: | 08 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 22 June 2026 |
| Location: | EH4 3QU |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Blackhall Playgroup |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Early Years Practitioner – Edinburgh
Location: Blackhall, Edinburgh
Hours: Term‐time only — 8.30am–12.30pm Monday–Wednesday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About Us
Blackhall Playgroup is a warm, friendly, community‐run early years setting based at St Columba’s Church in Blackhall. For over 40 years, we’ve provided a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged 2–4 can learn, play and thrive through child‐led, play‐based learning and outdoor exploration. We are now looking for a caring, enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our lovely wee team and help us continue delivering high‐quality early learning and care.
About the Role
As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll support the day‐to‐day running of the playgroup and help create a nurturing, stimulating environment where children feel safe, confident and ready to explore. You’ll work as a key worker for a small group of children, building strong relationships with families and supporting each child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
You’ll follow Blackhall Playgroup policies and the Health and Social Care Standards, with guidance from senior staff, and you’ll contribute to observations, developmental profiles and individual care plans. Flexibility is important — you may occasionally be asked to cover staff absence or take on additional responsibilities to support the smooth running of the setting.
Key Responsibilities
• Supporting high‐quality, play‐based early learning and care
• Acting as a key worker and building positive relationships with children and families
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s progress
• Encouraging communication, self‐help skills, personal care and emotional wellbeing
• Positively managing behaviour with empathy and consistency
• Assisting with daily routines including snack, transitions, tidy‐up and story time
• Maintaining a safe, hygienic and inclusive environment
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and visiting professionals
• Keeping professional knowledge up to date and engaging in ongoing CPD
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Warm, sensitive and empathetic
• Confident supporting children’s behaviour and emotional regulation
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues and parents
• Comfortable working independently and using initiative
• Committed to continuous professional development
• A team player who enjoys getting stuck into play, routines and the joyful messiness of early years
Essential Qualifications & Requirements
• HNC Childcare & Education / SVQ Level 3 (or willing to work towards)
• SSSC registration (or eligibility to register)
• PVG membership
• Up‐to‐date First Aid and Food Hygiene training (or willingness to refresh)
• Understanding of current early years guidance and initiatives
If you’re passionate about early years, love working as part of a small community team, and want to make a real difference in the lives of young children, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send your CV to admin@blackhallplaygroup.org by 5pm on Monday 22nd June 2026.
Location: Blackhall, Edinburgh
Hours: Term‐time only — 8.30am–12.30pm Monday–Wednesday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About Us
Blackhall Playgroup is a warm, friendly, community‐run early years setting based at St Columba’s Church in Blackhall. For over 40 years, we’ve provided a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged 2–4 can learn, play and thrive through child‐led, play‐based learning and outdoor exploration. We are now looking for a caring, enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our lovely wee team and help us continue delivering high‐quality early learning and care.
About the Role
As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll support the day‐to‐day running of the playgroup and help create a nurturing, stimulating environment where children feel safe, confident and ready to explore. You’ll work as a key worker for a small group of children, building strong relationships with families and supporting each child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
You’ll follow Blackhall Playgroup policies and the Health and Social Care Standards, with guidance from senior staff, and you’ll contribute to observations, developmental profiles and individual care plans. Flexibility is important — you may occasionally be asked to cover staff absence or take on additional responsibilities to support the smooth running of the setting.
Key Responsibilities
• Supporting high‐quality, play‐based early learning and care
• Acting as a key worker and building positive relationships with children and families
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s progress
• Encouraging communication, self‐help skills, personal care and emotional wellbeing
• Positively managing behaviour with empathy and consistency
• Assisting with daily routines including snack, transitions, tidy‐up and story time
• Maintaining a safe, hygienic and inclusive environment
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and visiting professionals
• Keeping professional knowledge up to date and engaging in ongoing CPD
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Warm, sensitive and empathetic
• Confident supporting children’s behaviour and emotional regulation
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues and parents
• Comfortable working independently and using initiative
• Committed to continuous professional development
• A team player who enjoys getting stuck into play, routines and the joyful messiness of early years
Essential Qualifications & Requirements
• HNC Childcare & Education / SVQ Level 3 (or willing to work towards)
• SSSC registration (or eligibility to register)
• PVG membership
• Up‐to‐date First Aid and Food Hygiene training (or willingness to refresh)
• Understanding of current early years guidance and initiatives
If you’re passionate about early years, love working as part of a small community team, and want to make a real difference in the lives of young children, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send your CV to admin@blackhallplaygroup.org by 5pm on Monday 22nd June 2026.