At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their care and education.
- Company: Happyhansel Nursery is a welcoming school in Shetland, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, paid holidays, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a beautiful, vibrant community.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, but a passion for helping children is essential.
- Other info: Part-time role with 16 hours per week, perfect for students or those seeking flexible work.
Advertisement Details
To support the care, welfare and education of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines.
A Learning Support Worker may be asked to work with any child or group of children either within a department, within a mainstream class or within an early learning and childcare (ELC) setting. They may be asked to work alongside, or with specific guidance from, any teacher within a school. Work around an individual child may be based on an individualised education programme (IEP). This programme is followed by all staff working with the child/young person and may involve working with other professionals and therapists e.g. Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Educational Psychologist, members of the Educational Outreach Service, etc.
More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.
Happyhansel Primary School is a non-denominational school located in Walls. It provides nursery to P7 education for children from Walls, West Burrafirth and as far east as West Houlland. The structure of the school is 1 nursery class and 2 composite primary classes. There is currently a total of 36 pupils on the roll. The school is managed by a Head Teacher (joint with Sandness). The current staffing complement is 3 teachers assisted by support staff as required to meet school demands. The current Head Teacher is Mrs Elizabeth Garrick.
Additional Information
- The grade of this post is G
- Rate of pay shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £1.4808 per hour
- Temporary Part Time post for 16.0 Hours per Week , 39 weeks per year plus 6.24 weeks (pro rata) paid holiday to be taken during school holidays. Temporary contract for a period until 16 August 2026
- Hours are 10am – 2pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made
- The successful candidate will have to complete registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) when they begin in post
- This vacancy does not meet Home Office rules for UK visa sponsorship. Please only apply if you do not require UK visa sponsorship.
- A relocation package does not apply to this post
- We will pay interview expenses from within Shetland
- We are happy to talk flexible working
During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.
This post is based at Happyhansel Primary School, Walls, Shetland.
For further details relating to this post, please contact: Elizabeth Garrick, Head Teacher by e-mail elizabeth.garrick@
If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.
Information about Shetland
Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you\’ll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland\’s impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
Find out more about:
Living and working in Shetland: here
The Shetland Islands Council: here
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Learning Support Worker - Early Learning & Childcare - Happyhansel Nursery - SIC08163. Job in L[...] employer: Shetland Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Shetland Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Worker - Early Learning & Childcare - Happyhansel Nursery - SIC08163. Job in L[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional support needs (ASN). Understanding the various types of ASN and how they affect learning will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of early learning and childcare. Engaging with teachers, therapists, and other support staff can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working with children in a supportive role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped children overcome challenges or achieve their goals in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Happyhansel Primary School and its community. Understanding the school's ethos, values, and the specific demographic of the children you’ll be working with will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Worker - Early Learning & Childcare - Happyhansel Nursery - SIC08163. Job in L[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Learning Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with terms like Individualised Education Programme (IEP) and the types of support you may provide.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV, especially any work with children or individuals with additional support needs. Include specific examples that demonstrate your skills in supporting learning and development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your experience and passion for working with children to the role. Mention your understanding of the importance of collaboration with teachers and other professionals as outlined in the job description.
Prepare References: Identify two references who can vouch for your experience and suitability for the role. Ensure they are not related to you and inform them that they may be contacted by the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shetland Islands Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Worker, especially in relation to supporting children with additional support needs. Familiarise yourself with individualised education programmes (IEPs) and how they guide your work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have working with children, particularly those with additional support needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported their learning and development in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the legislation and policies that govern the care and education of children with additional support needs. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to following guidelines and ensuring the welfare of the children.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to inclusion, collaboration with other professionals, and how they support staff in their roles. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the school community.