We are seeking a kind, caring and suitably qualified Early Years assistant to work as part of the Nursery team for The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery.  

Working under the direction of the Head of Nursery and the Headteacher, your role will be to assist in supporting a child with additional support needs to access the wide variety of nursery experiences and develop independence skills.  

Whilst this is a role covering 26.5 hours and 5 days, we would consider applications for a job share.  

Further details are available from Head of HR at humanresources@edinburghacademy.org.uk or 0131 624 4911.

Please note we aim to interview week commencing 19th June 2023, and reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

The Edinburgh Academy 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 pension 
• Free gym membership 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to several major retailers, holiday, electric car, and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option 
• Fee discount 
• A three-course lunch is provided during term time  

The detail below lists the main responsibilities of this role.  This is not an exhaustive list of tasks: 

• Assist with the care and general wellbeing of a child with additional support needs  
• Assist the development of independence skills including personal hygiene  
• Assist with daily reception of children and their departure at home time  
• Report daily updates to the family 
• Assisting with supervision of children during snack time and lunch time 
• Assisting with outdoor supervision. This includes organising play activities and games  
• Assisting with games/outings/visits on a one-to-one basis 
• Preparation of resources to help with the individual learning plans under the direction of the Head of Nursery 
• Support pupil in the use of technology  
• Other class related work e.g., tidy away equipment, toys, materials etc.  
• Working with an individual child and small groups 
• Assisting in structured play  
• Helping pupils with additional support needs to undertake classroom tasks by responding and adapting 
• Attend or provide information for CPM as appropriate  
• Support the keyworker with child observations and report on progress along with observations on areas requiring support 

E= Essential; D= Desirable 

• Experience of working with children in an Early Years setting (E) 
• Experience of working with children with additional support needs (E) 
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills (E) 
• Demonstrate commitment to the principles of inclusion (E) 
• An understanding of the Early Level curriculum (E) 
• IT literate (E) 
• Additional qualification in Additional Support Needs (D) 
• Experience of working alongside external agencies (D) 

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.