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- Tasks: Support students with additional learning needs and enhance their skills for life and work.
- Company: Ayrshire College, dedicated to empowering young people through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: HNC level qualification or relevant experience in supporting learners.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on inclusivity and student success.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
35 hours per week
Fixed Term for 9 – 12 months (Maternity Cover)
Ayr Campus (Job holder may be required to work across all campuses, as required)
£28,103 per annum, pro rata
Reference: REQ01027
The HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education) focuses on preparing young people for life, learning and work, delivering a range of courses to support and enhance employability skills, health and wellbeing, enterprise and digital skills.
As an Education Support Assistant, you will support HIVE students with additional and complex learning needs to enable the development of transferable skills, reduce barriers to participation and encourage independence through delivering a full range of learning support activities to assist students who require adaptation to their learning environment. This will involve direct in class support for HIVE students, including scribing, note taking, reading, prompting, proof reading and support with utilising assistive technologies, as well as addressing challenging behaviour as required. You will also provide support outside of the classroom, such as study skills sessions, demonstrating assistive technologies, providing support during breaks, and attend student review meetings to provide feedback on student progress and support transitions to and from HIVE courses.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills, are required in this position to motivate and engage with students, College staff and any external partners where appropriate. You will be qualified to HNC level or equivalent or will have relevant experience applicable to the role. A demonstrable knowledge of current developments and support for learning and an awareness of relevant legislation and government strategies to promote learning and equality for students with additional support needs.
A comprehensive experience of providing support to young people and/or adults with additional support needs is required (preferably within an education or related environment).
Please refer to the person specification for further details on essential and desirable requirements.
Informal enquiries to Gregory Cassidy, Head of Learning & Skills, Supported Learning, HIVE and ESOL, via email.
The closing date for applicants for this vacancy is 11.59pm on Sunday 15 February 2026.
Application Procedure: To apply for the post, please visit the web site and apply online. If you require any assistance, please contact the HR team.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career with Ayrshire College.
Education Support Assistant (1 FTE, Fixed Term, Maternity Cover) in Ayr employer: Ayrshire College
Contact Detail:
Ayrshire College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Support Assistant (1 FTE, Fixed Term, Maternity Cover) in Ayr
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Education Support Assistants and ask about their experiences. They might have insider tips or even know about unadvertised positions that could be perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting students with additional needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've supported students in the past, whether through scribing, note-taking, or using assistive technologies. Real-life stories can make a big impact during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HIVE and making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Support Assistant (1 FTE, Fixed Term, Maternity Cover) in Ayr
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Education Support Assistant. We want to see how you can support HIVE students, so mention any relevant experience you have in education or working with individuals with additional support needs.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must for this role, ensure your application is clear and well-structured. Use concise language and check for any typos or grammatical errors – we want to see your attention to detail!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase your experience in providing support to young people or adults with additional support needs. Whether it’s through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal experiences, let us know how you’ve made a difference in someone’s learning journey.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our HR team for assistance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire College
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Education Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of HIVE students and how you can support their learning. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with students or colleagues in the past. Think about times when you motivated or engaged someone, as these stories will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Assistive Technologies
Be ready to discuss any experience you have with assistive technologies and how they can benefit students with additional support needs. If you’ve used specific tools or strategies before, share those experiences to illustrate your capability in adapting to different learning environments.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Given that addressing challenging behaviour is part of the job, think about how you would handle various situations. Prepare a couple of scenarios where you successfully managed behaviour in a supportive way, showing your ability to maintain a positive learning environment.
