Early Years Assistant (fixed-term contract)

Early Years Assistant

We are seeking a kind, caring, and suitably qualified Early Years Assistant to join the Nursery team at The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery. This role is available from 5th October 2026, and upon confirmation of PVG Scheme membership, and is fixed-term until 19th August 2027.

During term time, you will support the day-to-day operations of the Nursery, working closely with colleagues to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. During school holidays, you will work with our Wraparound Care Holiday Club team, helping to deliver engaging activities and ensuring a high standard of care for our children.

This is a full-year position (not term-time only), working 12.75 hours per week, Wednesday to Friday. The hours of attendance are 09:00–13:30 during term-time and 08:00-12:30 during the holidays, with a 15-minute unpaid break each day. Annual leave will be agreed in advance with the Head of Nursery and the Wraparound Care Centre Manager. Additional hours may be available within the Wraparound Care Team and as part of the Holiday Care provision.

We will review applications and hold interviews as they are received and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Interviews will take place on Monday 7 September 2026 at the Junior School.

Main Responsibilities

The following makes up the key elements of the job, but this is not an exhaustive list of all tasks:

• Under the direction and supervision of teaching or nominated staff, support children from age 2-5 years throughout the learning environment
• Through organised activities, provide support, assistance, and encouragement to help each individual child achieve the best learning and development outcomes possible
• Provide support to teachers, EYPs, and children in all learning environments e.g. supporting all aspects of early learning and development including early language, mathematics, health and wellbeing, snack and lunch routines, and other general early years activities
• Assist children at snack and lunch service and take responsibility for ensuring individual dietary requirements are strictly adhered to
• Assist with preparation and tidying of resources
• Support children to build independence skills and assist children with personal care needs, e.g. toileting, nappy changing, dressing, changing clothes
• Assist in implementing the Nursery’s positive behaviour policy
• Work as part of the school/early years setting staff team, ensuring the ongoing health, safety, and welfare of the children including bringing any matters concerning child protection to the attention of the relevant staff member in accordance with the school’s policy and procedures
• Complete administrative elements of child welfare requirements e.g. routine documentation and information dispersal
• Provide comfort and care for minor accidents, upsets, or ailments e.g. cuts and bruises, and report as necessary
• Participate in appropriate professional staff development opportunities, Inservice days, and refresher training as deemed appropriate
• Set up play equipment in playrooms and outside areas
• As required, clear and clean rooms and resources with other Nursery staff
• Supervise and support children within outdoors early years spaces in all weathers
• Take shared responsibility for the weekly laundry within the Nursery