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- Tasks: Support teaching staff and pupils in a vibrant Junior School environment.
- Company: Join George Heriot's, Edinburgh's top independent school with a rich history since 1628.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with children while being part of a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Candidates should be eligible for SSSC registration or willing to undertake it.
- Other info: This role is term-time only, perfect for students seeking flexible work.
We are seeking to recruit enthusiastic and responsible Junior School Support Assistant to provide ancillary support for Teaching staff and pupils within our Junior School from January 2026-June 2026. The role will be 16 hours p/w Term-Time only Wednesday- Friday from 7.30am-12.45pm.The Junior School Support Assistant is intended to provide the opportunity for an individual to gain experience of working with children in a formal setting. Interested candidates may therefore include (but is not exclusive to) those wishing to pursue a future career in teaching or childcare related discipline.
Package Description
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school – distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
- Enhanced sick pay
- Maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Continued professional development opportunities
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
Main Responsibilities
Please see job description for full duties.
The Ideal Candidate
The Ideal CandidateAs the position involves working with children of nursery age we are ideally seeking candidates who are eligible for registration with the SSSC. However a willingness to undertake registration is essential, where registration is not currently held
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and youngpeople and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults,under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidateswill be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus. George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applicationsfrom all sections of the community. George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity numberSC011463.
About the school/organisation
George Heriot’s School is Edinburgh’s leading independent school. Academically proven and recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland in June 2024, the school’s best practice expertise in wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and in raising attainment and achievement, is acknowledged. The school has 1,670 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.
As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I and his wife Queen Anne. Goldsmiths at that time were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and over the years has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a fully funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes.
Separately, the school has continued to apply the transformative powers of education, opening 21 Out Schools in the 1800s which educated over 100,000 boys and girls in Edinburgh before the advent of the Children’s Act, and more recently supporting Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees to build a better life in Scotland. Each year the school spends approximately £1.3 million to support the education of bursary and Foundation pupils.
Today the school is an award‑winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and being voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey.
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Junior School Support Assistant employer: Teacheroo
Contact Detail:
Teacheroo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior School Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and ethos of George Heriot's School. Understanding their commitment to kindness, support, and community will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience working with children, whether through volunteering or part-time roles. This practical experience will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to a career in teaching or childcare.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members at George Heriot's School. They can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your willingness to undertake registration with the SSSC if you haven't already. Showing that you're proactive about meeting the requirements will reflect positively on your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior School Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Junior School Support Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to supporting teaching staff. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or previous roles in childcare, to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications related to childcare or education, make sure to mention them in your CV. If you're eligible for registration with the SSSC, include this information as it shows your readiness for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in a school environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As a Junior School Support Assistant, your passion for working with children is crucial. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for teaching or childcare.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with the school's motto and values, such as kindness and support. During the interview, reference these values and explain how you embody them in your work and interactions with children.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle various situations with children. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenges or supported children's learning and development.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since the role involves working with vulnerable children, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices. Emphasise your commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
