At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs and assist in their development.
- Company: Midlothian Council, dedicated to improving services for children and young people.
- Benefits: Permanent position, competitive salary, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a transformative team focused on positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with special needs and relevant certifications required.
The predicted salary is between 21637 - 21637 £ per year.
Knowledge
Evidence of basic literacy and numeracy at Standard Grade level or SVQ2 in Early Years Care and Education, or National Certificate unit in Childcare & Education or equivalent competency is essential, to enable the jobholder to communicate effectively with staff and pupils, and provide sensitive support. The Jobholder must be familiar with child development and be able to respond to the needs of individual special need pupils. It is essential that Jobholders have previous experience of working in this field supporting clients with special needs, administering medication and providing personal and intimate care. It is essential that the Jobholder also has certificates in manual handling, food hygiene, body spills and basic emergency first aid. Once in post the Jobholder is required to undertake additional training courses such as Move, Calm, sing a long and on-going training provided from the Therapist for individual pupils.
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@midlothian.gov.uk 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. Thank you for your patience in this matter. 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.
Learning Assistant ASN - Saltersgate - AUGUST 2026 START - MID07481 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Assistant ASN - Saltersgate - AUGUST 2026 START - MID07481 in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Saltersgate and understand their approach to supporting special needs. This will help us tailor our conversation during the interview and show that we’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! We should prepare for common interview questions related to child development and support for special needs. Role-playing with a friend can help us feel more confident when it’s our turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our experience! When discussing our background, let’s highlight specific examples of how we’ve supported children with special needs in the past. Real-life stories can make a big impact on interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of the interview, we should have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role or the team. This shows that we’re engaged and eager to be part of the Saltersgate community.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant ASN - Saltersgate - AUGUST 2026 START - MID07481 in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as any relevant qualifications like SVQ2 in Early Years Care and Education. We want to see how you can communicate effectively with both staff and pupils!
Experience Matters: Don’t forget to mention your previous experience working with special needs pupils. Share specific examples of how you've provided support, administered medication, or offered personal care. This will really help us understand your background.
Certifications Count: List any certifications you have, such as manual handling, food hygiene, and first aid. These are essential for the role, so make sure we know you’ve got them covered!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on child development principles and the specific needs of special needs pupils. Familiarise yourself with the essential qualifications mentioned in the job description, like manual handling and first aid, so you can confidently discuss your relevant experience.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with children and understand their unique needs. Share examples from your past experiences where you've provided sensitive support or adapted your approach to meet individual requirements.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving special needs pupils. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training opportunities available, such as the Move and Calm courses. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow in the role, which is a big plus for any employer.