Play Assistant, Oakbank Primary School, Perth - PKC14087

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 - PKC14087 £11,395- £11,904 (16 hours per week) Oakbank Primary School.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Play Assistant to join us on a part time, permanent basis 16 hours a week (full year working, 45 weeks). As a Play Assistant you will work as part of the nursery team at Oakbank Primary school. 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. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to enter into the profession and if they wish to progress their career in childcare, gaining experience while being supported to gain a qualification.

As a Play Assistant you will assist in the provision of high quality play and lunchtime experiences within Early Learning and Childcare. This will involve contributing to the development, planning and implementation of appropriate experiences within a play/care curriculum before, during and after lunch time. 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. The successful candidate will be supported to access further training both award bearing and continued professional development.

We are looking for a positive, motivated individual who is comfortable working with children and adults. Ideally you will have worked with children before. You will need to be flexible and proactive in the nursery environment to meet everyday challenges. Keeping the children safe and happy is the main priority.

Skills & Experience Required

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. 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. A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential and the important qualities are kindness, sensitivity, respectfulness, good manners and to respect confidentiality at all times.

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.

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
• 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 Head Teacher Paula Morrison at Oakbank@pkc.gov.uk to find out more. Click “APPLY NOW”. External candidates are required to provide 2 references, 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 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 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.