Playground Support Assistant

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff.  Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school.  We value the contribution of all team members.  

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us.  Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged. 

Our reward package includes: 

• Enrolment into generous DC pension (11% employer contribution)
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time 

The Role

The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and responsible individual to join their playground support team from August 2025.  

The Playground Support Assistant works alongside teaching and support colleagues to supervise the pupils in the playground as well as help in the Nursery and Dining Hall at lunch times. 

The Junior School and Nursery operate a Positive Behaviour Policy which encourages children to follow our School Values (Ambition, Compassion, Collaboration, Integrity and Engagement) and rules of ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’. 

Main Responsibilities

Main areas of responsibility may include: 

• To work with colleagues to supervise the children in the school playground (or indoors in very inclement weather as guided by the Head Teacher)
• To support positive interactions through play, encouraging children to uphold the ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ philosophy from the Positive Behaviour Policy, particularly in using playground space and play equipment
• To check playground areas each day for any safety hazards and report these immediately.
• To report any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of the children to the Head Teacher or the responsible Head of Department
• To maintain a good level of discipline in a calm and positive way as detailed in the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy
• To deal with the treatment of any minor injuries occurring in the playground (First Aid Training will be provided)
• To liaise effectively with Class Teachers and members of the School Leadership Team to pass on significant events from playtimes
• In addition, candidates will be expected to support lunch routines in the Dining Hall or Nursery 
• Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the life of the school

The Ideal Candidate

We would like to hear from you if you have: 

• A genuine love of the company of young children
• A positive and upbeat manner
• Patience and empathy
• A willingness to help children play positively and safely
• Great teamwork skills
• Flexibility, and willing to help where required
• Experience of working with or caring for young children
• Good communication skills, able to interact effectively with children, colleagues and parents
• Good observation skills and an understanding of playground safety

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.