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- Tasks: Support children’s learning and provide pastoral care in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join ESMS, a pioneering independent school with a rich educational legacy.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, free lunches, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification required.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 17718 - 20067 £ per year.
The Nursery at ESMS is currently recruiting for a Nursery Teacher Assistant to join the Nursery on a full-time, temporary basis from March 2026 (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks) until 26 June 2026. The hours of work will be Monday to Friday 8:15am to 3pm with 30 minutes unpaid for lunch, a paid working week of 31.25 hours. The salary range for this role is £17,718 to £20,067 per annum. Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience.
The purpose of this role is to support the Class Teachers, Senior Lead Practitioner and Early Years Practitioners. Key duties include:
- Supporting individual and groups of children within the Nursery room, supporting children with their learning and providing pastoral care.
- Assisting Class Teachers, Senior Lead Practitioner and Early Years Practitioners as required.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children.
- Possess a recognised childcare qualification.
- Demonstrate strong organisational skills.
- Be kind, enthusiastic and responsible, prioritising the interests of children and working well within a team.
Eligibility: ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits: Staff are offered a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies, use of the Schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations. Additional benefits listed by ESMS include a wide range of staff offers and services.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity: ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
How to apply: Any enquiries about this position should be directed to the Recruitment Team at recruitment@esms.org.uk. The closing date for the position is Friday 6 February at 12noon. We anticipate interviews will be held shortly after.
About ESMS: Welcome to the ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education. Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity. From virtual reality headsets in the classroom to developing one of the first outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, we are always searching for new ways to develop the whole child. The people that work for us are passionate, pioneering and strive for excellence in everything they do. We value the incredible contributions they make to school life, we invest in their careers and we support their ambitions so that they flourish professionally and personally.
Nursery Assistant employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery environment before your interview. Visit if you can, or check out their website and social media. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to fit their vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice common interview questions related to childcare. Think about how you’d support children’s learning and well-being. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if possible. They can give you insider tips on what the nursery values most in a Nursery Assistant. Plus, it might just give you a leg up in the application process!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s quick and easy, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t forget to follow up after your application to show your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Working with Children: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with kids shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for nurturing and supporting young learners.
Tailor Your Application to the Role: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Nursery Assistant position. Mention your childcare qualifications and any experience you have that aligns with the key duties outlined in the job description.
Be Organised and Clear: Keep your application neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application shows off your strong organisational skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Nursery Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like supporting children’s learning and providing pastoral care. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
During the interview, share specific examples of your experience working with children. Talk about what you love about it and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing young minds.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle certain situations in the nursery. Think about scenarios involving conflict resolution or supporting a child who is struggling. Practising these responses can help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and other practitioners, highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, and don’t forget to mention your strong organisational skills!
