Senior Pupil Support Officer - Rowanfield School in Edinburgh

Salary: £34,452-£40,501 (pro rata for part time and sessional)

Hours: 27.5 per week, 39 weeks per year

Opened in 2002, Rowanfield Special School (Primary) is situated in the North of Edinburgh and is part of the Craigroyston High School learning community. The school meets the additional support needs of children from 5-12 years of age with a wide range of barriers to learning. The school serves a large area with pupils travelling from across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Pupils are placed in school following a referral to The Education Placement Group (EPG).

There are 12 teaching staff (including HT, DHT & 2 PTs) supported by 25 support staff including Pupil Support Assistants, Early Years Practitioners, Pupil Support Officers, Administrator and Business Manager. Our current school community has a very neurodivergent population, with 6 classes (Willow & Hawthorn) having pupils with an ever-expanding range of Social & Emotional needs. Many have experienced trauma, have been out of full-time education for extended periods, and have complex barriers to learning. There are 3 communication classes (Sycamore) predominantly for pupils with complex language and communication difficulties such as ASD and Developmental delay. We work closely with Allied Health Professionals and outside agencies such as NHS SLT, Spartans, CAMHS, Youth Music Initiative, Drake Music & Queen Margaret University.

The Senior Pupil Support Officer role will contribute to the training, mentoring, and induction of new support staff. Time will be assigned to these duties, but the role will also involve facilitating Outdoor Learning for individual children and working with partner providers to enhance and build up these experiences. Experience of a nurturing approach for children with SEBN is required. A driving license is essential for the post for driving pupils to activities.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Pupil Support Officer with experience working alongside pupils with a range of needs, understanding the influence adult behaviour has in a school, a track record in building relationships, and being CALM trained (or having similar de-escalation training). Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a sense of humour, be able to think creatively, and be ready for the most rewarding of challenges.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more outwith the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers, and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility into your ways of working.

You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page.

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.