At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Paradykes Primary School, committed to positive relationships and child development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming education in Midlothian.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Basic literacy and numeracy skills; experience with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 19229 - 19229 £ per year.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Support for Learning teacher and Senior Leadership Team. The role is extremely varied and involves working with individuals and groups of children, supporting learning experiences, social and emotional development, and adapted curriculum activities. Being outside at playtime and lunchtime is also required, supporting the children with their play activities. The ability to build strong, nurturing relationships is key to us at Paradykes, being positive role models, and calm, consistent, safe adults for our children.
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 3 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.
CLOSING DATE - Monday 15th June 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Thursday 18th June 2026
Weeks per year: 39. Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 27.5 hours over 39 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £19,229.64 per annum.
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.
Locations
Learning Assistant ASN - Paradykes Primary School - MID07546 in Loanhead, Midlothian employer: Midlothian Council
At Paradykes Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both our students and staff. As a Learning Assistant ASN, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while working alongside a dedicated team committed to professional development and training. Our inclusive work culture encourages collaboration and growth, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Assistant ASN - Paradykes Primary School - MID07546 in Loanhead, Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Paradykes Primary School. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and how they support learning. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for Learning Assistants, like how you would support children with different needs. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience better.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! During the interview, highlight your ability to build strong relationships with children. Share specific examples of how you've supported kids in the past, whether it’s through play or learning activities. This is key for the role!
✨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 shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant ASN - Paradykes Primary School - MID07546 in Loanhead, Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about supporting their learning and development.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in child development or education. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
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 without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and we can’t wait to hear from you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Learning Assistant at Paradykes Primary School. Familiarise yourself with how to support children's learning and emotional development, as well as the importance of building strong relationships. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially in a support role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported learning or social development. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers a clear picture of how you can contribute to their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle various situations with children. Practice responses to questions like how you would support a child struggling with a task or how you would manage playtime activities. This will help you think on your feet during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Training Willingness
Since additional training is required for this role, express your eagerness to undertake courses like first aid or calm techniques. Highlight any relevant training you've already completed, and show that you're committed to continuous professional development. This will reassure the interviewers that you're serious about your role and ready to grow.
