Join the team!

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At Kinder Croft our aim is to create a positive and dynamic outdoor space for both children and staff to grow and learn together. If you are interested in becoming a part of our wonderful team we would love to hear from you and we often have opportunities coming up. 

We are always looking for volunteers even if just for a few hours or half a day so if you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch via our contact page...

Current Vacancies

Outdoor Early Years Practitioner

Post: Outdoor Early Years Practitioner
Salary:  £10 - £12 per hour depending on qualifications. 

Hours: Variable

38-43 weeks per year (optional holiday club participation)

Location:  Leckmelm Wood, Ullapool, Ross-shire, IV23 2RH

Responsible to: Nursery Manager

Applications close:      No date set

Start Date: negotiable start date

We are looking for an Outdoor Early Years Practitioner to join the team at our registered Outdoor Nursery near Ullapool. We care for children aged 2-7 term time and children aged up to 14 during holidays. We are currently open Tuesday to Friday with scope to increase to 5 days per week, 8.30-4.30. 

Job Description

To work as part of the Kinder Croft team in delivering year-round day care to children aged 2-7 (to 14 during holidays) in an outdoor setting; To facilitate child-led, play based, nature focusses learning; To foster a supportive and empathetic environment where children feel safe and included; To work collaboratively with parents and professionals. 

We encourage applicants with an interest in the outdoors and we are committed to providing further training as required, particularly Forest School Leader training. We aim to support all members of our team to pursue their goals and reach their potential. As a Community Interest Company all our profits are invested back into the Nursery.

This role is under represented in males and we would encourage male applicants.

Finally, we understand that taking on a job in Ullapool may pose housing issues and we will do our best to assist in this. 

Key Responsibilities

• To work as part of a team in order to provide an enabling environment in which all individual children can play, develop and learn. 

• Have sound knowledge of Early Years Curriculum for Excellence 

• To develop and maintain strong partnerships and communication with parents/carers to facilitate day-to-day caring and early learning needs

• To keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff 

• Contribute to recording, reporting and other relevant administration

• To read, understand and apply all policies and procedures relevant to your role and the safe running of the nursery

• To ensure good standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness and help children with personal care tasks

• To work closely with the nursery manager and to support any nursery assistants, students and volunteers.

• Plus any other duties required by the manager

Person Specification

We are looking for an appropriately qualified and motivated Nursery Practitioner with great people skills.  You must be passionate about connecting with children and nature. Working outside everyday might be new to applicants and although this is a key part of the job we have a large open shelter and a small heated staff office on site. The site for the nursery is a sheltered woodland, featuring fabulous panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains.

Qualifications and Training

• HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 7 (formerly SVQ 3) or 

  • Equivalent practice qualification or past practice qualification as accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or

  • A teaching qualification or

  • Relevant outdoor or environmental qualifications and the ability and willing to undertake further training to achieve required qualifications.

  • SSSC Registration as a Practitioner (with or without conditions) within 6 months of taking up post

  • Currently or able to join the PVG scheme.

  • Able to supply two references.

  • Please contact us with any questions or visit the SSSC website.

Essential Qualities

• • Be committed to ensuring the best start for children

  • Have experience working with young children

  • Have an understanding of the role of planning and recording of learning. 

  • Be motivated, engaging, creative and enthusiastic

  • Have the ability to think and address challenges as they arise

  • Have good interpersonal skills

  • Have a sound understanding of child development

  • Be committed to your personal development and training.

  • Willingness to gain a recognised Professional Status i.e. Early Years Professional Status (SSSC), First Aid certificate and Elementary Food Hygiene

  • Experience of working in an early years setting and experience of working in partnership with parents

  • Ability to travel to nursery site, 3 miles outside Ullapool. 

Desirable Qualities

• • Experience and understanding of the curriculum for excellence.

  • Have a passion for working with young children in the outdoors

If you feel you could be a good fit for us or would like to know more, we would love to hear from you.

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Please apply by sending a C.V. and cover letter to mplanterose@me.co.uk 

Board Members

We are now seeking expressions of interest for 2 new board members. The board of volunteer company directors currently meet once a month. they also carry out other occasional duties such as fundraising. If you feel you have relevant business experience and the time to help the future of Kinder Croft then please get in touch.