Strathallan School - Play Assistant

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Play Assistant .

Detail

Join Our Founding Team – Little Explorers Nursery

We are delighted and extremely excited to be recruiting our very first staff team for Little Explorers, Strathallan School’s brand-new nursery. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to be part of something special from the outset.

We are seeking up to four highly motivated Early Years professionals (Nursery Practitioners and a Play Assistant) who are ready to embrace both the challenge and the joy of establishing a new nursery from scratch, working alongside our inspiring newly appointed Nursery Manager.

Opening within the outstanding grounds of Strathallan School, Little Explorers will provide high quality early learning and care for children aged 3 to 5 years. As a member of the founding team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the ethos and daily life of the nursery, helping to embed exceptional early years practice within the values, traditions and high standards of one of Scotland’s leading independent schools.

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic, creative and passionate about early years education, and who are excited by the prospect of helping to create a setting where children and staff can flourish together.

You will help create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment, working closely with colleagues to plan and deliver rich, play based learning experiences that support every child’s learning and development.

A defining feature of Little Explorers will be its strong outdoor learning ethos. Children will be encouraged to spend significant time outdoors, enjoying purposeful, nature rich experiences that foster curiosity, confidence and wellbeing. Our team will be central to developing engaging, safe and inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces that invite exploration and discovery every day.

In return, Strathallan School offers the chance to be part of an exciting new chapter within a supportive and values driven community. This role will particularly suit professionals who take pride in their practice, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are energised by the opportunity to help shape a nursery’s vision.

About You

You are a warm, caring and enthusiastic individual who enjoys supporting young children to learn and thrive through play. You are excited by the opportunity to be part of a nurturing early years team and to contribute positively to a busy, welcoming nursery environment.

You will:

• Be willing to work towards, register with, or maintain registration with the SSSC, where applicable
• Hold a relevant childcare qualification, have appropriate experience working with young children, or be committed to undertaking training while in post
• Have experience supporting children aged 3–5, helping to deliver high‑quality, play‑based learning experiences indoors and outdoors
• Enjoy supporting meaningful outdoor play, showing confidence, flexibility and enthusiasm in all weathers
• Work well as part of a collaborative and supportive team
• Bring warmth, patience and kindness to your work, helping children feel safe, valued and supported throughout daily routines
• Have a genuine interest in early years education, child‑led learning and supporting children’s wellbeing, curiosity and development through play
• Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic about playing a part in the life of the nursery, supporting its values and contributing to a positive, inclusive culture for children, families and colleagues.

Terms & Conditions

Remuneration

The pro-rata salary for this role is £21,309 - £22,261 per annum.

Hours of Work

The hours of work are 30 hours per week. 

Pension Scheme

Access to a contributory pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution.

Benefits

In addition to joining an exciting new nursery, you’ll have access to:

• Free on‑site parking
• Free lunch during term time
• Staff discount in the Art Café
• Retail discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility
• Death‑in‑service cover
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• A range of Wellbeing Support 
• Occupational sick pay
• Competitive annual leave 

Applicant Information

Any offer of employment will be subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including:

• Disclosure Scotland PVG clearance
• Two satisfactory professional references
• Proof of Right to Work in the UK

If you feel inspired by the opportunity to help shape Little Explorers Nursery and want to be part of its founding story, please submit your application online by Sunday 31st May 2026. 

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 15th June 2026.

The full job description and person specification can be found in the attached role brief. 

For an informal conversation or any questions, please contact hr@strathallan.co.uk. 

Documents

• Play Assistant - Role Brief PDF Document