Play Assistant, Breadalbane Academy, Aberfeldy

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Play Assistant (PKC14007)
£9,758 - £10,194 (16 hours per week, term-time)
Breadalbane Academy, Aberfeldy

We are seeking a fun, caring and enthusiastic individual to join our busy Nursery team and contribute to maintaining the school’s high standards at both departmental and whole-school level.

The successful candidate will work closely with a team of experienced nursery professionals, contributing to the provision of high-quality play experiences and a welcoming, family-style mealtime environment. A caring and nurturing personality is essential for this role.

You will support the lunchtime session, helping to create a safe, calm and nurturing dining experience where children feel comfortable and encouraged to develop positive eating habits and social skills. Alongside this, you will assist in providing high-quality care and contribute to a wide range of stimulating and creative activities tailored to the needs and interests of the children. This will include experiences such as arts and crafts, storytelling, den building, and age-appropriate physical play, all designed to promote engagement, curiosity and enjoyment through play-based learning.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive, inclusive nursery environment, ensuring the wellbeing, safety and development of all children in your care, while following nursery policies and procedures at all times.

Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Skills & Experience Required

Skills & Qualities

• A caring, patient and nurturing personality
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude towards working with young children
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable and committed to maintaining high standards

Whilst no formal entry qualifications are required, the successful candidate will be expected and supported to undertake a childcare qualification. This will not only support them in this role but also provide a pathway to becoming a qualified Early Childhood Practitioner in the future. You will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for Day Care of Children within six months of commencing employment and will be responsible for maintaining your annual membership.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!

Here's what we can offer you:

• A generous annual leave package
• 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
• Eligibility to join our pension scheme
• Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
• Access to a range of benefits
• Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions 

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

All new employees have a four-month probationary period. Further details are available in the FAQs at “How to apply for a job or apprenticeship with us”.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Lynne Lambert, Head Teacher & Campus Leader, via email - Breadalbane@pkc.gov.uk, to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

External candidates are required to provide 2 references, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check and maintain your membership.

If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.