The School has an exciting opportunity for an Early Years Transition Practitioner Department : Nursery / Junior Years Hours: 28 hours per week Term Time only Working Pattern: 4 days per week, 8 hours per day with one-hour unpaid break Salary: £17105.12 per annum based on £13.79 per hour Contract Type: Fixed Term One Year Maternity Cover starting Jan 2026 Reporting to: Nursery Manager and the Deputy Rector Junior Years Direct Reports: N/A Location: Nursey and Margaret Harris Building The Role Job Purpose: This post was created to enhance the transitional experience for children at the High School of Dundee Nursery who progress into our Junior Years. The post holder works in both the Nursery and Early Years classes across each session. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with class teachers and Nursery / Junior Years management to support children in the transitionary period in the latter half of their pre-school year and the early months of L1. This role facilitates a smooth and seamless transition between the two environments of nursery and school. The post holder supports children from HSD Nursery as well as other external nurseries: supporting children to take the step between nursery and school through a planned, safe and nurturing approach. The expertise of an Early Years Practitioner is sought as we at the High School of Dundee recognise that these early years are a crucial period to establish firm foundations for holistic development and the optimum wellbeing of a young person. We seek to build upon the excellent practices already in place at HSD Nursery and in L1, therefore augmenting the transitional period for all children. Key Outputs & Responsibilities : The Early Years Practitioner works as part of a team to plan, support and develop the education and care of young children aged 3 to 12 years. Main features of the remit • Organise and lead small group and individual activities • Be the key worker for a group of children in nursery • Plan, develop and extend learning for all children at times in conjunction with the class teacher • Liaise with other staff to share information about individual children • Follow health and safety and child protection guidelines and procedures at all times • Assist in the organising, layout and clearing of the indoor and outdoor nursery play areas and early years classrooms, ensuring all equipment is hygienic and well maintained • Support the children in the school playground and lunch hall • Attend to all aspects of children’s care and wellbeing • Foster and maintain good relations with children, colleagues and parents • Participate in reporting and progress monitoring for children at nursery • Engage in Staff Review and CPD • Participate in staff meetings • Contribute to the development and implementation of the Nursery, Junior Years and Whole School improvement plans • Ensure the positive management of children’s behaviour at all times • Undertaking such other duties as the Nursery Manager, Deputy Rector or Rector may from time to time determine Person Specification Essential: • The successful applicant must be registered with or be eligible to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council and be on Disclosure Scotland’s Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. • SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7 or HNC Childhood Practice or equivalent • Significant experience of working in early years establishments and experience of working within a school environment • A dynamic approach to learning and teaching • Empathy with pre-primary and primary aged children • Enthusiasm and drive • An open and approachable manner • A comprehensive knowledge of current Early Years educational initiatives and procedures according to National Guidelines • The ability work within a team • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Excellent observational and organisational skills • High standard of IT skills • Ability to communicate and liaise effectively and sensitively with parents • A commitment to ongoing professional development • Ability to work on own initiative Desirable : • Flexibility and a sense of humour Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for a work visa so candidates should ensure they already have or are able to obtain the right to work in the UK before applying. The job description is written as an indication of the nature and scope of duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as a fully descriptive or definitive list and jobholders will be expected to carry out other duties assigned which are appropriate to the role. Closing date is 2 November 2025. Interviews will take place in person at The High School of Dundee week commencing 10 November 2025. For details on how to submit your application, please click on the s1jobs APPLY button now. About the High School of Dundee At the High School of Dundee, our unique location in the heart of the city is a major strength, helping our pupils feel connected to the real world, creating fully rounded and grounded young people. The school currently has over 900 pupils, from age 3-18, who divide their time between our main city centre campus and our extensive sports facility, Mayfield. Our approach is built on a profound belief that if young people are valued, supported known, and engaged in their learning, they can achieve amazing things. We have a long track record of outstanding exam results, which we owe to our rigorous approach, expertise built up over many years and a genuine desire to see our pupils realise their potential. In our Primary School, the children work daily on the crucial building blocks of literacy and numeracy, but the focus is also on making learning fun, engaging and wide-ranging. And in the Senior Years, choice is paramount. In S3, our pupils can choose eight subjects to focus on, while in S5 they can select from 25 subjects at Higher level. At Advanced Higher, 23 subjects are available. The timetabling of exciting new interdisciplinary STEM Innovation and Business Enterprise courses, in addition to computer science for all, has embedded Future Skills into our curriculum. In tandem, the development of partnerships with local businesses is allowing us to provide real world learning opportunities which further enriches our pupils’ learning. A focus on the essential importance of Pastoral Care and on encouraging all pupils to make the most of the opportunities presented by our vibrant and extensive co-curriculum, helps create an environment in which the School’s Core Values are ever-present and where the desire to learn, support one another and grow is embraced by all.