Description
Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all‑year‑round residential basis.
Application Deadline: 12 June 2026
Department: Education
Location: Balerno, Edinburgh
Compensation: £29,866 – £32,600 per year
Social Educators – Permanent, Full‑time Position
The role is based within a classroom setting, supporting a class group by providing learning support and promoting engagement both in the classroom and across other learning environments. The successful candidate will plan and deliver therapeutic experiences for individuals and small groups across the education and care setting, providing a strong link to the children’s cottages and building positive relationships with parents, carers, and families. Experience supporting children with additional support needs is beneficial.
Social Educators are required to work 35 hours per week. This position is on a 52‑week contract, with the 7 weeks holiday mostly to be taken within the school holidays. Working pattern: Monday‑Friday, 08:30‑12:30 and 13:30‑16:30.
Qualifications will be assessed on the Harmeny salary scale (point 11‑15, £29,866‑£32,600) depending on qualifications and experience. Applicants must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and hold a full driving licence. A driving licence allowing vehicle use is essential. Harmeny is a values‑led organisation and alignment with our ethos is important.
Harmeny is a 35‑acre woodland estate located in Balerno, near Edinburgh, with residential and education accommodation, community gardens, orchard, wildlife habitats, and children’s play areas. On‑site parking is available.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 35 days holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme (three times salary)
- Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption and paternity leave
- Policies and practices promoting health and wellbeing, including massage therapy and wellbeing space access
- Commitment to professional development with comprehensive training and development opportunities.
- On‑site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
- Free gym membership & psychotherapeutic support
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
- Access to discounts on shopping and events
- Comprehensive induction package and continuous learning and development opportunities
More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs.
Key Responsibilities
Key areas of the job:
- Work closely with the Class Teacher and Education Teams to deliver high‑quality learning experiences and outcomes for children at Harmeny, based on a relational and experiential model of learning.
- Contribute to a nurturing and supportive environment, providing a secure base that children need to engage in their learning.
- Support the 24‑hour curriculum to develop children’s social skills, vital for lifelong learning.
- Identify specific needs of the children within the class and lead regular direct work that supports their social and emotional development, guided by attachment, resilience, child development, and trauma‑informed care principles.
Principle responsibilities:
- Promote a positive ethos in line with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
- Support the Education Management Team in implementing the School Improvement Plan, Harmeny Strategic Plan and policies.
- Develop working partnerships with the wider Harmeny community.
- Provide support during transitions and when agreed by EMT.
- Communicate with colleagues, parents/carers and other professionals to ensure coherent working and positive outcomes.
- Use solution‑focused & strengths‑based principles with children.
- Develop and implement care plans as part of the child’s key team.
- Participate in risk assessment planning.
- Implement physical intervention techniques, where required.
- Provide learning support following guidance from Classroom Teachers and EMT.
- Promote children’s engagement, encouraging them to remain ‘on task’.
- Support curriculum delivery tailored to individual needs, linking to national policies such as CfE and GIRFEC.
- Deliver direct individual or group work guided by the Service Manager or EMT.
- Prepare classroom teaching resources, maintain AV and ICT equipment, and support classroom layout.
- Maintain high standards of educational equipment, resources and spaces.
- Provide administrative support, including record‑keeping, filing and photocopying.
- Assist development of children’s Personal Learning Planning and help children work towards goals.
- Gather evidence for individual plans through display preparation.
- Participate in regular reviews and submit written reports on individual children.
- Attend staff meetings and keep children’s personal records up to date.
- Be flexible with timetable and working patterns as directed.
- Attend supervision, APR, training and other meetings.
- Participate in residential trips and holidays when required.
- Safely drive children and staff to and from outings, activities and external meetings via minibus or fleet vehicle.
Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- A relevant qualification in Social Care aligned with SSSC registration requirements for Residential Child Care Workers (e.g., HNC, SVQ).
- Knowledge and understanding of Looked‑After Children and those with complex Additional Support Needs.
- Ability to raise standards of attainment for children with complex Additional Support Needs.
- Knowledge of child development, childcare legislation, Scottish curriculum and relevant policies.
- Knowledge of the residential childcare sector.
- Working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence.
- Understanding of children’s behaviour and strategies to encourage positive behaviour.
- Experience in residential work and/or childcare and/or within an education setting.
- Understanding of the duty of care to children and colleagues.
- Understanding of physical intervention practices and ability to implement them when required.
- Experience, skill and commitment to working within a multidisciplinary setting.
- Commitment to Children’s Rights and participation of children and families.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Good organisational and administrative skills, computer literate.
- Full driving licence and ability to drive fleet vehicles and transport children.
Desirable
- Evidence of further training in therapeutic work with children and young people.
- Knowledge of social pedagogical approach.
- Knowledge and experience of organising and delivering children’s activities/group work and supporting learning.
For further information or to apply, contact Rebecca Buchan, Education Manager, at 0131 449 3938, or visit www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs.
