At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupil learning and promote positive relationships in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Calderwood Primary School, a modern and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Fixed term contract, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in a state-of-the-art learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to register with the SSSC.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Advert 27.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, Fixed Term until 4 January 2027 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.
The state of the art nursery and primary school in Calderwood, East Calder opened in August 2021 and provides non-denominational education for primary and nursery pupils.
The new school was required to cope with increasing demand in the growing Calderwood Core Development Area which will see a significant number of new homes being built over the next ten years.
The school currently has 23 classes (know as clans) and a large nursery.
The Senior Leadership Team is made up of a Head Teacher, Depute Head and three Principal Teachers.
All staff at Calderwood Primary and Nursery are highly developed at establishing and building relationships with children, families, the staff team and local community.
Staff utilise the unique and flexible learning environment that Calderwood provides to deliver innovative, creative, agile learning and teaching approaches, ensuring they meet the needs of all our children.
Digital and outdoor learning opportunities are embedded throughout the experiences they provide.
This video will give you an idea the design of the building and the learning and teaching possibilities: https://vimeo. com/684310617 We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable individual to join our support team to support learning and teaching.
Under the teacher’s direction they will work within the learning environment to support pupil learning, organise resources and carry out duties relating to pupil pastoral support.
They will promote an ethos of achievement through the development of positive relationships and will have due regard for the health and safety of the young people they are working with.
Pupil support workers liaise with teaching staff and leadership team to utilise the unique and flexible learning environment that Calderwood Primary provides to support with the delivery of innovative, creative, agile learning and teaching approaches, ensuring they meet the needs of all our children.
Digital and outdoor opportunities are embedded throughout learning experiences.
The hours are: Monday – Thursday: 8:45am - 3:15pm
Friday: 8:45am – 12:00pm The hope is the successful applicants will also take on safe arrivals 8:25-8:45am and/ or 3:15-3:25pm 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 with 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.
The interviews for this post will be on 24 th June 2026.
For further information please contact Sarah Burton, Headteacher e-mail: sarah. burton@westlothian. org. uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker, Calderwood Primary School, 506.29 - WEL10551 in Mid Calder
✨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, Calderwood Primary School, 506.29 - WEL10551 in Mid Calder
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.
