At a Glance
- Tasks: Support early years staff in creating a nurturing environment for children aged 2-5.
- Company: Dunbar Primary School, committed to support, inclusion, and kindness.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, supportive team, and opportunity to make a difference.
- Other info: Work year-round with enthusiastic children and dedicated staff.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape young minds in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Minimum National 4 in Literacy and Numeracy; SVQ in Social Services required.
The predicted salary is between 15.16 - 16.3 £ per hour.
Vacancy Information 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: Monday, 08:15-13:00 Wednesday, 08:45-14:45 Thursday, 08:15-12:00 Friday, 12:45-18:00 To start asap.
We are looking for a motivated practitioner to join our team at Dunbar Primary School.
Dunbar PS is a large school split over two campuses with a current roll of over 1,100 pupils from Nursery – Primary 7.
In academic session 2025-26 our John Muir Campus has fifteen P1 – P3 classes and five rooms in our nursery.
The Lochend campus comprises of nineteen P4 - P7 classes.
We also have an Authority Communication Base (The Cove) within the John Muir Campus for primary pupils.
Dunbar Primary School works within an ethos of Support, Inclusion and Nurture and our values of HONESTY, INCLUSION, KINDNESS, EFFORT and RESILIENCE are realised within and out with our school community We are fortunate to have enthusiastic children, supportive parents, committed support staff and dedicated teachers.
We have high expectations and are committed to raising attainment and achievement for all our children.
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 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 Must hold a minimum of National 4 in Literacy and Numeracy (or equivalent).
Must hold an SVQ in Social Services (Children
Support Worker (Early Years) - Dunbar Primary School - EAL12905 employer: East Lothian Council
At Whitecraig Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment for our Early Years Support Workers. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to high-quality early years care, our new nursery space offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children aged 2-5. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also encourages growth and collaboration within a vibrant school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Years) - Dunbar Primary School - EAL12905
✨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
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from East Lothian Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like East Lothian Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at East Lothian Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Early Years) - Dunbar Primary School - EAL12905
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.
