At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs and help them thrive in their learning environment.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council and make a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Empower students and promote inclusion while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Basic literacy and numeracy, experience with children, and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 19229 - 19229 £ per year.
Learning assistants within our ASN Provisions will support pupils with complex additional support needs by working with individuals or small groups as directed by the class teacher. They will help pupils to access their curriculum as well as deliver activities that develop their personal and social skills, e.g. by encouraging pupils to remain engaged in their learning or supporting them if they are in distress. Our learning assistants will also assist and supervise pupils to use assistive technology where required. A large part of the role will be to support pupils in a variety of personal tasks and provide direct physical assistance, e.g. moving and positioning pupils where mobility is restricted. After appropriate training, learning assistants will also support pupils with physical and/or medical needs, e.g. the administration of medication as well as any other appropriate duties assigned by the class teacher or Head Teacher.
Knowledge
Evidence of basic literacy and numeracy at Standard Grade General level or SVQ2 in Early Years Care and Education, or National Certificate unit in Childcare & Education, or equivalent competency, to enable the jobholder to communicate effectively with staff and pupils, and provide sensitive support. The jobholder must be familiar with child development and able to respond to the needs of individual pupils. Jobholders should have previous experience of working in this field of work. To be fully competent in the role, jobholders will be required to undertake additional training courses, e.g. first aid, calm techniques etc.
If the post is within a Nursery Environment then the Jobholder must be registered with or obtain membership with the SSSC within 6 months of appointment. In order to register, you must currently hold the relevant qualifications or be willing to work towards attaining these qualifications within the first year of registration.
Requirements
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
Additional Information: If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@ to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
ASN Learning Assistant: Empower Students & Inclusion in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its staff. As a Learning Assistant at Lawfield Primary School, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional support needs but also benefit from ongoing training and professional development. The council values employee growth and offers a collaborative culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASN Learning Assistant: Empower Students & Inclusion in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Lawfield Primary School and understand their approach to supporting pupils with additional support needs. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Learning Assistant, you'll need to connect with both pupils and teachers. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable discussing how you'd handle various situations in the classroom.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your experience! Be ready to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to support students with complex needs. Think about times when you helped someone overcome a challenge or used assistive technology effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join our team. By applying directly on our site, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace ASN Learning Assistant: Empower Students & Inclusion in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with additional support needs 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 in working with children or individuals with complex needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as this helps us understand your fit for the role quickly.
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 the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Learning Assistant in ASN provisions. Familiarise yourself with how to support pupils with complex needs, and think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to engage and assist students effectively.
✨Show Empathy and Patience
During the interview, highlight your ability to connect with students on a personal level. Share stories that showcase your patience and understanding, especially when dealing with pupils in distress or those requiring physical assistance.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving pupils with additional support needs. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and your approach to using assistive technology.
✨Highlight Your Qualifications
Be ready to discuss your qualifications and any relevant training you've completed, such as first aid or calm techniques. If you have experience working in similar roles, make sure to mention it, as this will show your commitment to professional development and readiness for the position.
