At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary school pupils with social and emotional wellbeing in a dynamic team.
- Company: Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to inclusion and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, temporary contract until 2027, and on-the-job training.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social justice and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote equality in education.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, just a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 16305 - 17156 £ per year.
This post is a unique and exciting opportunity to work as a peripatetic Pupil Support Assistant across a number of primary schools within the Scottish Borders, in the Galashiels & Selkirk Clusters.
The successful candidate will play an important role in Scottish Borders Council’s Inclusion and Wellbeing Service which consists of:
- Inclusion and Wellbeing Service Outreach – The specific part of the team this post will be working within, is a peripatetic team working in mainstream primary schools as a targeted early intervention to help schools understand and meet the needs of their pupils experiencing barriers to learning linked to their social and emotional wellbeing.
- Bilingual Support – A peripatetic service who support Bilingual primary and secondary pupils across the Scottish Borders. They work in partnership with schools, homes and other agencies to meet the educational needs of bilingual learners and promote equality of opportunity through inclusion. This work involves ensuring access to the curriculum, raising self-esteem and valuing bilingual children’s linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The successful applicant appointed to this post will be part of the dedicated Peripatetic IWS Outreach team working within the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service. This team consists of both teachers and Pupil Support Assistants.
Professionals who are passionate about inclusive practice, nurture and nurturing approaches, committed to social justice and supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural needs are invited to apply for this post. The Inclusion and Wellbeing Service has the main aim of supporting vulnerable Children and Young people in and across the Scottish Borders and in delivering Scottish Borders Council’s Inclusion Strategy.
Essential No formal qualifications are required, but an acceptable standard of school education is desirable. Pupil Support Assistants will be required to undertake on the job training as and when available.
Informal enquiries may be made to Doug Crabbe at Douglas.crabbe@scotborders.gov.uk.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Pupil Support Assistant - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its staff. As a Pupil Support Assistant within the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people in the Galashiels and Selkirk clusters. The council prioritises employee growth through on-the-job training and values diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Assistant - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the schools in the Galashiels and Selkirk clusters! Research their values, challenges, and successes. This will help us tailor our approach during interviews and show that we’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to supporting pupils with social and emotional needs. We want to come across as confident and passionate!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Pupil Support Assistants or teachers in the area. They can provide insights into the role and might even give us a heads-up on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that we’re serious about joining the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service team.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Assistant - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Pupil Support Assistant. We want to see your passion for inclusive practice and supporting children with social, emotional, and behavioural needs!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, share any relevant experiences you’ve had that demonstrate your ability to support pupils. Whether it’s volunteering, tutoring, or personal experiences, we love to see how you can contribute to our Inclusion and Wellbeing Service.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for individuals who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. Don’t be afraid to share your motivations and what drives you to apply for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Pupil Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service's goals, especially how they support children facing social and emotional barriers. This will help you demonstrate your passion for inclusive practice during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you don't have formal qualifications, think about any relevant experiences you've had. Whether it's volunteering, working with children, or personal experiences that relate to social justice, be ready to share specific examples that highlight your commitment to nurturing and supporting vulnerable children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support bilingual learners. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be honest about your motivations for applying and your approach to supporting children. The interviewers are looking for someone who fits well within their team, so let your personality shine through while discussing your passion for education and inclusion.
