Early Years Officer

Overview

In this role you will support the Psychology Kindergarten to deliver high-quality childcare and education for children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years. You work closely with the Kindergarten manager and SEYO to implement safeguarding, record development, and deliver an inclusive, curriculum-aligned learning environment. You help maintain safety, hygiene, and welfare while engaging with families, staff, and researchers. This position offers scope to contribute to early years practice within a university setting and support cross-functional teams in a child-centred program.

Responsibilities

• Promote the aims of the Kindergarten and engage children in developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Support supervisor in welcoming parents, carers, students, and researchers and guiding tours of facilities
• Maintain high standards of care, safety, and hygiene in the classroom and resources
• Assist with supervision of supply staff and research students to ensure best practices
• Contribute to safeguarding procedures and record development and care plans
• Support development and implementation of monitoring systems for child development
• Deliver curriculum that meets diverse cultural and developmental needs
• Prepare and maintain materials, check resources daily, and report faults
• Ensure confidentiality of information and respond to challenging situations appropriately
• Liaise with families and outside agencies to meet individual child needs
• Assist with building upkeep, stock, and safety drills
• Attend training outside working hours and support staff development
• Promote safeguarding of children and ensure adherence to policies and procedures
• Be flexible with hours for professional development and team requirements
• Undertake other duties as determined by the Kindergarten manager

Key requirements

• Experience in working with young children
• Understanding of staff induction, supervision, and appraisal
• Experience with children aged 0-5 in voluntary or paid roles
• Commitment to high-quality childcare and development of young children
• Knowledge of National Standards for the regulation of childcare provision
• Understanding of Curriculum for Excellence and GIRFEC

• Enthusiasm for working with young children
• Good organizational and record-keeping skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication with colleagues, parents, carers and children
• Knowledge of child development monitoring systems
• Health & Safety and Food Hygiene awareness
• Safeguarding/Child Protection training

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