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- Tasks: Assist in providing high-quality care and fun activities for children after school.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Diversity is valued, and applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while gaining valuable childcare experience.
- Qualifications: No prior qualifications needed; commitment to achieving a childcare qualification is essential.
Job Description
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.
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We currently have the following opportunity:
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Play Assistant – PKC12929
£5,755 – £6,012 (10 Hours per week, Term-time only)
Oakbank Kids Club, Perth
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Do you like working with children and want to make a difference?
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If so, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Play Assistant at Oakbank Kids Club, after school during term-time.
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This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to step into the profession and progress a career in childcare, gaining experience while being supported to gain a childcare qualification.
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You would assist in the provision of high-quality care and a comprehensive range of appropriate stimulating and creative activities, for example arts and crafts, storytelling, den building, physical play and organising trips and outings appropriate to the needs and interests of the children in the service.
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You would be expected to work closely with the Supervisor and working as a member of the Kids Club Team and wider School Team contributing to children's learning and development within a safe and inclusive environment out with school hours in a registered childcare service.
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A flexible approach to working conditions will be required to work; the contracted hours are 10 hours per week, term-time, between 2.45pm – 6pm.
Requirements
We are looking for an individual who has a genuine interest and commitment to working with children in a professional capacity within early learning or a childcare environment.
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The role is child focused which requires sensitivity, patience, and compassion along with a welcoming approach to generate a feeling of trust and safety for children and their family / carers.
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A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential and the important qualities are kindness, sensitivity, respectfulness, and good manners and to respect confidentiality at all times.
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As a Play Assistant you will need to demonstrate a commitment to achieving the required qualification within the timescales set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). You will be supported to access the appropriate qualification financially.
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No entry qualifications are required, however you will be required and supported to work towards a recognised qualification listed by the Scottish Social Services Council.
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You will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for Day Care of Children within 3 months of commencing employment and responsible for maintaining annual membership.
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The successful candidate will be supported to access further training both award bearing and continued professional development.
Responsibilities
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 Counciland you could soon be joining our team!
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Here's what we can offer you:
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- 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
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We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. 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.
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This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), if you are not yet registered, you can still apply, as long as you are willing to apply for registration within 3 months of starting with us and be registered within 6 months.
The Individual
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Helen Roach, Area Co-ordinator or Susan Johnstone, Team Leader by email at childcare@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.
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Click “APPLY NOW”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Play Assistant, Oakbank Kids Club, Perth - PKC12929 employer: Perth and Kinross Council
Contact Detail:
Perth and Kinross Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant, Oakbank Kids Club, Perth - PKC12929
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours of Perth & Kinross Council. During your interview, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences that align with these values, as this will demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current employees or the hiring manager, Helen Roach or Susan Johnstone, via email. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for someone applying for the Play Assistant role. This can give you valuable insights and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, even if it's informal. Whether it's babysitting, volunteering at schools, or participating in community activities, these experiences can set you apart and showcase your passion for childcare.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a safe and inclusive environment for children. Think of specific activities or strategies you would implement to foster trust and safety, as this is crucial for the role of a Play Assistant.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant, Oakbank Kids Club, Perth - PKC12929
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Play Assistant position. Highlight your genuine interest in working with children and how you can contribute to their development.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, skills, and qualities that align with the job. Emphasise any previous work with children or in childcare settings, even if it's informal.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for childcare and your understanding of the role. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your sensitivity, patience, and commitment to children's wellbeing.
Prepare for Potential Interview Questions: Think about situations where you've demonstrated the values and behaviours mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss these examples during an interview to show how you align with the organisation's ethos.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to their development and wellbeing.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Play Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment before, especially in childcare or educational settings.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Child Development
Familiarise yourself with basic principles of child development and be ready to discuss how you would apply these in your role. This shows that you are not only interested but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe past situations where you demonstrated qualities like patience, sensitivity, and respectfulness. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.