At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with diverse abilities in early years settings through observations and training.
- Company: Join VSA’s innovative Additional Support Needs Advisory Project team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive shadowing period, ongoing professional development, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous learning and sector-wide improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Years or related fields, strong understanding of child development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Base Linn Moor but travel will be involved to different nurseries within Aberdeen city.
Contract: 39 hours per week. Driver licence required and access to own transport is essential to this role.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to join a specialised team within VSA’s Additional Support Needs Advisory Project (ASNAP). Our team delivers an innovative model of support to Early Years Settings across Aberdeen City. We empower the workforce to inclusively support children with diverse abilities and needs to learn through play. ASNAP aims to provide the workforce with knowledge, skills, and strategies to inclusively support children with diverse abilities and needs to learn through play.
Due to the specialist nature of this post, we have created a 3‑month shadowing period, allowing the successful candidate to work alongside experienced ASNAP Advisors before taking on a full caseload. This ensures high‑quality induction, confidence building, and a deep understanding of our practice model.
Key Responsibilities
- Observations & Assessment
- Carry out child‑centred observations within early years settings, focusing on how children engage with their environment, peers, and staff.
- Observe children across different areas—indoors, outdoors, and during busy routines such as mealtimes.
- Observe children engaging with specific tasks and activities that utilise visual instructions, to identify strengths, interests, emerging skills, sensory needs, communication styles, and potential barriers to learning.
- Ensure observations are responsive, reflective, and grounded in children’s rights, interacting only as much as the child is comfortable with.
- Environmental & Practice Support
- Conduct environmental observations to advise on layout, sensory input, resources, and adaptations that support children’s regulation and engagement.
- Provide practical, evidence‑informed strategies to staff, helping them create predictable, nurturing, and inclusive environments.
- Support staff to recognise patterns in behaviour, play schemas, and emerging skills.
- Training sessions inform staff how to complete specific recording forms and how to consider any data they may collect in terms of identifying patterns.
- Training & Capacity Building
- Deliver training sessions such as Supporting Communication & Sensory Integration in a Learning Environment and Trauma in the Early Years, and an interactive play workshop where staff from the setting create activities for specific children they are working with.
- Facilitate information‑sharing sessions, including demonstrations of Intensive Interaction using video analysis.
- Promote reflective practice across staff teams, encouraging self‑awareness and continuous professional learning.
- Report Writing & Follow‑Up
- Collaborate with another ASNAP Advisor to produce detailed, strengths‑based reports following observations.
- Reports will include suggested strategies, environmental adaptations, motivating activities, and resources such as information on sensory needs, play schemas, or Social Stories.
- Maintain communication with settings to ensure strategies are implemented consistently and effectively.
- Revisit settings as needed to provide ongoing support, review progress, and offer further guidance.
What We’re Looking For
- Professional experience in Early Years, Additional Support Needs, Child Development, Education, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of child development, sensory processing, communication differences, and inclusive practice.
- Ability to observe sensitively, analyse behaviour reflectively, and translate observations into practical strategies.
- Confident communicator who can build trusting relationships with staff, children, and families.
- Commitment to GIRFEC, Realising the Ambition, Curriculum for Excellence, and high‑quality early years practice.
- A reflective practitioner who values collaboration, curiosity, and child‑centred approaches.
Why Join ASNAP?
- Be part of a highly specialised, respected, and innovative team shaping inclusive practice across Aberdeen City.
- Benefit from a 3‑month supported shadowing period, ensuring you feel confident and well‑prepared.
- Work in a role that is deeply meaningful, creative, and grounded in children’s rights and wellbeing.
- Access ongoing professional development, research‑informed practice, and opportunities to influence sector‑wide improvement.
- Make a real difference to children’s experiences, helping them expand their “window of tolerance” and thrive in early learning environments.
Click apply for this position today!
Additional Support Needs Advisor employer: Voluntary Service Aberdeen
VSA offers a unique opportunity to join a highly specialised team dedicated to shaping inclusive practices across Aberdeen City. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our supportive work culture includes a comprehensive 3-month shadowing period to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared in your role. By joining us, you'll make a meaningful impact on children's lives while working in an environment that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Additional Support Needs Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of digging on VSA and their Additional Support Needs Advisory Project. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect your experience with what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills in child development and inclusive practice can shine through in your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for early years education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children with diverse needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨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’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Additional Support Needs Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Early Years and Additional Support Needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for inclusive practice shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about supporting children with diverse abilities, so share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your passion.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
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 this fantastic opportunity with ASNAP.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Service Aberdeen
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and inclusive practices. Familiarise yourself with the principles of GIRFEC and Curriculum for Excellence, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you can apply these concepts in real-world scenarios will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Observational Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with child-centred observations. Think of specific examples where you've successfully identified a child's needs or strengths through observation. This will demonstrate your ability to translate observations into practical strategies, which is key for this role.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a confident communicator, you'll need to build trusting relationships with staff, children, and families. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play potential interview questions with a friend to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Reflection
Highlight your commitment to reflective practice and collaboration. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with teams to improve practices or outcomes. This shows that you value teamwork and are open to learning from others, which is essential in a supportive role like this.
