At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with diverse needs, lead playtime, and create engaging learning experiences.
- Company: Rowanfield School is a special school in Edinburgh focused on supporting neurodivergent children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive team environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role where creativity and humor are valued while making a difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with communication disabilities and a passion for inclusive education are essential.
- Other info: This role requires a PVG check and offers a unique opportunity to work with therapy dogs!
The predicted salary is between 28046 - 32010 £ per year.
Job Description Children, Education and Justice Services Pupil Support Officer Rowanfield School Salary: £28,046 – £32,010 (pro-rata for part time and sessional) Hours: 27.5 per week, 39 weeks sessional Opened in 2002 Rowanfield Special School (Primary) is situated in North of Edinburgh and is part of the Craigroyston High School learning community. The school meets the additional support needs of children from 5-12 years of age with a wide range of barriers to learning. The school serves a wide area with pupils travelling from across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Pupils are placed in school following a referral to The Education Placement Group (EPG). Our school community has a neurodivergent population of 9 classes. 6 classes (Willow & Hawthorn) have pupils which have a range of Social & Emotional needs and 3 classes (Sycamore) have learners with intellectual and/or communication needs. Sycamore team opened in 2020. This team is predominantly for pupils with complex language and communication difficulties such as Autism and Intellectual disabilities. Many of the learners are nonspeaking and use gesture, body language, visual symbols and Signalong to communicate. Some learners need support with all aspects of personal care. There are 12 teaching staff (including HT, DHT & 2 PTs). They are supported by 25 support staff including Pupil Support Assistants, Early Years Practitioners, Pupil Support Officers, Administrator, Business Manager and our therapy labradors Pepsi and Tango! We work closely with Allied Health Professionals and outside agencies such as NHS SLT, Spartans, CAMHS, Youth Music Initiative, Drake Music & Queen Margaret University We are looking to recruit a Pupil Support Officer with experience in the following areas: Working one to one with children who have a high level of need, including none or minimally verbal learners The ability to plan and lead play including leading playtime and planning outdoor and sensory learning opportunities Working with children with intellectual and communication disabilities Using communication tools such as visuals, Signalong or AAC De-escalation of challenging behaviour Most importantly the successful candidate must have a sense of humour, be able to think creatively, work well in a team and be ready for the most rewarding of challenges. This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory. We\’re committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits that a diverse workforce with different values, beliefs, experience, and backgrounds brings to us as an organisation. As part of our goal to improve our organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure that we’re bringing the best people into our roles, not just in their skills and experience but also in their approach to work. Requirements To help achieve this, we’re changing the way we interview and assess candidates by moving from a competency-based interview approach to a behavioural and technical (skills for the job) based approach. This new way of interviewing will allow us to assess how you think and how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working. You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page Our Behaviours – The City of Edinburgh Council Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Follow us on Twitter at @edincounciljobs
Pupil Support Officer - Rowanfield School - EDN29857 employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Officer - Rowanfield School - EDN29857
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of neurodivergent children, especially those with communication difficulties. Understanding tools like Signalong and AAC will not only help you in the role but also show your commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience with de-escalation techniques for challenging behavior. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed such situations, as this will demonstrate your practical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity in planning engaging play and sensory learning opportunities. Be ready to share ideas or past experiences that highlight your ability to create inclusive and stimulating environments for children.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your teamwork skills and how you can contribute positively to the school community. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, especially in educational or support settings, to enhance children's learning experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Officer - Rowanfield School - EDN29857
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Pupil Support Officer position. Understand the specific needs of the children you will be supporting and the skills required, such as experience with communication tools and de-escalation techniques.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous experience working with children who have additional support needs, particularly those who are minimally verbal or have communication difficulties. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Your Approach: Since the interview process focuses on behavioral and technical skills, make sure to convey your approach to work in your application. Discuss how you embody the values of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility in your previous roles.
Prepare for Background Checks: Be ready to provide necessary documentation for the PVG Scheme and any overseas criminal record checks if applicable. Mention your willingness to comply with these requirements in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Show Your Experience with Diverse Needs
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with children who have a range of additional support needs. Highlight specific examples where you successfully supported minimally verbal learners or those with complex communication difficulties.
✨Demonstrate Your Play Planning Skills
Think of creative ways to engage children during playtime. Be ready to share ideas for outdoor and sensory learning opportunities that you have planned or led in the past, showcasing your ability to create inclusive and stimulating environments.
✨Communicate Your Approach to De-escalation
Prepare to explain your strategies for de-escalating challenging behavior. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate how you maintain a calm environment and support children in managing their emotions effectively.
✨Emphasize Teamwork and Humor
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be sure to convey your ability to collaborate with colleagues. Share anecdotes that reflect your sense of humor and creativity, as these traits are essential for building rapport with both students and staff.