At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's play and learning in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, where people are at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a passion for working with young children.
The predicted salary is between 9758 - 10194 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job; it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
A vacancy has arisen within Methven Primary School Nursery for a Play Assistant (Fixed Term until 31 December 2026). You will join a team of highly experienced nursery professionals. A caring, nurturing personality is required, and the role will involve contributing to the development, planning and implementation of appropriate experiences within a play/care curriculum before, during and after lunchtime. The successful candidate will be responsive and adaptable, and will enjoy a varied role supporting a happy, busy nursery, putting children's needs first. The role will also involve some lifting, including moving tables, chairs and trolleys, to prepare for a nurturing lunchtime/snack time experience.
Skills & Experience Required
The successful applicants will have excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues alike. We are looking for staff who are enthusiastic, able to work on their own initiative, responsive to children's needs, and who genuinely enjoy working with young children in a nursery environment. Some experience of working in a nursery environment is desirable. The successful candidate will be required to register as a Support Worker with the SSSC and work towards the relevant qualification.
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Stephanie Kellie, Headteacher at Methven Primary school at Methven@pkc.gov.uk to find out more. External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer. Internal applicants applying for secondment must obtain line manager approval through the secondment form available under My Forms – Secondment Request Form on MyView. Please note that secondment requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.
Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.
Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check and maintain your membership. If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check is required. You are required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.
Locations
Play Assistant, Methven Primary School Nursery - PKC14016 in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Perth and Kinross Council
As a leading employer in the social work sector, we offer a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in the heart of Perth, our Early Intervention & Prevention Service provides unique opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant, Methven Primary School Nursery - PKC14016 in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Perth and Kinross Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant, Methven Primary School Nursery - PKC14016 in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Perth and Kinross Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Perth and Kinross Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Perth and Kinross Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Play Assistant, Methven Primary School Nursery - PKC14016 role at Perth and Kinross Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Perth and Kinross Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
