Job ref: LCSAUG01
A local playgroup in East Lothian is looking to recruit a highly motivated, enthusiastic and caring person to manage its playgroup. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management, staffing and organisation of the playgroup.
Days: Monday to Fridays, term time only in line with East Lothian school term dates.
Times: 8.45am to 12.30pm plus an additional 2 hours per week administration time.
Additional hours: 11 additional hours for meetings, 20 hours for learning logs and 100 hours of administration across the year (term time).
Salary: £15,029 gross per year (paid across 12 months as £1,252 gross).
This is a small inclusive playgroup with a dedicated parent committee. The playgroup offers childcare in the mornings for local children ages 2-3 years and up to a maximum of 15 children each session.
Responsibilities:
| Daily Operations — Oversee the smooth running of the playgroup each day, ensuring a safe, inclusive, welcoming and nurturing environment for children, families and staff. Staff Leadership — Supervise, support and motivate staff; lead team meetings; identify and oversee training and professional development (CPD) Safeguarding Oversight — Act as the designated safeguarding lead; ensure all policies are followed; maintain accurate records; respond appropriately to concerns. Curriculum Planning — Plan and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities aligned with early years frameworks; support staff in delivering high‑quality play‑based learning. Family Engagement — Build positive relationships with parents/carers; provide updates on children’s progress; handle enquiries and support families with additional needs. Health & Safety — Complete risk assessments; maintain safe equipment and environments; ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Administrative Management — Manage attendance, registers, and confidential records; oversee GDPR compliance: report to the Chair and management committee. Financial Oversight — Work within agreed budgets; manage petty cash; support fundraising or grant applications where required. Policy & Compliance — Ensure the playgroup meets all regulatory requirements; update policies; prepare for inspections. Community Partnerships — Maintain positive relationships with the local community. Behaviour Support — Promote positive behaviour strategies; support children’s social and emotional development. Inclusive Practice — Ensure the playgroup is accessible and welcoming to all families; adapt provision for children with additional support needs. |
The successful candidate should be motivated, calm and encouraging, showing sensitivity and respect for children. They must be positive and respectful towards parents and carers with very good interpersonal and team skills.
All applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience working within the early years sector with children aged 2-4 years and have good working knowledge of current documents such as the Curriculum of Excellence and Building the Ambition. They should hold either a BA in Childhood Practice, SCQF level 9 or equivalent or SVQ 3/SCQF level 7 whilst working working towards level 9 over the next 3-5 years.
Applicants should be registered or eligible to register with SSSC. A PVG application or update will be required.
