At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in learning, build relationships, and encourage independence.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Access to discounts, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and potential for secondment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: SCQF Level 4 or equivalent and experience with children/young people.
The predicted salary is between 12981 - 13784 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Learning Assistant based within the Stranraer Academy Cluster, working within Sheuchan Primary School. This position is for 18.75 hours per week up to 18 August 2027 working term time over 39 weeks per year. The working pattern for this position is Monday – Friday working 9.00am – 12.45pm.
This position may be suitable for a Secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post on a secondment basis. This position will be reviewed annually as part of the Additional Support for Learning allocation, and you may be required to work within other settings for the duration of this appointment.
As a Learning Assistant, you will build strong and trusting relationships with children and young people. You will help them take part in lessons, encourage independence (even with personal care), support them in learning new skills, and help them make friends. Most importantly, you will help make sure they feel safe, happy, and ready to learn.
We are looking to receive applications from caring, supportive, understanding and committed individuals. You will be required to support children and young people with additional support needs to help them to overcome barriers to their learning and be able to reach their full potential either in Learning Centres or mainstream classes.
The successful candidate must be educated to SCQF Level 4 (e.g. Standard Grade General, National 4) or equivalent, including Numeracy and Literacy or equivalent and experience of working with children and/or young people. Experience of working with children/young people with additional support needs would be advantageous. A willingness to undertake training will be required, as part of our induction and professional development programmes.
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
For further information please contact: Maura McClymont, Headteacher by email: gw08mcclymontmaura@ea.dumgal.sch.uk
Learning Assistant - DGA13303 employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, you will benefit from access to a wide range of discounts, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in Stranraer, where your role as a Learning Assistant will not only foster growth in students but also provide you with a rewarding career path in education.
Contact Detail:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Assistant - DGA13303
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Sheuchan Primary School's website and social media. Understanding their ethos will help you connect your experiences with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on how you can support children with additional needs and share any relevant experiences you have. This will boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about why you want to be a Learning Assistant and how you can make a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re always here to help if you have any questions about the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant - DGA13303
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with children or young people with additional support needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand and directly related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Learning Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to support children with additional needs and think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to build trusting relationships.
✨Show Your Caring Side
During the interview, highlight your caring and supportive nature. Share stories that showcase your commitment to helping children feel safe and happy, as this is crucial for the role. Remember, they want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about scenarios where you encouraged independence or helped a child overcome a learning barrier. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the school environment or the support available for Learning Assistants. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
