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- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their education and daily activities.
- Company: Hamnavoe Primary School offers a nurturing environment for primary education in Burra, Shetland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, paid holidays, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a beautiful, vibrant location.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; both qualified and unqualified candidates are welcome to apply.
- Other info: Positions available are part-time, with opportunities for permanent or temporary roles.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Advertisement Details
To assist in the management and education of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN).
A Learning Support Workermay be asked to work with any child or group of children either within a department or within a mainstream class. They may be asked to work alongside and with specific guidance from any teacher within a School. Work around an individual child may be based on an individualised education programme. This programme is followed by all staff working with the child / young person and may involve working with professionals and therapists e.g. Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Child Psychologist, etc.
More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.
Hamnavoe Primary School is located in Hamnavoe, Burra. It provides primary education to children from P1-7. The structure of the school is 4 classes all of these are composite classes. There are currently 70 pupils on the roll. The school is managed by a teaching Head Teacher. The current staffing complement is 4 class teachers assisted by support staff as required to meet pupil needs. The current Head Teacher is Mrs Helen Robertson who would be very happy to discuss the post further with you. The school phone number is 01595807440. Further information about the school can be found on the school\’s website at
Additional Information
- The grade of this post is F/G
- Please note that this job is not Career Graded. What this means is that a successful candidate would be employed as either a Qualified or Unqualified Learning Support Worker. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed to determine whether they meet the person specification criteria of the qualified or unqualified Learning Support Worker role. This would determine the salary/rate of pay, as well as what duties would be expected of the post holder during their employment. The Job Profile documents at the end of this advertisement describe the qualified and unqualified roles in more detail.
- Rate of pay shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £1.4808 per hour
- 1 x Permanent Part Time post for 15 hours per week
- 1 x Temporary Part Time post for 5 hours per week until 12 April 2026.
- The posts are 39 weeks per year plus 6.24 weeks (pro rata) paid holiday to be taken during school holidays.
- Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made
- This vacancy does not meet Home Office rules for UK visa sponsorship. Please only apply if you do not require UK visa sponsorship.
- A relocation package does not apply to this post
- We will pay interview expenses from within Shetland
- We are happy to talk flexible working
During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.
This post is based at Hamnavoe Primary School, Burra, Shetland.
For further details relating to this post, please contact: Helen Robertson, Head Teacher on 01595807440 or e-mail helenrobertson@
If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.
Information about Shetland
Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you\’ll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland\’s impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
Find out more about:
Living and working in Shetland: here
The Shetland Islands Council: here
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Learning Support Workers (Permanent & Temporary) - Hamnavoe Primary School - SIC08152. Job in S[...] employer: Shetland Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Shetland Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Workers (Permanent & Temporary) - Hamnavoe Primary School - SIC08152. Job in S[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional support needs (ASN). Understanding the various types of ASN and how they affect learning will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former Learning Support Workers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which you can reference when discussing your interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals, such as therapists. Highlighting your teamwork skills and adaptability will show that you can effectively contribute to the educational environment at Hamnavoe Primary School.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting Hamnavoe Primary School or contacting the Head Teacher, Helen Robertson, for an informal chat. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and allows you to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Workers (Permanent & Temporary) - Hamnavoe Primary School - SIC08152. Job in S[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Worker and how your skills align with the needs of children with additional support needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that relate specifically to supporting children with additional needs. Include any previous roles in education or care settings, and emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your understanding of their unique needs. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capability to assist in educational settings.
Prepare for References: Identify two referees who can vouch for your suitability for the role. Ensure they are not related to you and inform them in advance that they may be contacted regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shetland Islands Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional support needs and how you can assist them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's working with children, in educational settings, or with specific therapies. Highlight your ability to adapt and work alongside teachers and other professionals.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to supporting children with ASN or how they measure success in their programmes.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
During the interview, convey your understanding of the challenges faced by children with additional support needs. Share examples that demonstrate your empathy, patience, and commitment to helping these children thrive.
