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Primary School Teacher - Early Years
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Job Description: Junior 1 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Contract
Fixed-term maternity cover for up to one year.
Hours
1.0 FTE (full-time equivalent)
8.30am–4.30pm
177 teaching days and up to four in-service days per annum.
Commencing: Monday 2 November 2026
Reporting to
Deputy Headteacher Junior School
The School
Clifton Hall School is a fully independent all-through day school and a member of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS). Founded in 1930, the school educates pupils from Nursery through to S6 and follows the Curriculum for Excellence. Clifton Hall prides itself on providing a nurturing, ambitious and child-centred education, where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential both academically and personally.
About The Clifton Hall Early Years Centre (CEYC)
The Cedar Early Years Centre (CEYC) is an innovative Early Years provision bringing together Nursery and Junior 1 within a shared Early Years environment. The CEYC provides children with a seamless transition into school through a carefully planned balance child-initiated play, adult-guided experiences and explicit teaching.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative Early Years team consisting of the Junior 1 Class Teacher, Lead Early Years Practitioner and two Early Years Practitioners. Flexibility, teamwork and a commitment to child-centred practice are essential to the success of this role.
The successful candidate will commence on Monday 2 November 2026 and will initially work alongside the current class teacher during a planned transition period before assuming responsibility for the class for the remainder of the maternity cover. This will ensure continuity for pupils and families while providing the opportunity to build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
Role Purpose
The Junior 1 Class Teacher will deliver high-quality teaching and learning in line with the GTCS Professional Standards and Curriculum for Excellence.
Working within the Cedar Early Years Centre, the successful candidate will create a stimulating, nurturing and engaging learning environment which supports children's academic, social and emotional development through a balance of play-based learning and carefully planned direct teaching.
The post-holder will work collaboratively with the Lead Early Years Practitioner and Early Years Practitioners to provide a seamless learning experience for all children and contribute positively to the continued development of the CEYC.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning
- Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality learning experiences appropriate to Early Level learners.
- Deliver a balanced curriculum through purposeful play, adult-led learning and direct teaching.
- Create an engaging learning environment that promotes curiosity, independence and creativity.
- Assess, record and report on children's progress using a range of formative and summative assessment approaches.
- Differentiate learning to meet the needs of all pupils.
- Promote high standards of behaviour through positive relationships and restorative approaches.
- Support children's wellbeing, confidence and independence.
- Foster children's communication, curiosity, resilience and independence through meaningful learning experiences.
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Early Years Practice
- Work collaboratively with the Lead Early Years Practitioner and Early Years Practitioners to deliver a seamless Early Level curriculum.
- Deliver high-quality play-based experiences informed by the principles of Realising the Ambition and Curriculum for Excellence.
- Contribute to the planning, organisation and continuous development of high-quality indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Promote high-quality play-based learning experiences which develop children's communication, creativity, problem-solving and independence.
- Support smooth transitions into Junior 1 and beyond.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the Cedar Early Years Centre.
Partnership with Parents
- Build positive relationships with families from the point of transition into Junior 1 and maintain regular, professional communication throughout the school year.
- Communicate effectively regarding children's progress, wellbeing and next steps.
- Attend parents' evenings, transition meetings and other school events as required.
- Work collaboratively with families to support children's learning and wellbeing.
Professionalism & Collegiate Working
- Work collaboratively with teaching and support staff to ensure high-quality provision for all learners.
- Liaise effectively with Support for Learning staff and external agencies where appropriate.
- Engage fully in professional learning, reflective practice and GTCS Professional Update.
- Contribute to curriculum development and school improvement priorities.
Wider School Contribution
- Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of Clifton Hall School.
- Lead or support extra-curricular activities from 3.30-4.15pm.
- Provide supervision of children during break time and lunch time, where appropriate.
- Participate in school events, assemblies, trips and community activities.
- Promote the school's values through professional conduct and positive relationships.
Required Qualifications & Registration
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- Full GTCS Registration (Primary) is essential.
- Membership of the PVG Scheme for work with children is required.
Skills, Knowledge & Attributes
- Excellent understanding of Early Level Curriculum for Excellence.
- Excellent understanding of play pedagogy, child development and the principles underpinning Early Level education.
- Ability to create engaging and stimulating learning environments.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly within a collaborative team.
- Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and high expectations for every child.
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
Desirable Experience
- Experience teaching Primary 1 or another Early Level class.
- Experience working within a play-based learning environment.
- Strong knowledge of Realising the Ambition.
- Experience supporting children through Nursery to Primary 1 transition.
- Experience working alongside Early Years Practitioners or within an integrated Early Years setting.
Safeguarding
Clifton Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The successful candidate will be required to obtain or hold PVG Scheme membership before commencing employment.
Remuneration/Benefits
The salary offered is in accordance with the national recommended pay scale. The pension offered is very competitive.
- Staff parking on-site
- Morning break and light lunch provided
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Childcare Vouchers
- Employee Assistance Line
- School fee discount (where places are available)
Holidays
Teachers are entitled to normal school holidays. Currently the school operates for 177 full teaching days and up to four in-service days per annum.
Application Procedure
Please send your curriculum vitae with accompanying letter of application, explaining what particular strengths you could bring to Clifton Hall, and the names, addresses and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer (if applicable):
by e-mail to headteacher@cliftonhall.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 27 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on Monday 31 August 2026.
Clifton Hall School reserves the right to interview and appoint an outstanding candidate prior to the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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