At a Glance
- Tasks: Support bilingual learners in classrooms, assisting teachers and helping children settle in.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: DBS check required; applications anonymised for fairness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a culturally rich team.
- Qualifications: Fluency in English and Ukrainian/Russian, plus experience with children in educational settings.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 € per year.
An opportunity has arisen in our team for a Bilingual Learning Assistant who speaks Ukrainian/Russian. This is a busy, sometimes challenging role, perfect for someone who wants to make a difference to children\'s lives and enjoys working as part of a culturally diverse team.
The service
EMAS are a team of Bilingual Learning Assistants, Bilingual Support Officers and Advisers working with the Education team. We work in partnership with schools to meet the needs of bilingual learners and ethnic minority pupils at risk of under-achievement. We support pupils across both primary and secondary age phases, as well as in nursery settings.
The Role
You will provide a support service complementary to teaching activities, primarily through first language or bilingual communication, acting as a classroom assistant and supporting the language and learning needs of pupils, particularly in their access to the national curriculum. You will support the class/subject teacher or EMAS adviser in providing a stress-free \'settling-in\' period for new entrants, recent arrivals or returnees from extended stays in country of origin. You will assist in monitoring progress and assessing performance, communicate important information to teachers about the child\'s full language repertoire, and assist in the production of bilingual language/curriculum support materials.
The ideal candidate will have/be
- fluency in English and first language
- good numeracy and literacy skills
- excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
- experience of working with children at home and/or in a school setting
- experience of interpretation and translation (formally or informally)
- the ability to deal with different situations in a sensitive manner particularly when working with children, families and schools.
- the ability to support school staff effectively in the classroom
- an understanding ofthe need for confidentiality in working with children, school staff and parents
- the ability to promote diversity within the school setting (including religion, culture and language)
- to remain calm and focussed when working under pressure
- the willingness to learn and develop additional skills required by the service
- to be mobile enough to work at locations city wide as required by the service.
Please see the Job profile for the full details and expectations of this role
Additional information:
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Ruth Nabholz-Duncan, Bilingual Assistant Deployment Manager, ruth.nabholz-duncan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Interview date: 22nd September 2025
Application process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.
As part of your application we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the \'Who is the Person\' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
About Portsmouth City Council
What we can offer you:
Portsmouth City Council iscommitted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers toshare thiscommitment.
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Should you require anysupport in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk . or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800
#J-18808-LjbffrBilingual Learning Assistant - Ukrainian/Russian in Portsmouth employer: Medirest Signature
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children from diverse backgrounds. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on safeguarding, we provide opportunities for growth and learning while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Join us in our mission to empower bilingual learners and contribute to a vibrant community in Portsmouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bilingual Learning Assistant - Ukrainian/Russian in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of bilingual learners and ethnic minority pupils. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former Bilingual Learning Assistants to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your interpersonal and communication skills in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported children or worked in diverse teams, as these will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of confidentiality and sensitivity when working with children and families. This is vital in building trust and rapport, so think of scenarios where you've handled sensitive information appropriately.
We think you need these skills to ace Bilingual Learning Assistant - Ukrainian/Russian in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bilingual Learning Assistant position. Make notes on how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.
Craft Your Personal Statement:This is a crucial part of your application. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet each of the 'Who is the Person' points outlined in the job profile. Be clear and concise, and ensure you highlight your bilingual skills and experience working with children.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and personal statement, emphasise any previous work with children, particularly in educational settings. Mention any experience in interpretation and translation, as well as your ability to promote diversity and support school staff.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medirest Signature
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
As a Bilingual Learning Assistant, your fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is crucial. Be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview, perhaps by discussing your experiences in both languages or explaining how you would support bilingual learners in a classroom setting.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to share specific examples from your past experiences working with children, whether in a school or home environment. Discuss how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed to support diverse learners effectively.
✨Emphasise Interpersonal Skills
This role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully interacted with children, families, and school staff in the past, especially in sensitive situations. This will show your ability to foster a supportive learning environment.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Since you'll be working in a culturally diverse team, it's important to show your understanding of and respect for different cultures. Prepare to discuss how you can promote diversity within the school setting and how your background contributes to this goal.
