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- Tasks: Support teachers and nurture children's learning in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning ESMS family of independent schools in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, free lunches, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values kindness, confidence, and curiosity.
The predicted salary is between 17718 - 20067 £ per year.
The Nursery at ESMS is currently recruiting for a Nursery Teacher Assistant to join the Nursery on a full-time, temporary basis from March 2026 until 26 June 2026. The hours of work will be Monday to Friday 8:15 am to 3 pm with 30 minutes unpaid for lunch, a paid working week of 31.25 hours. The salary range for this role is £17,718 to £20,067 per annum. Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience.
The purpose of this role is to support the Class Teachers, Senior Lead Practitioner and Early Years Practitioners. Key duties include:
- Supporting individual and groups of children within the Nursery room
- Supporting children with their learning
- Providing pastoral care to the children
The successful candidate will be a kind, enthusiastic, and responsible individual who prioritises the interests of children and works well within a team. They will have experience working with children, possess a recognised childcare qualification, and demonstrate strong organisational skills.
Eligibility: ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits: Staff are offered a range of benefits including:
- A generous holiday allowance
- Enhanced sick pay
- Family friendly policies
- Use of the Schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Generous pension
- Death in service benefit
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Values: We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role-modeling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
About ESMS: Welcome to the ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education. Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity.
For any enquiries about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@esms.org.uk.
NURSERY ASSISTANT employer: ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
Contact Detail:
ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NURSERY ASSISTANT
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery environment! Visit the ESMS website and check out their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through social media. They can give you insider tips about the nursery and what they look for in a Nursery Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience working with children. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated kindness, resilience, and teamwork in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ESMS family!
We think you need these skills to ace NURSERY ASSISTANT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for nurturing young minds and supporting their development.
Tailor Your Application to the Role: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Nursery Assistant position. Highlight your childcare qualifications and any experience you have that aligns with the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Nursery Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like supporting children’s learning and providing pastoral care. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your kindness, patience, and ability to engage with young learners. This will demonstrate that you embody the values ESMS is looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to explain how you'd handle certain situations with children. Think about past experiences and be ready to discuss how you would support individual needs or manage group activities effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the nursery's approach to child development or how they support their staff. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.