At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary pupils with autism and complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council's dedicated team at Meadowpark Academy.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, term-time work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent facilities and access to therapeutic services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional support needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with additional support needs and understanding of autism is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 33800 £ 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 - Thursday, 08:25-15:25; Friday, 08:25-12:15. To start August 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed Additional Support Needs Auxiliary (Learning Assistant) to be part of a team at Meadowpark Communication Provision in East Lothian which caters for secondary aged pupils with autism and associated complex needs, who require a highly individualised and adapted approach to teaching and learning. Meadowpark is a nurturing pupil focussed provision that seeks to remove the barriers to learning and engagement that young people with autism and complex needs face, catering for a broad range of learners who find it difficult to access mainstream education.
The provision offers pupils and staff excellent facilities including a sensory room, therapy rooms and generous outdoor space and has access to a wide range of therapeutic services and specialist support. Experience of working with young people with additional support needs is essential, as is a knowledge and understanding of Autism and social/emotional needs. A commitment to ongoing professional development is desirable.
Interviews for this position will take place Monday 22nd June 2026.
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. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
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 CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line 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 on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
ASN Auxiliary - Knox Academy, Meadowpark - EAL12688 employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at Meadowpark Communication Provision. With a strong commitment to professional development and a focus on removing barriers to learning for pupils with additional support needs, employees benefit from excellent facilities and access to specialist support. This role not only provides meaningful engagement with young people but also fosters personal growth within a collaborative team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASN Auxiliary - Knox Academy, Meadowpark - EAL12688
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Meadowpark's website and social media. Understanding their approach to supporting pupils with additional needs will help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on how your past experiences relate to working with young people with autism and complex needs. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to professional development! Be ready to discuss any training or workshops you've attended related to additional support needs. This shows you're proactive and dedicated to improving your skills for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to tailor your responses directly to the job description, making you stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace ASN Auxiliary - Knox Academy, Meadowpark - EAL12688
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you highlight your relevant experience.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the role of Additional Support Needs Auxiliary. We want to see how you can contribute to our team at Meadowpark.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application. Share why you're excited about working with young people with additional support needs and how you can make a difference in their lives. We love to see genuine passion!
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website and complete the online application form fully. Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so take your time to fill out the form and showcase your qualifications and experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and person specification. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with autism and complex needs, as well as the values of the East Lothian Way. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children who have additional support needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, and be ready to explain how those experiences have shaped your approach to supporting young people.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for being part of a team at Meadowpark. Highlight your commitment to collaboration and ongoing professional development. Mention any relevant training or workshops you've attended that demonstrate your dedication to improving your skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the role and the school environment. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also keen to understand how you can contribute to the team and support the pupils effectively.
