Early Years Assistant (fixed-term contract)

Early Years Assistant (fixed-term contract)

Full-Time 25875 - 31625 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children aged 2-5 in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
  • Company: Join a warm, inclusive community at The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, onsite gym, and discounts on health insurance and retailers.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for additional work in holiday care.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 or willingness to obtain, plus good Maths and English skills.

The predicted salary is between 25875 - 31625 £ per year.

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff.

Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school.

We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work.

Developing our talent is important to us.

Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes

  • Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
  • Access to onsite gym
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
  • Fee discount
  • A three course lunch is provided during term time

We are seeking a kind, caring, and suitably qualified Early Years Assistant to join the Nursery team at The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery.

This role is available from 5th October 2026, and upon confirmation of PVG Scheme membership, and is fixed-term until 19th August 2027.

During term time, you will support the day-to-day operations of the Nursery, working closely with colleagues to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

During school holidays, you will work with our Wraparound Care Holiday Club team, helping to deliver engaging activities and ensuring a high standard of care for our children.

This is a full-year position (not term-time only), working 12.75 hours per week, Wednesday to Friday.

The hours of attendance are 09:00–13:30 during term-time and 08:00-12:30 during the holidays, with a 15-minute unpaid break each day.

Annual leave will be agreed in advance with the Head of Nursery and the Wraparound Care Centre Manager.

Additional hours may be available within the Wraparound Care Team and as part of the Holiday Care provision.

The following makes up the key elements of the job, but this is not an exhaustive list of all tasks:

  • Under the direction and supervision of teaching or nominated staff, support children from age 2-5 years throughout the learning environment
  • Through organised activities, provide support, assistance and encouragement to help each individual child achieve the best learning and development outcomes possible
  • Provide support to teachers, EYPs and children in all learning environments e. g. supporting all aspects of early learning and development including early language, mathematics, health and wellbeing, snack and lunch routines and other general early years activities
  • Assist children at snack and lunch service and take responsibility for ensuring individual dietary requirements are strictly adhered to
  • Assist with preparation and tidying of resources
  • Support children to build independence skills and assist children with personal care needs, e. g. toileting, nappy changing, dressing, changing clothes
  • Assist in implementing the Nursery’s positive behaviour policy
  • Work as part of the school/early years setting staff team, ensuring the ongoing health, safety and welfare of the children including bringing any matters concerning child protection to the attention of the relevant staff member in accordance with the school’s policy and procedures
  • Complete administrative elements of child welfare requirements e. g. routine documentation and information dispersal
  • Provide comfort and care for minor accidents, upsets or ailments e. g. cuts and bruises, and report as necessary
  • Participate in appropriate professional staff development opportunities, Inservice days and refresher training as deemed appropriate
  • Set up play equipment in playrooms and outside areas
  • As required, clear and clean rooms and resources with other Nursery staff
  • Supervise and support children within outdoors early years spaces in all weathers
  • Take shared responsibility for the weekly laundry within the Nursery
  • Will be registered, or eligible to be registered, with SSSC or equivalent, and hold an SVQ Level 2 Qualification or will work towards gaining one within 3 years
  • Will have a good standard of Maths and English to SQA National 5 Level or equivalent, or previous relevant experience
  • Will have good communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Will have good planning and organisational skills
  • Will have excellent interpersonal and team working skills
  • Will have experience of working with young children
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Early Years Assistant (fixed-term contract) employer: The Independent Schools Council

The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery is an exceptional employer, fostering a warm and inclusive community where every staff member's contribution is valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from access to training, a generous pension scheme, and a range of employee perks including discounted health insurance and a three-course lunch during term time. This role not only offers meaningful work with young children but also the opportunity to engage in co-curricular activities, making it a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.

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Contact Details:

The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Assistant (fixed-term contract)

Childcare Skills
Communication Skills
Team Working Skills
Planning and Organisational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Experience with Young Children
Health and Safety Awareness