At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and nurture children's learning in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning ESMS, a pioneering independent school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, free lunches, and access to fitness facilities.
- 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: Be part of a passionate team that values kindness, confidence, and curiosity.
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, depending 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
- Providing pastoral care to the children
The successful candidate will be a kind, enthusiastic, and responsible individual who prioritises the interests of children and works well within a team. They will have experience working with children, possess a recognised childcare qualification, and demonstrate strong organisational skills.
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.
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
We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
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.
Any enquiries about this position should be directed to the Recruitment Team. The closing date for the position is Friday 6 February at 12noon. We anticipate interviews will be held shortly after.
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.
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.
Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Generous holiday allowance
- Generous pension
- Death in service benefit
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Nursery Teacher Assistant employer: Teacheroo
Contact Detail:
Teacheroo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Teacher Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery and its values! Before your interview, take a look at ESMS's mission and values. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for nursery roles, like how you would support children’s learning or handle challenging behaviour. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for childcare! During the interview, share specific examples of your experience working with children. Talk about moments when you made a difference in their learning or wellbeing. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Teacher Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Working with Children: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children 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 Teacher Assistant position. Mention how your skills and experiences align with the key duties outlined in the job description.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised childcare qualification and any other relevant training. This is crucial as it shows you meet the eligibility criteria and are prepared for the role.
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 to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Nursery Teacher Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, 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 Childcare
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on a child's development or well-being. This will demonstrate your commitment to the values of kindness and curiosity that ESMS holds dear.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since this role involves working closely with teachers and other practitioners, be ready to discuss how you collaborate effectively in a team. Think of examples where you've worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a childcare setting. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the nursery's approach to early years education or how they support staff development. Asking questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you a chance to see if the nursery is the right fit for you.