Junior School Assistants (Fixed Term Contract and Supply)

Teacheroo; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Scotland is seeking a Junior School Assistant on a fixed term contract from February to June 2026. The role involves supporting teaching staff and caring for students within a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates should possess an SVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare Learning and Development, excellent teamwork, and communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary in the Grade 2 range and benefits including pension scheme enrollment, reduced school fees, and club membership.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment in contributory pension scheme

Reduced school fees for staff's children

Membership of the Galleon Club

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence.
• Sound knowledge of Child Protection procedures.
• Resilience in varying situations.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff and pupils in achieving high quality standards.
• Engage with children's needs respectfully.
• Supervise pupils during break and lunch times.

Skills

Excellent team working ability

Good oral and written communication skills

Ability to use computers

Initiative

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

SVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare Learning and Development

Job description

Fixed Term Contract

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Junior School Assistant on a fixed term basis from February 2026 until June 2026. Junior School Assistants support teaching staff and pupils in order to achieve high quality standards of learning and teaching whilst delivering the overall aims and objectives of the school. In addition, Junior School Assistants provide a nurturing environment that recognises and responds to the needs of each child as a unique individual.

Hours of work will be Monday to Friday 8:15am – 3.30pm with a 30 minute unpaid break, 44 weeks per year (term time plus professional learning days plus seven weeks of annual leave). The salary for this position will be in the Grade 2 range which currently stands at £27,090 - £30,231 per annum (based on 36.25 hours, 52 weeks per year). This equates to £21,231 - £23,815 per annum for 33.75 hours and 44 weeks.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club).

Supply

We would also like to add to our bank of supply Junior School Assistants.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the Apply button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr George Salmond, Head of Junior School. Please indicate in your cover letter if you wish to apply for the fixed term contract, supply position or both.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 26 November 2025.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 9 December 2025.

Main Responsibilities

Pupil and Staff Learning and Teaching Support

• To work as a member of the Junior School Assistant team and contribute to the efficient smooth running of the Lower and Upper Primary.
• To respect and observe children’s rights, taking every opportunity to positively extend children’s thinking and actions.
• To demonstrate Rights Respecting Relationships when guiding children’s behaviour according to organisational policy and procedure.
• To play a part in the constant desire to keep George Watson's College in the forefront of modern education.
• To support the work of pupils as directed by members of teaching staff.
• To prepare resources.
• To display pupils’ work.
• To ensure the smooth running of communal activity areas e.g.: developing educational and purposeful play opportunities.
• To maintain high standards of presentation and hygiene in communal areas.
• To be responsible for groups of children on organized outings and within the school grounds.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by members of the Leadership Team.
• To maintain positive relationships with colleagues and parents, ensuring respect for all.
• To demonstrate initiative and look for ways to assist colleagues.

Pupil Wellbeing

• To interact with children frequently and respectfully in a calm, caring and courteous manner, using restorative and rights respecting language.
• To be available to respond to children’s needs, questions and requests.
• To promote positive self-awareness and self-esteem by supporting individuality and independence, and the ability to make choices.
• To respond to children’s individual development levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests.
• To respond to parent’s comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest and respect.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times and ensure communication of all information to relevant member of staff.

Supervision of Pupil Break and Lunch Times

• To supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• To work with the children in indoor and outdoor areas of the School, maintaining good order and discipline and being aware of safety and health factors at all times.
• To ensure the safety of pupils through dynamic and static risk assessments and ensuring that areas are secure.
• To provide First Aid as required and assist with the care of individual pupils as required.
• To develop a calm and effective ethos in the dining area.
• To play a key role in the planning and evaluation of break time activities.
• To work with children in groups, encouraging cooperation and communication.
• To liaise with appropriate staff on matters of behaviour during break times.

Administrative and Operational

• To participate positively in team meetings, reviews, PRD process and training as required.
• To assist with the ordering, distribution, storage and maintenance of materials and resources.
• To attend meetings and school functions as appropriate and to contribute positively and effectively to the life and welfare of pupils, colleagues, the Junior School and George Watson's College.
• To cover other members of staff as directed by Line Manager.
• To maintain areas of campus security as directed by Line Manager.

Ideal Candidate

Essential criteria

• Excellent team working ability
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to use computers
• Should possess an SVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare Learning and Development (or an equivalent vocational qualification) or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of competency gained through previous work experience in a similar or related role
• An excellent working knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence and its three pillars of Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing
• Sound knowledge of Child Protection procedures
• Initiative
• Resilience
• Flexibility and adaptability to work with different age ranges across the School
• To continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback and reading professional literature

Desirable criteria

• Previous demonstrable experience of working with children, ideally within an educational environment preferably a Junior School.
• Creative and imaginative ability.
• A specialist knowledge, skill or interest (to be used for the education, enjoyment, learning and furtherance of child development e.g. sports coaching, a foreign language, design etc.)

Package Description

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh.

Contract Types: 1 x Fixed Term Contract plus Supply vacancies.