At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in their development and learning within a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: East Calder Primary School, a well-respected community-focused school.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a growing school with excellent community ties.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of child development and willingness to register with the SSSC.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
26 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, Fixed Term until 11 April 2027.
West Lothian Council reserve the right to close this post early depending on applicant response levels. We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
East Calder Primary School is a non-denominational school serving the village of East Calder and the surrounding community. The school sits within the West Calder High School cluster. At present, the total school roll is 370 pupils including a nursery provision for up to 74 children in the morning/afternoon and full day sessions. There is a growing school role due to the number of new houses being built within the community. The school works very closely with the West Calder High School cluster schools. There are well developed and mutually successful and supportive partnership links with local community groups and businesses. The school and ELC have earned a very good reputation within the community and are both very well supported by the parent council and the wider parent forum.
At East Calder Primary, you will become part of a hardworking and committed staff team. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Pupil Support Worker to join the team in the nursery. The successful candidate will work as part of a forward-thinking team, bringing a sound knowledge of child development and additional support needs. The nursery is open 50 weeks per year and staff work flexibly across the opening hours. The hours for this post are worked Monday - Friday.
This position requires registration with the Scottish Social Services Council. The successful candidate will have three months from commencement in this post to register with the SSSC and to start working towards a relevant qualification within a 5 year period. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.
For further information please contact Betty Skinner, ELC Area Support Manager e-mail: elizabeth.skinner@westlothian.org.uk
Pupil Support Worker, East Calder Primary School, 505.75 - WEL10500 employer: West Lothian Council
East Calder Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and community engagement. As a Pupil Support Worker, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to fostering child development and addressing additional support needs, with ample opportunities for professional growth and training. Located in a thriving community, the school enjoys strong partnerships with local groups and businesses, ensuring a rewarding and impactful experience for all staff members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker, East Calder Primary School, 505.75 - WEL10500
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at West Lothian Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from West Lothian Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like West Lothian Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at West Lothian Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Worker, East Calder Primary School, 505.75 - WEL10500
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to West Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Lothian Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
