At a Glance
- Tasks: Support early years staff in creating a warm, safe environment for children aged 2-5.
- Company: Join Ormiston Primary School, a nurturing and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a vibrant school setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Good general education and SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 33800 £ per year.
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). Part-time hours / sessional posts will be pro-rated accordingly.
Hourly rate of pay: £15.16 - £16.30. This is a 52 week non-sessional post i.e. it will include working during the school holidays.
Days and hours of work:
- Wednesday, 13:00-18:00
- Thursday, 12:30-18:00
- Friday, 12:45-18:00
To start 10th August 2026.
Ormiston Primary School is a non-denominational school, which has approximately 200 girls and boys throughout the nursery/primary age range. Our youngest pupils in the nursery are three years old, our oldest pupils in Primary 7 are twelve years old. Children would normally move on to Ross High School after their Primary 7 year.
The school building is of a traditional style that stands on the edge of the village of Ormiston. In addition to the ten classrooms we have a large gymnasium, library, resource rooms, a nursery and our own kitchens where meals are cooked and served. Wheelchair access is available.
Our nursery runs with two cohorts of 30 children 48 weeks of the year. The groups attend on a Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday with both in nursery on alternative Fridays. Our nursery makes the most of our local area with trips to the woodland areas and uses the local park for Play on Pedal sessions and other activities.
To work in support of early years staff by contributing towards the creation of a warm, friendly, safe and caring environment for children aged 2 – 5 years.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.
Job Requirements
Relevant Qualifications Education: Good standard of general education.
Must hold an SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) at SCQF Level 6 (or an alternative SSSC recognised equivalent qualification). If not already obtained, you must commit to achieve the SVQ in the appropriate period of registration to meet the SSSC registration requirements.
First Aid qualification or willingness to work towards gaining it.
Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate or willingness to work towards gaining it.
SSSC registration or agreement to register within 6 months from the date of appointment to this post is essential.
PVG Membership
This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.
Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please note: East Lothian Council do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Support Worker (Early Years) - Ormiston Primary School - EAL12778 employer: East Lothian Council
Ormiston Primary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. Located in the picturesque village of Ormiston, the school offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Years) - Ormiston Primary School - EAL12778
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at East Lothian Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Early Years) - Ormiston Primary School - EAL12778
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to East Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to East Lothian Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
