At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children during playtime, promoting a safe and inclusive 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: Diversity is valued; we welcome applications from everyone.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun at work.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
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.
We currently have the following opportunity: Play Assistant - PKC13851 £9,758 - £10,194 (16 Hours per week, Term-time only) Inchture Primary School Nursery. Inchture Primary (Nursery) are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Play Assistant to support children during break and lunchtime periods. The main purpose of this role is to promote a safe, positive and inclusive play environment where all children feel happy, engaged and supported to develop their social skills. You will encourage positive interactions, support children's wellbeing, and help ensure that our playground is a welcoming space for all.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking to appoint a reliable and enthusiastic Play Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience of working with children in a school, childcare or community setting, and demonstrate a caring, patient and positive approach. Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build positive relationships with children, and confidence in supporting safe, inclusive and engaging play. The role requires good communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to a range of situations. An understanding of child development and a commitment to promoting children's wellbeing, inclusion and positive behaviour is essential.
Working at Perth & Kinross Council
Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!
Here's what we can offer you:
- A generous annual leave package
- 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
- Eligibility to join our pension scheme
- Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
- Access to a range of benefits
- Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions
A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development. All new employees have a four-month probationary period.
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Jo Bell, Head Teacher on 01738 454466 or at Inchture@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. 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. 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 will be required. You will be 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.
Play Assistant, Inchture Primary School Nursery - PKC13851 in Perth employer: Perth and Kinross Council
Perth & Kinross Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees and the community. As a Play Assistant at Inchture Primary School Nursery, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on children's lives in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant, Inchture Primary School Nursery - PKC13851 in Perth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Inchture Primary School's website and social media. Understanding their approach to child development and wellbeing will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about situations where you've supported children's wellbeing or promoted positive interactions. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your skills effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The role of a Play Assistant is all about building relationships with children. Show your caring and enthusiastic side during the interview. Let them see your personality and how you can create a safe and engaging play environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re keen on joining Perth & Kinross Council. Don’t forget to follow up if you haven’t heard back after a week or two!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant, Inchture Primary School Nursery - PKC13851 in Perth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating a positive and inclusive play environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous experience you have working with children, whether in schools, nurseries, or community settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Play Assistant.
Be Specific About Skills:Use examples to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with children. We’re looking for candidates who can communicate effectively and respond calmly in various situations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Play Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to create a safe and inclusive play environment, as well as how to support children's social skills. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your caring and patient approach. This will demonstrate your commitment to promoting children's wellbeing and positive behaviour.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations where you've demonstrated teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on how you’ve positively impacted children's experiences in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the school's approach to inclusivity or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.