Junior School Classroom Assistant
Salary: Scale Grade 2:1, £24,100.00 per annum pro rata
Actual salary for this role is £18,455.00 per annum
Hours of Work: 1.0 FTE (Term Time Only) - One year fixed term contract. 8.15am - 4.15am
Break(s): 30 minutes unpaid lunch break
Reporting to: Head of Junior School
We're looking for a dedicated Junior School Classroom Assistant to join our team in our new Kindergarten Class supporting 4-5 year olds. You'll be instrumental in supporting the whole child, ensuring both their academic progress and their pastoral care and wellbeing. You will work closely with all teachers and colleagues to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where every pupil can thrive. The Kindergarten class will provide education for up to sixteen 4-5 year olds and will be taught by a fully qualified GTCS registered teacher, as well as specialist teachers in some areas including swimming, PE and music. The classroom assistant will support the pupils in their learning and teachers across the curriculum as well as pupils in Y1-6 during break and lunchtimes. Experience of an Early Years setting or working with younger children is desirable but not essential.
The post will commence on 18 August 2025.
Closing Date for Applications is Monday 23rd June.
Interviews will take place during the week beginning Monday, 23 June.
Core Responsibilities
- Supporting Learning & Development:
- Work closely within the Junior School team to help raise pupil attainment and facilitate access to the curriculum.
- Assist teachers in delivering high-quality primary education, including setting up activities, organising resources, and managing the learning environment.
- Assist class teachers and specialist teachers, including PE, swimming, art, music and drama.
- Provide direct support to individual pupils or small groups to enhance their learning and promote independence.
- Apply effective behaviour management strategies in line with school policy.
- Support learning outside the classroom, including trips, beach school, and visits.
- Utilise ICT to advance pupils' learning.
- Observe pupil performance, feeding back to the class teacher and contributing to assessment and planning.
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing:
- Develop caring and trusting relationships with pupils, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing.
- Administer first aid when necessary and care for children who are upset or have had accidents.
- Undertake supervisory duties during breaks and lunchtimes.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, accidents, and pastoral concerns (Engage Daybook entries).
- Actively promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils by adhering to Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) principles and the school's Child Protection Policy.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Work effectively with class teachers, specialist teachers, and other colleagues to ensure a holistic approach to pupil development.
- Communicate clearly and appropriately with pupils, staff, and parents/carers (under the direction of the class teacher).
- Share insights about pupils with relevant professionals to support informed decision-making regarding interventions and provision.
Professional Development & Safeguarding:
- Commit to continuous professional development, reflecting on your practice and seeking relevant training (including essential EduCare courses).
- Attend INSET days as required.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the PYP Curriculum.
- Adhere strictly to all statutory safeguarding guidance (National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland and GIRFEC) and the school & safeguarding policies.
- Operates within the School’s Professional Code of Conduct, aligned with SCIS and GTCS principles.
Person Specification
Essential Desirable - Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience of working in an Education environment.
- Experience of working with children.
- An understanding of child development and the needs of children.
- Awareness of Health and Safety and Child Protection regulations.
- Proven experience of working as a teaching assistant, particularly in a Junior or Primary School or Early Years setting.
- An understanding of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy and the Learner Profile Attributes.
Education,
Training Qualifications
- Qualifications: SQA Standard Grades or GCSEs in English and Maths.
- SQA Highers or A Levels in relevant subjects.
- Professional qualification in childcare or early education.
Skills Competencies:
- Ability to work independently with initiative and as part of a team.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting children’s learning and well-being.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
- A caring manner with appropriate communication skills to relate to primary aged children.
- Sound IT skills.
- Professional manner and appearance.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 months
Pay: £18,455.00 per day
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- St. Andrews KY16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 2 years (required)
Language:
- English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/06/2025
Reference ID: Jnr Class Ass
Expected start date: 18/08/2025
