At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and care for children in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join ESMS, a dynamic family of independent schools in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, enhanced sick pay, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours during term time, perfect for students.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 7871 - 8989 £ per year.
The Nursery at ESMS is currently recruiting for a Nursery Teacher Assistant and Early Birds Assistant to join the Nursery on a part-time, temporary basis from August 2025 (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks) until 26 June 2026. The hours of work will be Thursday and Friday from 7:30am to 8:30am as an Early Birds Assistant, and Thursday and Friday 8:30am to 3pm as a Nursery Teacher Assistant during term time, a paid working week of 14 hours.
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 will only be able to take up this role if they can 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, and membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
Values: We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore, all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Any enquiries about this position should be directed to Morven Wrinn, at recruitment@esms.org.uk. The closing date for the position is 31 July at 12noon. We anticipate interviews will be week commencing 11 August.
NURSERY TEACHER ASSISTANT AND EARLY BIRDS ASSISTANT - PART TIME employer: ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
ESMS is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of both staff and students. With generous benefits such as enhanced sick pay, a range of family-friendly policies, and access to excellent facilities, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while embodying the school's values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity. The part-time role of Nursery Teacher Assistant and Early Birds Assistant provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives within a dynamic educational environment.
Contact Details:
ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NURSERY TEACHER ASSISTANT AND EARLY BIRDS ASSISTANT - PART TIME
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of ESMS. When you understand their focus on kindness, confidence, and resilience, you can better align your responses during interviews to demonstrate how you embody these qualities.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain insights into the nursery environment by visiting or volunteering at similar settings. This experience will not only enhance your understanding of the role but also provide you with practical examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members at ESMS or similar institutions. They can offer valuable advice on the interview process and what the school looks for in a candidate, giving you an edge over other applicants.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in previous roles. Being able to share these stories will showcase your experience and passion for working with young children, making you a standout candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace NURSERY TEACHER ASSISTANT AND EARLY BIRDS ASSISTANT - PART TIME
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Nursery Teacher Assistant and Early Birds Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with these duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly in a nursery or educational setting. Mention specific examples of how you supported children's learning and development.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Make sure to include any recognised childcare qualifications you possess. If you have completed any training related to early years education, be sure to mention this as it will strengthen your application.
Express Your Values:Demonstrate how you embody the values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity in your application. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can contribute positively to the ESMS community.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past, whether through play, learning activities, or pastoral care.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As a Nursery Teacher Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Highlight your ability to collaborate with others by discussing previous experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations with children. Prepare answers that showcase your problem-solving skills and your approach to nurturing children's development and well-being.
✨Align with ESMS Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of ESMS, such as Kindness, Confidence, and Resilience. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they influence your interactions with children and colleagues.
