Early Years Assistant - Positive Learning Support (Fixed-Term)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Early Years Assistant to support our nursery class at Hillwood Primary School for the academic session 2026-2027. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and skilled with relevant experience of working with children in an educational setting. Ideally, they should also have relevant experience of supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs and be skilled in establishing effective positive relationships with children.

At Hillwood, we are committed to providing a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to approach life and learning with confidence. Hillwood Primary School is a small non‑denominational primary school situated on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. The school currently has 100 pupils organised into 4 composite classes and an Early Years nursery class providing for eligible 2‑year olds and 3‑5‑year olds delivering 1140 hours during term time only.

The school is led by a management team consisting of a Head Teacher, a Principal Teacher and a Business Manager. There are four composite classes led by a mix of six full‑time and part‑time class teachers and a Support for Learning Teacher. The Early Years nursery class is supported by 1 EYO, 3 EYPs and 1 EYA. Management and Teachers are all ably supported by a team of Pupil Support Assistants, a part‑time School Administrator and Facilities Technician.

The extensive school grounds are well developed with pupil gardens, picnic tables, a gazebo, a trim trail and a sports pitch. We have a strong focus on outdoor learning, loose parts play, forest visits and the Daily Mile. We are a nurturing school and believe that building strong positive relationships with our whole school community is key to success in learning for all. Hillwood has a strong positive ethos and presence in the community.

Hillwood is at the heart of its community and many children have been preceded as a Hillwood pupil by their parents and grandparents. Our Parent Council are developing their areas of responsibility within the school community and take a keen interest in the life of the school. Curricular and social events are well attended at the school and there are excellent relationships between parents, staff and children. We have developed our links with the local business community.

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 are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.