Education Support Worker

Education Support Worker

Final date to receive applications: 9 January 2026

Department: Education

Location: Balerno, Edinburgh

Compensation: £11,793 - £12,081 / year

We are a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis.

We are seeking a dedicated Education Support Worker to join the Harmeny team on a part-time, fixed-term basis, providing one-to-one learning support to a pupil within our primary school. This post is initially for 6 months; the fixed-term nature of the contract is determined by local authority funding and will remain under review, with the possibility of extension following review.

Working closely with the Class Teacher and Education Teams, the Education Support Worker will promote engagement with learning within the classroom and other learning environments, contributing to a culture and ethos within a highly nurturing and supporting environment, providing the secure base the pupil requires to engage in their learning.

Applicants should have a willingness and ability to work with pupils who have additional support needs. We are particularly keen to employ a member of staff who has previous experience of working in a school or care setting. They must be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the pupils and their environment. It is also necessary for the post holder to have a good sense of humour, to be calm under pressure and to be able to put the child or young person at the centre of everything they do.

A driving licence allowing the use of our vehicles is desirable.

The successful candidate will be required to work 17 hours per week (0.48 FTE), Monday to Friday, during term time only.

The role offers a competitive salary of £11,793 to £12,081 per annum (inclusive of a 5% allowance for extra duties in a residential school environment and a payment that represents seven-week annual holiday entitlement). An additional 5% allowance may also be paid depending on qualifications.

Successful applicant will be required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children’s play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available.

We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance and staff development. Benefits include:

• On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
• Access to discounts on shopping and events
• Access to a comprehensive induction package, and to a range of learning and development opportunities throughout their career with us

More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found at

• Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
• Support the Education Management Team (EMT) with the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and Harmeny Strategic Plan.
• Provide learning support within the classroom and other environments, following the guidance of Class Teachers and EMT.
• Support teaching staff with the delivery of the curriculum.
• Provide support to children during transitions within the school, outdoor education / environmental activities and on educational outings.
• Promote children’s engagement with learning, through building positive relationships and encouraging children to remain ‘on-task’.
• Provide support on a one-to-one or group basis as required.
• Encourage positive and appropriate behaviours, through the use of effective strategies that recognise the…