Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106

Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106

Temporary 7388 - 7784 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Perth and Kinross Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children in their learning and wellbeing, helping them overcome barriers.
  • Company: Join a nurturing community at Blackford Primary School within Perth & Kinross Council.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a close-knit team where relationships matter and growth is encouraged.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in childcare or education, with a commitment to inclusion and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 7388 - 7784 £ 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:

Primary School Support Worker (Fixed Term until 31 December 2026) - PKC14106
£7,388 - £7,784 (11.5 Hours per week, Term-time only)
Blackford Primary School

Blackford Primary School is a small, nurturing rural school at the heart of its local community, serving the village of Blackford and the surrounding area. Our school provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are known, valued and supported as individuals. We are committed to developing children who are happy, positive and successful, and who demonstrate our core values of being honest, kind, fair, caring and respectful in all that they do.

Our learners benefit from a rich and varied learning environment, including outdoor learning spaces and strong community links, and we place a strong emphasis on supporting children’s wellbeing, inclusion and individual needs alongside their academic progress. As a member of our support staff team, you will play a key role in helping children overcome barriers to learning. You will work closely with teaching staff to provide targeted support for individuals and small groups, including those with additional support needs, enabling all children to fully participate in school life.

We are looking for someone who:

  • demonstrates a nurturing, patient and flexible approach to supporting children
  • is committed to inclusive practice and supporting wellbeing
  • builds strong, respectful relationships with children, staff and families
  • works effectively as part of a small, collaborative team
  • understands the importance of adapting support to meet individual needs

This is an opportunity to be part of a close-knit and supportive school community where relationships matter, and where your contribution will make a genuine difference to children’s daily experiences and outcomes.

Skills & Experience Required

We are seeking a motivated and caring Pupil Support Assistant to join our staff team. The successful candidate will support children and young people across the school, helping to remove barriers to learning and ensuring all pupils can fully access the curriculum. You will work closely with class teachers and the wider staff team to:

  • provide learning and wellbeing support to individuals and small groups
  • support children with additional support needs
  • promote inclusion and positive relationships across the school
  • assist with personal care and health needs where required

The ideal candidate will:

  • demonstrate patience, empathy and a strong commitment to inclusion
  • have experience of supporting children in an educational or childcare setting
  • be able to work effectively as part of a team
  • show flexibility and a willingness to respond to the needs of the school

A desirable asset would be a driving licence. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children’s learning and wellbeing within a supportive school community.

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

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.

All new employees have a four-month probationary period. Further details are available in the FAQs at “How to apply for a job or apprenticeship with us”.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Laura Fowler, Head Teacher, at Blackford@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

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. 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.

Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106 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.

Perth and Kinross Council

Contact Details:

Perth and Kinross Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106

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 Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106

Nurturing Approach
Patience
Empathy
Commitment to Inclusion
Experience in Educational or Childcare Settings
Teamwork
Flexibility

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 Primary School Support Worker, Blackford Primary School - PKC14106 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.