George Watson's College - Pupil Support Assistant (Junior School)

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Pupil Support Assistant (Junior School).

Detail

Location: George Watson’s College

Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time only

Salary: £21,981 - £24,530 per annum for 33.75 hours and 44 weeks.

Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club), access to a wide range of employee benefits.  

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Pupil Support Assistant to join our team within the Junior School. The successful candidate will provide personalised, holistic support to pupils with a range of physical, emotional, social, behavioural and learning needs, enabling them to access learning, participate fully in school life and develop increasing independence.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced, nurturing and highly responsive practitioner who can build positive relationships with children, work closely with teachers and colleagues, and adapt support to the individual needs of pupils. The role will involve supporting pupils across the Junior School, both in and beyond the classroom, while promoting dignity, inclusion, confidence and wellbeing.

Hours of work will be 33.75 hours per week, working Monday to Friday 8:15am – 3:30pm (including a 30 minute unpaid break each day). This position is term time only (36 weeks plus professional learning days). The annual leave entitlement is seven weeks per year making a total of 44 weeks. The salary for this position will be in the Grade 2 range which currently stands at £27,903 - £31,138 per annum (based on 36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). This equates to £21,981 - £24,530 per annum for 33.75 hours and 44 weeks.

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.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 12 November 2026

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 December 2026

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Supporting learning and teaching

• To support high-quality learning and teaching by recognising and responding to the individual needs, strengths and developmental requirements of each pupil.
• To work closely with teaching staff to ensure that pupils with additional support needs can access the curriculum, participate in learning and develop their independence, confidence and resilience.
• As directed by teaching staff and in response to individual pupil needs, responsibilities may include:
  • supporting pupils to engage with learning activities, follow instructions and remain appropriately focused
  • helping pupils organise their work and participate successfully in classroom activities
  • preparing and adapting learning resources, technology and equipment
  • explaining or reinforcing instructions and key learning points
  • reading, taking notes or scribing for pupils in class or during assessments, where required
  • supporting communication and discussion, including the use of augmentative communication equipment where appropriate
  • reinforcing positive behaviour, school values and expectations through calm, consistent and respectful interactions
  • providing encouragement and constructive feedback to promote motivation and self-esteem
  • supporting pupils to develop the skills and confidence to make choices and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

Supporting personal care, health and welfare

• To support the individual personal care, health and medical needs of pupils, helping them to remain safe, healthy and comfortable and to participate fully in school life. 
• To follow individual care plans, risk assessments and health and safety procedures, including supporting planned procedures and emergency arrangements where required. 
• Depending on the needs of individual pupils, this may include:
  • supporting fine and gross motor activities and physical access to learning
  • assisting with toileting, dressing and feeding while promoting independence and dignity
  • supporting pupils with personal care or medical requirements
  • supporting pupils who use wheelchairs, walking aids, visual or hearing aids and other equipment
  • escorting pupils to and from classes and helping them to settle successfully into learning environments.

Supporting wellbeing, behaviour and relationships

• To build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and interact with them in a calm, caring, courteous and respectful manner, using restorative and rights-respecting approaches.
• To support positive behaviour strategies and help pupils develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, cooperation, communication and the ability to make appropriate choices.
• To respond sensitively to pupils' individual developmental, physical and emotional needs and to promote individuality, independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• To observe and communicate relevant information about behaviour, wellbeing or welfare concerns to appropriate members of staff, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• To support pupils in learning and social activities beyond the classroom, including break and lunch periods, recreational activities, performances, school trips, swimming, sport and PE, as appropriate.
• To facilitate or support small-group nurture activities that develop pupils' emotional wellbeing, social skills and confidence.

Supporting the wider Junior School

• To contribute positively to the smooth and effective running of the Junior School and work collaboratively as part of the wider Junior School and Additional Support for Learning teams.
• To prepare, organise and maintain learning resources and contribute to the presentation, safety and hygiene of classroom and communal areas.
• To supervise pupils safely in indoor and outdoor environments, including on organised outings and within the school grounds, following appropriate risk assessment and safeguarding procedures.
• To demonstrate initiative, manage day-to-day tasks effectively and respond flexibly when planned activities or pupil needs change, seeking advice from teaching or leadership staff when required.
• To maintain positive and respectful relationships with colleagues and parents and carers, responding sensitively to comments, questions or concerns and ensuring information is shared appropriately.

Planning, communication and professional development

• To contribute, as appropriate, to individual pupil plans, records of progress, observations and risk assessments, supporting teaching staff with the collection and maintenance of relevant information.
• To contribute to review meetings and planning for pupils with additional support needs as directed by teaching staff.
• To participate positively in team meetings, professional learning, review and PRD processes, giving and receiving feedback and continuing to develop professional knowledge and practice.
• To carry out other reasonable duties as directed by the ASL or Junior School leadership team.

Essential:

• A calm, empathetic, patient and approachable manner, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children.
• A commitment to children's rights, inclusion, safeguarding, confidentiality and the wellbeing of every pupil.
• Previous demonstrable experience of supporting children or young people with additional social, emotional, behavioural, learning or physical needs.
• Initiative, resilience, flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively with different pupils and age ranges.
• Appropriate literacy and communication skills to support pupils effectively, including the ability to scribe where required.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and listening skills.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and respond positively to changing priorities.
• A commitment to professional learning, reflection and continuous improvement. 

Desirable:

• Experience of working within an educational setting, particularly within a Junior School.
• A relevant qualification, such as SVQ Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development or an equivalent vocational qualification, or demonstrable equivalent competency gained through relevant experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of Curriculum for Excellence, particularly Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing.
• Sound knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Experience of supporting pupils with personal care, medical needs, physical access or augmentative communication.
• A specialist knowledge, skill or interest that could enrich pupils' learning and wider experiences, such as sport, languages, creative arts or design.
• Ability to use technology confidently, including Microsoft Office and relevant learning or communication technology.