At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their learning journey at Longforgan Primary School.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a community-focused organization dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working options, and access to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must show empathy, patience, and experience with children needing extra support.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 13000 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
We currently have the following opportunity:
Pupil Support Assistant – PKC12434
£14,028 – £14,784 (23.5 Hours per week, Term-time only)
Longforgan Primary School
Please be advised that of the 23.5 hours per week available, 12.5 hours per week are Permanent and 11 hours per week are Fixed Term until 17 August 2025.
As a Pupil Support Assistant (PSA) in Longforgan Primary School, you will work as part of a team supporting children who have additional support needs to access learning under the direction of other members of the team.
Children can have a range of needs that are short lived or more long term. These, at different points in their education, may require additional support.
The PSA role is varied and may include supporting children and young people who present with needs which may include:
- Social and Emotional
- Learning
- Communication
- Physical
- Personal Care.
Some children may present with distressed and challenging behaviour as a result of these needs.
The PSA appointed will have a role in supporting positive behaviour management programmes and individual support plans.
For our permanent Pupil Support Assistant posts, the role will be permanent to Perth & Kinross Council but the location of the role may change based on requirement.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing.
- Kindness, empathy and patience.
- An ability to engage with children.
- Confidentiality in relation to children, young people and their families.
- Experience (paid/voluntary) of supporting children and young people with additional support needs within an Early Years Setting or a Primary School.
Working at Perth & Kinross Council
Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours . Find out more about Perth & Kinross Counciland you could soon be joining our team!
Here's what we can offer you :
- A generous annual leave package
- 7 public holidays
- Eligibility to join our pension scheme
- Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
- Access to a range of benefits
- Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions
We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Lauren Budd, Head Teacher on 01738 459640 to find out more.
Click “APPLY NOW”
External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.
We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.
Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.
Working with children and/or protected adults is regulated work and under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check.
If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.
A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.
Pupil Support Assistant, Longforgan Primary School - PKC12434 employer: Perth and Kinross Council
Contact Detail:
Perth and Kinross Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Assistant, Longforgan Primary School - PKC12434
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially those with additional support needs. This could be through paid roles or volunteer work. Sharing specific examples of how you've positively impacted a child's learning or wellbeing can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of the values and behaviours that Perth & Kinross Council prioritizes. Think about times when you've shown kindness, empathy, and patience in your previous roles, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with positive behaviour management strategies and individual support plans. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're prepared for the challenges of the role and committed to supporting children's development.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the Head Teacher, Lauren Budd, before applying. Asking questions about the role or the school can demonstrate your genuine interest and help you tailor your application to better fit what they're looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Assistant, Longforgan Primary School - PKC12434
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Pupil Support Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, especially the importance of kindness, empathy, and experience with children who have additional support needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting children, particularly those with additional support needs. Use specific examples from your past roles or volunteer work to demonstrate your ability to engage with children and manage challenging behavior.
Showcase Your Values: Perth & Kinross Council values kindness, empathy, and confidentiality. In your application, reflect these values by sharing personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate how you embody these traits in your interactions with children and families.
Prepare for References: Since the application requires contact details for two referees, ensure you have their permission and that they can speak positively about your experience working with children. One referee should be your current or most recent employer, so choose someone who knows your work well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the development and wellbeing of children during the interview. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting children with additional needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
Since the role requires kindness and empathy, be prepared to discuss situations where you successfully managed challenging behaviors or supported children emotionally. This will showcase your ability to connect with children and handle sensitive situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any paid or voluntary experience you have working with children, especially those with additional support needs. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, and how they relate to the skills required for the Pupil Support Assistant position.
✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Expect questions that assess your alignment with the values and behaviors of Perth & Kinross Council. Prepare to share examples that demonstrate your teamwork, confidentiality, and ability to engage with children effectively.