At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's development in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
- Company: Macmerry Primary School, dedicated to early years education.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, rewarding work during school terms.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People) required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 31200 £ 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, 08:45-15:15. To start asap.
Macmerry Nursery School is looking for a passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated Early Years support worker to join our inclusive and highly skilled team. This post offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.
In this role, you will help create the time and capacity for our team to deliver targeted interventions that support children across the nursery. You’ll play a vital part in fostering a nurturing, responsive, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion and the principles of GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child)
- Is enthusiastic about supporting children’s development through child-centred and responsive practice
- Values teamwork and collaboration in a dynamic early years setting
To learn more about our nursery and this opportunity, please visit our school website or contact us directly.
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 Schools: Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: Primary Schools, 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: We 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Years) - Macmerry Primary School - EAL12883 in Tranent
✨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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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) - Macmerry Primary School - EAL12883 in Tranent
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.
