George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Pupil Support Assistant in our Additional Support for Learning Department within our Senior School. To provide dedicated classroom support, as well as personalised, holistic one-to-one and/or small group assistance, to pupils with a wide range of additional needs—whether physical, emotional, social, behavioural, or related to learning. The goal is to ensure every pupil has access to a rich and fulfilling educational experience within the School.The role also involves offering direct support to assigned pupils across all school activities, while promoting their independence and safeguarding their dignity at all times. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please click the apply for this job 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 Mrs Louise Clarke, Head of Senior School. Please indicate in your letter if your preference is for full or part time working. Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to vacancies@gwc.org.uk If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website. Closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 28 May 2025 Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 10 June 2025Package DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Contract Type: Permanent, Full or Part Time, Term Time (44 weeks per year) Salary: £26,301 - £29,351 (based on 36.25 hours and 52 weeks). The salary will be pro-rated for part time and term time working. Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)Main ResponsibilitiesSupporting Learning and Teaching Activities:To support excellent standards of learning and teaching and encourage independence and improvement by recognising and responding to the unique needs and developmental requirements of each child.To assist teaching staff in supporting pupils with specific learning needs to access the curriculum and promote inclusion and accessibility to the school experience.As directed by the teacher, and depending on the particular needs of each student, this may include a range of tasks such as:helping them with their organisation of classroom work and participation in learning activities, including managing behaviour and keeping them on task preparing for classroom activities and setting up learning support materials, technology and equipment helping students understand verbal or written instructions or explaining/reinforcing key learning pointsreading, taking notes or scribing for students in class or during examssupporting them with communication and discussion work, including the use of augmentative communication equipment, if appropriateproviding feedback to the pupil to maintain motivation and enhance self-esteem Supporting personal care, mobility and health and welfare needs:To attend to the individual personal care, health and medical needs of pupils, assisting them in maintaining a safe, health and hygienic environment whilst at School, enabling them to function at their full potential.To support individual care plans and health and safety requirements for students by helping with a range of planned procedures such as emergency/fire evacuations, anticipated medical emergencies (e.g. asthma), Depending on the particular needs of each student and their learning/care plan, this may include a range of tasks such as:supporting and promoting independence to students making use of wheelchairs or walking aids, visual and hearing aids etcescorting them to/from class and settling them in the learning environment Supporting behavioural and emotional needs:To support and reinforce positive behaviour management strategies for each allocated student, guiding their behaviour and helping them to demonstrate good standards of conduct in line with School policies and routines (e.g. timekeeping, homework, dress code, dignity and respect).To support a range of behavioural and emotional needs, for example, by offering praise and encouragement to pupils, assisting them in building and maintaining trust, supporting their ability to make choices, promoting positive interaction and cooperative working with other pupils, acknowledging feelings and supporting appropriate expression of emotions, etc.To help teachers in maintaining any associated records of behavioural patterns, observations of changes in behaviour, welfare concerns etc.To provide a range of support to students participating in learning and teaching activities outwith the classroom, e.g. recreational/social activities, drama or music rehearsals or shows, school trips, and swimming and sport/PE lessons etc. Supporting administration, planning and review activities:To contribute to supporting teachers with the collection and maintenance of information, as required.As directed by teaching staff, contribute to planning and reporting review meetings for students with additional support for learning needs.To positively interact with parents and carers and respond to their comments, suggestions or concerns, ensuring onward communication of information to relevant teaching or other support staff in line with appropriate confidentiality requirements.To carry out other reasonable ad hoc duties as directed by members of the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) or School management team.To participate positively in team meetings and in appropriate continuous professional development events for ASL staff by attending training courses, giving and receiving feedback, maintaining knowledge etc.The Ideal CandidateEssential:Previous demonstrable experience in a similar role supporting individual pupils with learning and physical needsAppropriate academic qualifications that would enable successful support as a scribeGood oral and written communication skillsGood interpersonal and listening skillsGood planning and organisational skillsCompetent in use of technology, Microsoft Office, Google etcHighly empathy and patientProactive and intuitiveAdaptable and resilient to cope with the demands of roleFlexibility to provide cover as required for trips, outings, evening rehearsals/showsDesirable:Experience in an educational or learning settingA related qualification such as an HNC Childhood Practice, SVQ Social Services, or equivalent in a Care related subject About the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
