At a Glance
- Tasks: Support early years staff in creating a nurturing environment for children aged 2-5.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Elphinstone Primary School nursery.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, term-time work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth in a supportive educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) required; First Aid and Food Hygiene certifications preferred.
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 - Thursday, 09:00-14:00; Friday, 09:00-12:00. To start 10th August 2026.
Elphinstone Primary School nursery is looking to recruit an Early Years Support worker to work together with our existing team to deliver high quality early years care. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and nurturing individual who wants to take the next step in their Early Years Career.
Interviews will take place w/c 15 June 2026.
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
- 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: 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. 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) - Elphinstone Primary School - EAL12702 in Tranent employer: East Lothian Council
Elphinstone Primary School offers a nurturing and supportive environment for Early Years Support Workers, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children. With a commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for professional growth and training, ensuring that our staff are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care. Located in the beautiful East Lothian area, our school fosters a collaborative work culture that values teamwork and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Years) - Elphinstone Primary School - EAL12702 in Tranent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Elphinstone Primary School's website and social media. Understanding their ethos will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to early years support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the job description. We can help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for early years education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've created a nurturing environment in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the children you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Early Years) - Elphinstone Primary School - EAL12702 in Tranent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you highlight the right skills and experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of an Early Years Support Worker. Use specific examples from your past that demonstrate your enthusiasm and nurturing nature.
Meet the Essential Criteria:Check off each essential criterion listed in the person specification as you fill out your application. If you can show us that you meet these requirements, you’ll have a much better chance of getting an interview!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website. So, make sure to complete the online application form fully. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know the Job Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and essential criteria, as this will help you tailor your answers to show how you meet their needs.
✨Embrace the East Lothian Way
Familiarise yourself with the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these in your work, as interviewers may ask for examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Care
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific experiences that highlight your nurturing nature and commitment to providing a safe and caring environment for early years learners.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills and knowledge, such as first aid or food hygiene. If you don’t have these qualifications yet, be ready to discuss your willingness to obtain them and how you plan to do so.
