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, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- 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 five 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.
Learning Assistant (Part-Time, Term Time) — Support & Inclusion in Stranraer employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and the communities they serve. As a Learning Assistant at Sheuchan Primary School, you will benefit from a range of employee growth opportunities, including professional development training, while enjoying a flexible part-time schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance. With access to exclusive discounts, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, and a commitment to equality and diversity, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive 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 (Part-Time, Term Time) — Support & Inclusion in Stranraer
✨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 helping 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
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant (Part-Time, Term Time) — Support & Inclusion in Stranraer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting 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 working with children, especially 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 make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. No need for fluff—just show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, 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, let your passion for helping children shine through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and commitment to making learning enjoyable and accessible for all students, especially those with additional support needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about scenarios where you’ve had to encourage independence or support a child facing challenges, and be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to inclusion and support for Learning Assistants. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
