At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with communication needs and assist in their personal care.
- Company: Rowanfield School, a vibrant community focused on special education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, rewarding work, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with unique challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with communication disabilities and a creative approach.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to inclusive education and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 26337 - 28835 £ per year.
Salary: £26,337-£28,835 (pro-rata for part time and sessional)
Hours: 27.5 per week, 39 weeks sessional
Assisting learners with intellectual and/or communication needs. 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 wide area with pupils travelling from across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Pupils are placed in school following a referral to The Education Placement Group (EPG).
Our school community has a neurodivergent population of 9 classes. 6 classes (Willow & Hawthorn) have pupils with a range of Social & Emotional needs and 3 classes (Sycamore) have learners with intellectual and/or communication needs. The Sycamore team opened in 2020 and is predominantly for pupils with complex language and communication difficulties such as Autism and Intellectual disabilities. Many of the learners are nonspeaking and use gesture, body language, visual symbols and Signalong to communicate. Some learners need support with all aspects of personal care.
There are 12 teaching staff (including HT, DHT & 2PTs) supported by 25 support staff including Pupil Support Assistants, Early Years Practitioners, Pupil Support Officers, Administrator, and Business Manager. We work closely with Allied Health Professionals and outside agencies such as NHS SLT, Spartans, CAMHS, Youth Music Initiative, Drake Music & Queen Margaret University.
We are looking to recruit a Pupil Support Worker with experience in the following areas:
- Working one to one with children who have a high level of need, including none or minimally verbal learners
- Working with children with intellectual and communication disabilities
- Using communication tools such as visuals, Signalong or AAC
- De-escalation of challenging behaviour
Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a sense of humour, be able to think creatively, work well in a team and be ready for the most rewarding of challenges.
Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Contact Detail:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Rowanfield School and its values. Understanding their approach to supporting neurodivergent learners will help you tailor your conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff. Reach out on LinkedIn or through local education forums. They can provide insider tips on what the school is really looking for in a Pupil Support Worker.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific situations with learners who have communication needs or challenging behaviours. Being ready to discuss these will show your hands-on approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting learners with additional needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children who have communication difficulties or intellectual disabilities. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Know Your Learners
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific needs of the pupils at Rowanfield School. Familiarise yourself with communication tools like Signalong and AAC, as well as strategies for supporting children with intellectual and communication disabilities. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked one-on-one with children who have high levels of need. Highlight any instances where you’ve used creative approaches or humour to engage learners, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in a team setting, especially with other support staff or professionals. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to their school community.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as de-escalating challenging behaviour. Prepare responses on how you would handle these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is ready for the challenges ahead.
