At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in learning, build confidence, and create a positive classroom environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children with additional support needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a fulfilling role in a certified 'Great Place to Work' environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Kindness, patience, and a commitment to supporting children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 21600 € per year.
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Location: Gilmourbanks Ltd, Parkfoot, Lochmaben, DG11 1RW
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: £20,487.87 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our team and help pupils thrive at both our Maben and Closeburn Schools.
About the Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work as part of the education team to support pupils to access learning, build regulation, and develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve. You will play a key role in supporting learning activities, delivering targeted support, and helping create calm, purposeful learning environments.
Key responsibilities:
- Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups, under the direction of teaching staff, to reduce barriers to learning and increase engagement.
- Help implement individualised plans (e.g., learning targets, wellbeing/behaviour support plans), contributing observations that support review and progress.
- Use AAD/TIP approaches to support co-regulation, transitions, routines and emotionally safe learning experiences.
- Support communication and interaction using consistent, autism‑informed strategies.
- Provide practical support in the classroom (preparing resources, adapting tasks, supporting organisation and readiness to learn).
- Work closely with colleagues across education/care/clinical teams, contributing to consistent approaches across the school day.
- Maintain clear, professional records as required and handle information appropriately in line with confidentiality and safeguarding.
- Support with transport.
- Support where needed in the home.
Who we’re looking for:
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes and wellbeing for children and young people with additional support needs.
- Kindness, patience, empathy and the ability to build trusted relationships.
- Confidence supporting pupils who may present with distressed behaviour, using calm, consistent and restorative responses aligned with TIP.
- Experience supporting children/young people with ASN (particularly ASC/SEMH/trauma) — desirable, not essential if you bring the right values and transferable skills.
- Flexibility, teamwork and a solution‑focused mindset, including the ability to work across both sites when required.
About Us
Holistic Childcare & Education provides specialist education residential care for children and young people with a range of additional support needs, including Autism/ASC, social, emotional and mental health needs, and those who have experienced developmental trauma. Across both schools, learning is aligned with Curriculum for Excellence, with an emphasis on wellbeing, literacy and numeracy, and highly personalised pathways that help young people re‑engage with learning and progress to positive outcomes. We also benefit from multi‑disciplinary and clinical input (e.g., Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and wider specialist support), helping us put the right support around each learner.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence‑based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us:
- We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.
- We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.
- All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Learning Support Assistant in Lochmaben employer: Acorn Care and Education
At Outcomes First Group, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and rewarding employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with additional support needs. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, while our comprehensive benefits package ensures that your wellbeing is prioritised. Join us in Lochmaben, where every day offers the chance to make a real difference in a nurturing environment that values kindness, empathy, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Lochmaben
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Learning Support Assistants and ask them about their experiences. They might have insider tips or even know of job openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching OFG and understanding their values. Show us how your passion for supporting children with additional needs aligns with our mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to the role. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. We want to hear your stories that showcase your ability to support pupils effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Gilmourbanks Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Lochmaben
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people with additional support needs. Share any relevant experiences or personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualities we’re looking for. Highlight your experience with autism-informed strategies and how you can contribute to creating calm, purposeful learning environments.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like supporting pupils 1:1 and implementing individualised plans. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
Since this role requires kindness and the ability to build trusted relationships, think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and patience. Be ready to share specific stories that highlight how you’ve supported children or young people, especially those with additional support needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a pupil with distressed behaviour. Practise your responses using the TIP approach, focusing on calm and restorative methods. This will show that you’re not only aware of the challenges but also equipped to handle them effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for staff, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
