Early Years Scotland
Early Years Scotland

Charity registered in Scotland SC003725

Who are we and what do we do? Early Years Scotland is Scotland’s leading national Third Sector specialist organisation that supports our youngest children from birth to 5 years of age. Our fully qualified early years staff work directly with children and their families to deliver our unique Stay Play and Learn sessions in a variety of settings including nurseries, community halls, schools and prisons. We work increasingly in prisons, and areas where there are children and families who have the greatest need, and will benefit most from our services. We have been established for over 50 years, and we are very proud of our long and ever-growing track record in supporting Scotland’s youngest children to have the very best start in life.

Current vacancies

Evaluation and Storytelling Lead

  • Full time
  • £29,665
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Are you passionate about children’s rights, evidence and storytelling? Early Years Scotland is seeking an Evaluation and Storytelling Officer to help us understand, capture and share the difference our work makes to children and families across Scotland, and to give our teams and our funders the evidence and stories that show what that difference really looks like.

This is an exciting new role for Early Years Scotland. You will design a children’s rights-aligned impact framework, produce evaluation reports across our services, and develop age-appropriate ways to capture the voices of the children and families we support. You will also lead a transformation of how we tell our story across our website and social media and work closely with our Head of Grants and Strategic Fundraising to capture and turn family stories, quotes and evidence into material that strengthens funding applications and corporate partnership pitches.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as an expert Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and embed a children’s rights-aligned impact measurement framework across EYS services, mapping our outcomes to articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Develop simple, consistent tools for recording outcomes, participant feedback and service stories that work alongside frontline teams rather than creating extra burden for them.
  • Produce evaluation reports for EYS services across our early years, family support, prison-based, and membership services.
  • Develop and apply age-appropriate, participatory methods to capture the voices of children and families, so that even our youngest participants have a meaningful role in how EYS understands and communicates its impact.
  • Audit and transform EYS’s approach to storytelling across our website and social media, moving from ad hoc communication to a strategic, evidence-led approach.
  • Build a bank of compelling family stories, quotes and case studies, working directly with families and children to shape and voice that narrative with dignity, sensitivity and accuracy.
  • Work closely with the Head of Grants and Strategic Fundraising, providing case studies, quotes and evaluation evidence to strengthen funding applications and support corporate partnership pitches.
  • Develop family stories specifically designed to support fundraising, helping EYS build new relationships with donors.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience of monitoring, evaluation or impact measurement, ideally within a charity, early years or family support setting.
  • A confident, sensitive storyteller, able to gather and write compelling family stories and case studies with care and accuracy.
  • An understanding of the UNCRC and Scottish Government child and family-based policy, or a willingness to learn and apply a children’s rights-based approach.
  • Skill in developing simple, practical tools that frontline teams will actually use.
  • Excellent written communication skills, comfortable adapting tone and content for funders, social media and web audiences.
  • Confidence engaging directly with children and families, including in sensitive settings such as our prison-based family services.
  • Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple services and deadlines.
  • A collaborative approach, able to work closely with the Head of Grants and Strategic Fundraising, extended management team and across frontline teams.

What Early Years Scotland will offer

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • The opportunity to build a genuinely new function for the organisation, with lasting impact for children and families across Scotland beyond the funded period

Qualifications

  • Relevant qualifications and equivalent professional experience will be considered for this role.
Shortlist

Family Engagement Practitioner (West Central Scotland)

  • Part time
  • £26,199 pro-rata
  • On site: West Central Scotland
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Are you passionate about using your skills to support a cause that makes a real difference? Early Years Scotland is seeking an experienced Family Engagement Practitioners to join our amazing staff team delivering our family wellbeing services across West Central Scotland.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as an expert Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Key Responsibilities

Family Engagement Practitioners (FEPs) with Early Years Scotland (EYS) have a unique, exciting role within the early years sector. An EYS Family Engagement Practitioner has responsibility for providing support and promoting parental engagement and a whole family wellbeing service through the adoption of a multi-agency collaborative approach.

Our EYS staff team work together with children and families on a continual basis, across a variety of settings within communities with a focus on enriching and enhancing parental skills and capacity to improve, strengthen and maximise:

  • positive attachments and relationships between parents/carers and children
  • early literacy and communication skills
  • shared interactions and approaches to learning
  • cost-free, enriching and nurturing home learning environments
  • healthy living approaches
  • support for entitlements
  • meaningful transitions

You will be fully involved in shaping, developing, and evaluating our programmes and innovative shared play and learning sessions you deliver.

What Early Years Scotland will offer

EYS will likewise invest in you, providing regular and supported professional learning and experience opportunities that will enhance your career profile, develop your skills and knowledge in creative and unique ways and inspire your practice in new and exciting ways!

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • The opportunity to build a genuinely new function for the organisation, with lasting impact for children and families across Scotland beyond the funded period

Qualifications

Applicants’ qualifications must be consistent with those required to register as a Practitioner with SSSC, e.g.:

  • HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 7
  • SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7
  • Additional ELC qualifications welcomed

PVG Scheme membership will be required.

Shortlist

Finance Administrator

  • Part time
  • £24,695 pro-rata
  • On site: Granville Street, Glasgow
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Are you passionate about using your skills to support a cause that makes a real difference? Early Years Scotland is seeking a Finance Administrator to help ensure the smooth and effective management of our finances, providing the accurate financial information, administration and support that enables our teams to deliver high-quality services for children and families across Scotland.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as an expert Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Key Responsibilities

As a Finance Administrator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective financial operation of Early Years Scotland. Working closely with the Head of Finance and People and as part of a supportive Finance Team, you will:

  • Process financial transactions accurately and efficiently, ensuring all income and expenditure is recorded in a timely manner.
  • Maintain financial records and process income and expenditure.
  • Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets and management accounts, helping to provide meaningful financial information to support decision-making.
  • Carry out regular bank reconciliations and assist in maintaining effective financial controls.
  • Support payroll and pension administration, helping to ensure staff are paid accurately and on time.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes and systems, ensuring they remain efficient, reliable and fit for purpose.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, providing professional and responsive finance support.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is organised, reliable and committed to high standards of financial administration. You will have:

  • Experience of bookkeeping and financial administration, with a sound understanding of core accounting processes.
  • Experience using Sage 50 Accounts or similar accounting software, including the confidence to seek technical support where required.
  • A good understanding of payroll administration and associated processes.
  • Experience of online banking systems and financial transaction processing.
  • Experience carrying out bank reconciliations accurately and efficiently.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
  • Excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • A commitment to the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.

What Early Years Scotland will offer

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • The opportunity to build a genuinely new function for the organisation, with lasting impact for children and families across Scotland beyond the funded period

Qualifications

Although there is no requirement for a specific qualification, any relevant, recognised qualifications will be valued.

Shortlist

Human Resources Administrator

  • Part time
  • £24,695 pro-rata
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Are you an organised, people-focused administrator who thrives in a varied and meaningful role? Early Years Scotland is seeking a dedicated HR Administrator to provide high quality administrative support across the full employee and volunteer lifecycle.

Working closely with our wider staff team and external HR company, you will help ensure smooth, efficient and compliant HR processes that support our values-led, supportive and inclusive culture.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as an expert Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide efficient HR administrative support across the organisation.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in line with GDPR and retention requirements.
  • Support recruitment activities, including onboarding, induction and new starter processes.
  • Process employee lifecycle administration, including starter, absence and leaver procedures.
  • Assist with the production of HR reports and management information.
  • Respond to HR-related enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
  • Liaise with managers, colleagues and external HR providers to support consistent HR practices.
  • Manage HR correspondence, emails, telephone enquiries and document filing systems.
  • Support volunteer administration and engagement activities.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes and systems.
  • Participate in meetings, training and organisational development activities.
  • Promote the values of Early Years Scotland and support a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience in an administrative role, ideally within HR or a similar support function.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence using digital systems.
  • Experience using HR software or databases.
  • A collaborative, people-focused approach with strong teamwork skills.
  • Ability to use initiative, solve problems and identify practical solutions.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Experience supporting volunteers, or a willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge of HR legislation and good practice (desirable).
  • Experience of working within the third sector, community or public sector (desirable).

Qualifications

Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience will be considered.

What Early Years Scotland will offer

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • Hybrid working options following successful probation.
Shortlist

Marketing Lead

  • Full time
  • from £29,665
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Are you a creative, driven marketer who wants your work to make a real difference to children and families across Scotland? Early Years Scotland is seeking a Marketing Lead to raise our profile nationally, grow our membership and bring the impact of our work to life for the people who need to see it.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as a Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Imagine a marketing role where every campaign you run helps change a child’s start in life. At Early Years Scotland, your creativity won’t just build a brand, it will open doors for families, win new supporters, and help shape how Scotland sees and invests in its youngest children.

We’re looking for a Marketing Lead who wants more than a job description: the chance to build our national profile, see your work drive real growth in membership and corporate partnerships, and be trusted to shape strategy rather than just deliver it.

Why you’ll love this role

  • Creative ownership. You’ll shape EYS’s national brand and marketing strategy, not just execute someone else’s plan.
  • Work you can see the results of. Your campaigns will directly grow our membership, win corporate partners and support fundraising that changes real outcomes for children and families.
  • Variety that keeps things interesting. One week you’re telling a family’s story, the next you’re helping craft materials for a corporate partnership pitch, the next you’re helping advertise our community sessions for children.
  • A genuine seat at the table. You’ll work closely with senior colleagues, including our Head of Grants and Strategic Fundraising, shaping how EYS tells its story to funders and partners.
  • A mission worth marketing. Join an organisation with nearly sixty years of experience and a track record that gives you something real to shout about.

Key Responsibilities

  • Promote, develop and raise the profile of Early Years Scotland nationally, maintaining and enhancing our external image, visibility and impact.
  • Determine key audiences for the organisation and design initiatives to promote Early Years Scotland to those audiences, ensuring all publications carry a strong marketing element.
  • Support the Membership department, membership recruitment strategy and the Professional Learning Academy through targeted marketing.
  • Identify and actively pursue media opportunities, monitor the news and media, and keep up to date with Early Years Scotland developments and potential stories.
  • Support the website, social media platforms and other e-marketing communications.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and produce promotional materials, and create and implement marketing campaigns both internally and externally.
  • Act as an effective advocate and ambassador for Early Years Scotland, building strong relationships across the sector.
  • Support the marketing of Little Rays of Wellness, our social enterprise, and contribute to fundraising activity by helping to promote campaigns, appeals and corporate partnerships.
  • Build relationships with Third Sector Interfaces and local networks to promote EYS services happening in communities across Scotland.

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience in a marketing role, with skills in preparing press releases, creating marketing campaigns and using social media effectively.
  • Experience producing promotional materials and developing creative, innovative ways to communicate an organisation’s message.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high standards of grammar and spelling.
  • A self-motivator able to identify opportunities, plan innovative strategies and achieve results.
  • Ability to manage a diverse workload, prioritise effectively and work well as part of a team.

What Early Years Scotland will offer

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • The chance to shape how Scotland sees the difference Early Years Scotland makes to children and families

Qualifications

Relevant qualifications and equivalent professional experience will be considered for this role.

Shortlist

Project Manager (West Central Scotland)

  • Full time
  • £32,791
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 31st August 2026

Early Years Scotland has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of Rise & Shine, an innovative whole-family wellbeing programme delivered through a collaborative, multi-agency approach.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With nearly sixty years of experience as an expert Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

The Project Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for Rise & Shine, ensuring the effective delivery, quality, sustainability and ongoing development of the service.

The postholder will oversee a relationship-based Stay, Play and Learn model supporting children from birth to five and their families through early learning, family engagement, attachment-focused practice and community-based support. Working closely with local authority, health and third sector partners, the Project Manager will drive positive outcomes for children and families, strengthen partnerships, evidence impact and support future growth and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of Rise & Shine.
  • Ensure delivery aligns with key national policies and frameworks, including GIRFEC, The Promise, Realising the Ambition, the Infant Pledge and Whole Family Wellbeing.
  • Drive continuous improvement through evaluation, family feedback and emerging best practice.
  • Manage programme budgets, resources, performance targets and reporting requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR and organisational policies.
  • Line management and support of Family Engagement Practitioners, Parent Connectors and project staff.
  • Promote a culture of reflective practice, professional development and staff wellbeing.
  • Champion high-quality early years practice, attachment-informed approaches and children’s rights.
  • Support inclusive pathways for children and families, including those with additional support needs.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, health services, community organisations and funders.
  • Develop effective referral pathways and integrated approaches to family support.
  • Represent Rise & Shine at strategic meetings, partnership forums and stakeholder events.
  • Lead monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting, including the use of outcome measurement tools such as Family Star Plus.
  • Produce high-quality reports and evidence of impact for funders, partners and senior leaders.
  • Support the development of the Parent Connector model and promote pathways into volunteering, training and employment.
  • Ensure the voices and lived experiences of children, parents and communities inform service delivery and development.
  • Identify opportunities for service growth, sustainability and expansion.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a highly impactful early years and family support programme that is improving outcomes for children, strengthening families and building resilient communities.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience of leading and managing early years, family support, community development or wellbeing services.
  • Experience of managing staff, volunteers or multidisciplinary teams, with a commitment to coaching, support and professional development.
  • A strong understanding of child development, attachment theory, parental engagement and relationship-based practice.
  • Knowledge of current Scottish policy and legislation impacting children and families, including GIRFEC, The Promise, UNCRC, Realising the Ambition and Whole Family Wellbeing approaches.
  • Experience of developing and maintaining effective partnerships with local authorities, health services, third sector organisations and community groups.
  • Demonstrable experience of project management, including budget management, performance monitoring and reporting against outcomes.
  • Experience of monitoring, evaluation and impact measurement, using data and evidence to inform service improvement and demonstrate outcomes.
  • Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, services and stakeholders effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, build relationships and represent the service at a strategic level.
  • Confidence in producing high-quality reports, presentations and funding updates for a range of audiences.
  • Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and risk management within services for children and families.
  • A commitment to children’s rights, participation and ensuring the voices of children, families and communities shape service delivery.
  • Experience of supporting families facing poverty, inequality, trauma, social isolation or additional barriers to engagement.
  • A collaborative and solution-focused approach, with the ability to work closely with colleagues, partners, funders and local communities.
  • A passion for improving outcomes for children and families and a commitment to Early Years Scotland’s values

What Early Years Scotland will offer

  • Competitive salary and generous annual leave
  • Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
  • 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
  • The opportunity to build a genuinely new function for the organisation, with lasting impact for children and families across Scotland beyond the funded period

Qualifications

Applicants’ qualifications should be consistent with those required to register as a Manager with SSSC (e.g., BA Childhood Practice, PDA Level 9). Membership of the PVG Scheme will also be required.

Shortlist