At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching staff and pupils in a vibrant Junior School environment.
- Company: Join the welcoming community at George Heriot’s School.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team where your contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience working with children and explore a future in teaching or childcare.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children; registration with SSSC preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are seeking to recruit enthusiastic and responsible Junior School Support Assistants to provide ancillary support for Teaching staff and pupils within our Junior School from August 2026-June 2027. One role will be 16 hours per week, Term-Time only, Wednesday-Friday from 7.30am-12.45pm. One role will be 27 hours per week, Term-Time only, Monday-Thursday 7.30am-12.45pm & Friday 7.30am-2.00pm.
The Junior School Support Assistant is intended to provide the opportunity for an individual to gain experience of working with children in a formal setting. Interested candidates may therefore include those wishing to pursue a future career in teaching or childcare related discipline.
Main Responsibilities
Please see attached job description for details.
Ideal Candidate
As the position involves working with children of nursery age, we are ideally seeking candidates who are eligible for registration with the SSSC. However, a willingness to undertake registration is essential, where registration is not currently held.
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus.
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of the school - distributing kindness, support, and generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school.
Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Continued professional development opportunities
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
At George Heriot's School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer enhanced benefits such as professional development opportunities, family-friendly policies, and a vibrant community spirit that encourages collaboration and growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
Contact Details:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your friends, family, or even former teachers who might have connections in the education sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Junior School Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and ethos. Show us how you align with our motto of 'distribute chearfullie' and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for both staff and pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to working with children. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated patience, creativity, and teamwork. We want to see how you handle real-life situations in a school setting!
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Heriot’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see that you're excited about the role and ready to contribute to our supportive environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for in a Junior School Support Assistant.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Junior School Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how you can support teaching staff and pupils, and think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to do this.
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or previous roles. This will show that you genuinely care about their welfare and education, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss safeguarding and child protection. Familiarise yourself with the basics of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and be prepared to explain how you would ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school’s approach to supporting staff development or how they foster a positive environment for both staff and students. This shows your interest in being part of their community and your commitment to professional growth.
