Junior School Assistants

Fixed Term ContractGeorge 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) SupplyWe 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 2025Main 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 staffTo 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 organised 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 WellbeingTo 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 TimesTo 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 OperationalTo 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 abilityGood oral and written communication skillsAbility 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 roleAn excellent working knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence and its three pillars of Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing Sound knowledge of Child Protection proceduresInitiativeResilienceFlexibility and adaptability to work with different age ranges across the SchoolTo 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