At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in learning, build relationships, and encourage independence.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health and wellbeing support, discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Fixed term role until August 2027 with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: SCQF Level 4 or equivalent, experience with children, especially those with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 11423 - 12130 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Learning Assistant based across Sanquhar Academy Cluster within Sanquhar Primary School. This post is for 16.5 hours per week over 39 weeks per year. This position is Fixed Term until August 2027. 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 membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland), 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: Steve Beattie, Headteacher, email: gw22beattiesteven@ea.dumgal.sch.uk
Learning Assistant - DGA13331 employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the health and wellbeing of its employees. With access to a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts on everyday essentials, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and professional development opportunities, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. The council values diversity and inclusion, making it a welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Assistant - DGA13331
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Learning Assistant. We want to show them that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for supporting children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant - DGA13331
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people 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 if you've worked with children or those 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 avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the Learning Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered 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 will help you feel more confident.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the school’s approach to supporting children with additional needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
