At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
- Company: Join Dunbar Primary School's specialist provision, The Cove.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ per year.
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). Part-time hours / sessional posts will be pro-rated accordingly. Hourly rate of pay: £15.16 - £16.30. This is a 39-week sessional post i.e., working hours will be during school term time plus in-service days.
Days and hours of work:
- Monday, 09:00-15:25
- Tuesday, 09:00-15:25
- Wednesday, 09:00-15:55
- Thursday, 09:00-15:25
- Friday, 09:00-12:25
To start 10th August 2026. Applications will be accepted from those wishing to be considered for this role on a part-time basis. If you are applying for this role on a part-time basis, please tell us in the Additional Information section of the application form.
The Cove is a specialist provision within Dunbar Primary School. Children who attend The Cove have a range of learning and communication needs associated with intellectual disability, autism and other related conditions. From August 2026, The Cove will increase in capacity to nine classes to meet growing demand. As a result, we are seeking to appoint five Additional Support Needs (ASN) Auxiliaries, each working 27.5 hours per week, to join our expanding team. The newly appointed auxiliaries will work in one class across the provision, allowing us to maximise the collective skills, experience and strengths of a larger team. This collaborative approach is central to our ethos in The Cove and supports high-quality learning and care for all children.
The successful candidates will be allocated to one of the Cove's 9 classes, with placements informed by individual experience, skills and areas of expertise, to ensure the strongest possible support for children across the provision. We have high expectations for learning, inclusion and wellbeing and are looking for enthusiastic, motivated staff who are passionate about supporting children with complex additional support needs. We welcome applicants with a range of skills and experience that will complement and strengthen our existing team.
These posts are for 27.5 hours per week, worked over 5 days; however, we are happy to consider applications from candidates who would prefer to work fewer days or reduced hours and welcome discussions around flexible working arrangements.
The successful candidates will:
- Have a willingness to work with children with a range of complex learning, communication and care needs
- Be nurturing, patient and responsive to individual children
- Work effectively as part of a large, multidisciplinary team
- Show flexibility and a commitment to inclusive practice
- Be keen to contribute positively to the ongoing development of The Cove
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established, supportive specialist provision within a mainstream primary school, at an exciting time of growth and development.
Job Details: To provide care and assistance to individuals and small groups of pupils with additional support needs. Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The East Lothian Way: The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.
Job Requirements:
- Relevant Qualifications
- Good standard of general education.
- Experience of working with or caring for children with additional support needs.
- Nursery Only: SSSC registration is an essential requirement of this role. If you are appointed and are not already a member of the relevant section of the SSSC Register, you will be required to apply for registration within 3 months of your start date to ensure that you are registered within the required 6 months.
PVG Membership: This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council. Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made. Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Additional Information: For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo. East Lothian Council Schools: Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/directories/878/schools. If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link: https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us. If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk. Please note: We do not accept CVs (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the online application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the online application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
ASN Auxiliary - 5 Positions Available - Dunbar Primary School (The Cove) - EAL12606 employer: East Lothian Council
Dunbar Primary School offers a nurturing and inclusive work environment, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about supporting children with additional support needs. With a commitment to employee growth and flexible working arrangements, staff are encouraged to develop their skills within a collaborative team dedicated to high-quality learning and care. The Cove's expansion presents a unique opportunity to be part of a supportive community focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASN Auxiliary - 5 Positions Available - Dunbar Primary School (The Cove) - EAL12606
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research Dunbar Primary School and The Cove to understand their values and how they support children with additional needs. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what the team is really looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your patience, flexibility, and teamwork skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Cove. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and passion for supporting children with complex needs!
We think you need these skills to ace ASN Auxiliary - 5 Positions Available - Dunbar Primary School (The Cove) - EAL12606
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what The Cove is all about and what they’re looking for in an ASN Auxiliary. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When filling out the application form, don’t forget to showcase any experience you have working with children, especially those with additional support needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Be Honest About Your Availability:If you’re looking to work part-time or have specific hours in mind, be upfront about it in the Additional Information section. The Cove is open to flexible working arrangements, so don’t hesitate to let them know what works for you!
Complete the Application Form Fully:Make sure you fill out every section of the online application form. Don’t rely on importing data from your CV, as it might not capture everything needed. Take your time to provide detailed answers that reflect your passion for supporting children with complex needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific needs of The Cove. Familiarise yourself with the types of additional support needs the children may have and think about how your skills and experiences align with those requirements.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children who have complex needs. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals or groups, highlighting your nurturing and patient approach.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions based on the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate how you've embodied these values in your previous roles, especially in collaborative settings or when adapting to challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about The Cove's approach to learning and care. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
