At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support pupils with Additional Support Needs in primary and secondary schools.
- Company: South Lanarkshire Council, committed to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £57,360, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel between schools and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Teaching experience and knowledge of supporting learners with ASN required.
The predicted salary is between 57360 - 57360 £ per year.
Internal applicants MUST apply via Opportunity Marketplace. Please ensure you complete your SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS via the “Me” tab/tile on Fusion or by clicking on the application link in the section of the application form titled “REVIEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS.”
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 26th of February 2026, 11:55pm.
Location: East Kilbride and Strathaven (Blacklaw Primary Community Wing)
Hours: 35 hours per week.
Salary: Principal Teacher 1, £57,360 per year.
The role and responsibilities of the Principal Teacher of Specialist Support are outlined as follows:
- To work with their allocated establishments delivering support to pupils with identified ASN.
- To lead agreed initiatives as part of the Improvement Plan.
- To oversee the work of the specialist support teachers such as leading working groups, overseeing action plans & evaluations.
- To report to the SMPS on key areas of work.
- To attend relevant training pertinent to their lead role within the team.
- To co-ordinate and deliver Early Bird, Early Bird+ & Teen Life parenting programmes locally.
- To deliver training to schools as required.
- To support schools in their preparation for Inspection.
- To attend focus groups when schools are being inspected.
- To contribute to the locality events organised by SMPS.
- To contribute to the organisation and delivery of Team meetings with SMPS.
- To plan and co-ordinate, in consultation with SMPS, appropriate CAT night development sessions.
- To represent the Area Team at Principal Teacher moderation meetings with colleagues from the other areas.
- To assist the SMPS in the PRD process and signpost relevant CLPL.
- To organise Induction for new Team Members.
Strategic:
- To participate in council wide working groups linked to their field.
- To participate in National working groups, as appropriate.
- To attend Children’s Services Events, ensuring that they are up to date in their knowledge of key aspects of the Action Plan.
- To participate in Focus Groups as required when Authority Inspections occur.
- To attend wider locality events alongside or representing SMPS.
- To participate in the creation and monitoring of the Specialist Support Team Improvement Plan and Standards and Quality Report.
- To contribute to the planning and implementation of any council wide Specialist Support Team events, as requested by SMPS.
- Support SMPS with collating data pertinent to Specialist Support Team interventions.
- To keep abreast of National priorities with regard to Inclusion of children and young people with Additional Support Needs.
The Principal Teacher will also work across a number of Primary and Secondary Schools in the East Kilbride and Strathaven area supporting identified pupils to help them to engage with their learning within the mainstream context. They will work on an individual basis, in groups and within classes supporting pupils with literacy, numeracy and HWB targets across the curriculum.
The successful candidate must have a breadth of teaching experience and knowledge of supporting learners with ASN within primary and/or secondary education. They will be enthusiastic, approachable, attachment-based practice informed and flexible and creative in their approach to engaging learners. They will also be able to demonstrate relevant leadership experience.
This role is peripatetic so there is a requirement to be able to travel between establishments on a daily basis.
For any further information please contact the Senior Manager of Pupil Support, Claire Bisset on Claire.Bisset@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.
View the Principal Teacher job profile.
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents.
Please Apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and/or adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and/or adults.
Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
Please refer to http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk for further information about the disclosure process and best practice.
In line with the Teachers’ Conditions of Service, your salary for the remainder of this school salary year, which runs in conjunction with the academic session, may be recalculated to reflect how teachers accrue pay.
Further information on the Teachers’ National Pay and Leave Specification can be obtained from the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers’ website Appendix 2.19 - SNCT Handbook.
It is a legal requirement for any teacher teaching in a Scottish state school to be registered with GTC Scotland, General Teaching Council (Scotland) Registration.
An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years.
Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community.
We are a Disability Confident Scheme Employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.
South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Veterans & Service leavers are guaranteed an interview who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. To be considered for this vacancy you must complete the application form. All CV submissions will be disregarded.
EDUC 3838 - Principal Teacher of Specialist Support (601475) - 3838-443681167 employer: South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for educators dedicated to making a difference in the lives of pupils with Additional Support Needs. Located in the vibrant communities of East Kilbride and Strathaven, the council promotes professional growth through continuous training and leadership opportunities, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to lead initiatives that enhance educational outcomes. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a focus on community engagement, working here means being part of a team that values collaboration and innovation in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EDUC 3838 - Principal Teacher of Specialist Support (601475) - 3838-443681167
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Blacklaw Primary Community Wing and understand their approach to supporting pupils with ASN. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Principal Teacher.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would lead initiatives, support teachers, and engage with pupils. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you complete all sections of the application form, especially the SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS part. It’s your chance to shine and show why you’re the perfect fit for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace EDUC 3838 - Principal Teacher of Specialist Support (601475) - 3838-443681167
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Job Description:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Principal Teacher of Specialist Support role entails and how your skills match up. This will help us see why you're the perfect fit!
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When filling out the application, focus on your teaching experience and any work with Additional Support Needs (ASN). We want to know how your background makes you a strong candidate for this role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the important bits.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, to be considered for this position, you need to apply online through our website. Don’t forget to upload any additional documents that support your application. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire
✨Know Your ASN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Additional Support Needs (ASN) before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to support learners with ASN in both primary and secondary settings. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Teacher, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led initiatives or teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve overseen action plans or contributed to improvement plans, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Engage with the Improvement Plan
Familiarise yourself with the specific Improvement Plan for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to it and any ideas you have for leading initiatives. Showing that you understand the strategic goals of the organisation will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would handle inspections, support schools, or deliver training. Practising your responses to these types of questions can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.