The City of Edinburgh Council are looking to recruit a Pupil Support Assistant based in the Wellbeing Hub of Wester Hailes High School.
The post is fixed term until 28 June 2023, working part-time 27.5 hours per week during term time, with a salary of £19,687 – £19,969 (pro rata for part time and sessional).
We are seeking an inspiring Pupil Support Assistant to work with our Support for Learning team and in our Wellbeing Hub. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment where positive relationships can help young people achieve their potential, and they will understand the importance of developing social, emotional and communication skills as well as academic learning.
Major Tasks
Under the direction and supervision of teaching or nominated staff, the post holder will be required to support pupils in the classroom and throughout the school learning environment through organised activities, providing support, assistance and encouragement to help each individual child achieve the best learning outcomes possible. Accordingly, a range of tasks may be delegated to Pupil Support Assistants. It is not intended as a complete list of tasks that a Pupil Support Assistant could perform, nor is it intended that a single Pupil Support Assistant would be able to take on all these tasks.
Job Activities
- Support for Effective Learning and Teaching
- developing good teamwork with teaching and other staff who are supporting pupils;
- providing support to teachers and pupils in classroom learning/work as planned as part of the teacher’s programme; e.g. supporting language, maths, health and well being and general class activities;
- assisting in supporting pupil’s attainment through practical help (e.g. reading and basic scribing) and through implementation of planned programmes;
- supervising and supporting groups in follow-up tasks set by the teacher, to allow the teacher quality teaching time with other pupils;
- supporting pupils working together to encourage teamwork and co-operation e.g. playing games which have practice skills, encouraging sharing, turn taking and co-operation;
- assisting in the use of play and craft activities;
- encouraging pupil’s oral language development through play, books, stories and personal interaction;
- providing help to pupils in organising their work and to follow instructions;
- helping with tasks where there are physical difficulties, whilst encouraging independence and ensuring safety and comfort;
- supervising and escorting pupils within and out with the premises as part of their learning activities e.g. between classrooms, play activities, on educational/shopping trips, swimming lessons, sports events and also to home or hospital;
- assisting pupils with computer software and equipment;
- assisting in providing relevant information through record keeping, attendance at appropriate meetings as designated by the head teacher as nominated staff member and contributing to the on going review of pupil programmes;
- supporting the class teacher in utilising the strategies required;
- assisting in supporting record keeping by e.g. completing checklists of tasks diaries with individual pupils;
- noting behavioural and health and welfare needs of pupils and bringing them to the attention of the class teacher;
Secondary only
- Assisting in supporting pupil’s attainment through practical help e.g. reading and scribing tests, prelims, and exams including all SQA qualifications for pupils with special assessment arrangements
Care and Welfare of Pupils
- within an agreed framework, assisting in implementing the school’s or early years improving relationships and behaviour management policy;
- working as part of the school staff, ensuring the ongoing health, safety and welfare of the pupils including liaising with parents, professional agencies and individuals and bringing any matters concerning child protection to the attention of the teaching staff in accordance with school procedures and guidelines;
- supporting positive behaviour and encouraging acceptable choices; assisting the teacher in provision of a high level of individual and personal care to pupils with additional support needs e.g. feeding, toileting, changing, dressing, walking pupils, applying medical aids, assisting pupils with specialist apparatus by means of an agreed individualised school care plan;
- administrative elements of pupil welfare requirements, including supporting with routine documentation and information dispersal, providing comfort and care for minor accidents, upsets or ailments e.g. cuts and bruises (reporting to teaching staff if considered serious);
- assisting in the supervision of pupils on arrival and departure from school and during break times and lunch periods, returning children home on occasion;
- supervising pupils in non-teaching areas e.g. corridors, cloakrooms, tuck shops, dining rooms, playgrounds;
- following standard procedures for risk assessment within and out with the classroom environment when required for e.g. games, sport, gardening and out-of-school activities and escalate any concerns to teaching staff;
Meeting Learning Needs (inclusion)
- Assisting in programmes for pupils moving into mainstream schools and other specialist provision e.g. supervising and escorting the pupil to the receiving school, assisting with allocated tasks, encouraging the pupil to participate in group activities.
- Participating in appropriate professional staff development opportunities, in service, refresher training as deemed appropriate.
You can read the full job advertisement and apply for the post online here. The closing date for applications is 18 October 2022.
