Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583
Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583

Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583

Full-Time 30000 - 34000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
East Lothian Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support early years staff in creating a warm, safe environment for children aged 2-5.
  • Company: Athelstaneford Primary School, a small, community-focused school.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional development and growth within a caring community.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing young learners and making a real difference.
  • Qualifications: SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) at SCQF Level 6 required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ 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 39 week sessional post i.e. working hours will be during school term time plus in-service days.

Days and hours of work:

  • Monday & Tuesday, 08:45-12:00
  • Wednesday & Thursday, 09:00-12:00
  • Friday, 09:30-12:00

Starting and finishing times are flexible. To start asap.

Athelstaneford Primary is a small, rural school proudly sitting at the heart of our community. The school consists of a nursery offering 1140 hours a year with up to 20 children per session and 3 classes accommodating 52 children in the main school. We are equipped with a small central learning area and playground. The school has access to the local village hall to support curricular learning and outdoor areas such as a large park, local woodlands and allotment.

At Athelstaneford, we live by our school vision of "learning together and having fun to be the best we can be". This along with our values of kindness, perseverance, co-operation and respect help to shape our school ethos and contribute to our learning. We invest in developing and nurturing supportive relationships with our learners, community and colleagues.

We are looking for a strong Early Years Support worker to join our team; someone who is able to model our values each and every day and is committed to both improving themselves and our setting as a whole to make the nursery the best it can be. This session we have a real drive in establishing our nursery team, ensuring consistent and effective approaches to facilitating, observing and tracking learning, and developing our outdoors space.

Job Details: 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.

Additional Information: For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo. East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: Primary and Secondary Schools.

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) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583 employer: East Lothian Council

Athelstaneford Primary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its staff and fosters a nurturing environment for both employees and students. With a strong commitment to community values and a focus on continuous improvement, the school offers flexible working hours during term time, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive team culture that encourages collaboration and respect. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that strives to create a warm and engaging learning atmosphere for young children.
East Lothian Council

Contact Detail:

East Lothian Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Check out Athelstaneford Primary's website and social media. Understanding their ethos and values will help you connect with the team during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your responses to potential interview questions based on the 'East Lothian Way'. We want to see how you embody those values, so think of examples from your experience that showcase your commitment.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former staff if you can. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Support Worker. Plus, it shows your genuine interest!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight how your qualifications and experiences align with the job requirements.

We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583

SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) at SCQF Level 6
First Aid qualification
Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate
PVG Membership
Ability to create a warm and caring environment
Observation and tracking of learning
Commitment to professional development
Strong communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability to changing situations
Understanding of early years education principles
Kindness and respect towards children
Perseverance in achieving goals
Co-operation with colleagues and community

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Support Worker and how you can showcase your skills and experiences that match our needs.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: When filling out the application form, be sure to mention your qualifications, especially your SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People). We want to see how your background aligns with our requirements, so don’t hold back!

Showcase Your Values: At Athelstaneford Primary, we live by our values of kindness, perseverance, co-operation, and respect. Use your application to demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and interactions with children and colleagues.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our online form. So, head over to our website and fill it out completely. This is your chance to shine, so make sure every section reflects your passion for early years education!

How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council

✨Know the School's Values

Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Athelstaneford Primary School's vision and values. Understanding their ethos of 'learning together and having fun' will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Support Worker.

✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications

Make sure to emphasise your qualifications, especially your SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) at SCQF Level 6. Be prepared to discuss how your education and any relevant experience make you a great fit for supporting early years learners.

✨Show Your Commitment to Development

The school is keen on improving both individual and team performance. Be ready to talk about how you plan to develop your skills further, such as obtaining your First Aid qualification or Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate, and how this commitment can benefit the nursery.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Since the interview may include questions based on the 'East Lothian Way', think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate kindness, perseverance, co-operation, and respect. This will show that you embody the values they cherish in their staff.

Support Worker (Early Years) - Athelstaneford Primary School - EAL12583
East Lothian Council

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