At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Grade 5 students on their learning journey in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Council, a top flexible employer dedicated to children's education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and access to wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, good admin/IT skills, and PVG membership required.
- Other info: Various part-time roles available until December 2025; flexible working options discussed.
The predicted salary is between 29380 - 31100 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Various Locations In West Dunbartonshire, G82
Salary: £29,380.89 – £31,096.30 per year
Contract Type: Temporary
Position Type: Part Time
Hours: 27.5 hours per week
Job Description
Are you passionate about making a difference in children’s lives? Would you enjoy working in a supportive environment where you would be supporting West Dunbartonshire’s young people on their learning journey? We have exciting opportunities for highly motivated, flexible individuals. This role offers you the chance to contribute to the quality of care and welfare of our pupils, assist our Teaching team to ensure that teaching resources are organised and used effectively and support our pupils to access the curriculum.
If you have experience of supporting children with additional support needs whether that is in a personal capacity, a voluntary capacity or in a paid capacity and have a good level of admin/IT skills, we want to hear from you.
Come and join our fantastic teams working within WDC Specialist provisions providing education from birth to 18 years of age for children and young people with complex additional support needs. WDC have many new purpose-built schools across locations which include outstanding facilities such as adventure play park, outdoor all weather pitch, hydrotherapy pool, hospitality kitchen and shop, technical workshop and science laboratory, sensory and light rooms and classrooms resourced with state of the art information and communication technology.
Dedicated and hardworking support staff work in partnership with class teachers and other agencies and organisations to ensure that we strive every day to get it right for the children and young people. Our school vision is that we are Nurturing Potential Together.
Various Fixed Term posts are available for a range of hours 12.5, 13.75, 25 and 27.5 hrs. Please note posts are part time, term time and the salary will be pro-rata to the number of hours/weeks worked. These posts are fixed term until 19/12/2025.
Applicants would require to be available to commit to a working pattern within the School Day (Monday to Friday 8.45am to 3.45pm) and must be available to work across various specialist provision establishments within the West Dunbartonshire Council area. Whilst we do have some parameters that we need to work around, our Learning Assistants are key to supporting transition times such as school start/finish times, we are happy to discuss any needs you may have in relation to flexible working.
Interviews will take place on 10/07/2025 at Kilpatrick School, Mountblow Road, Dalmuir, G81 4BD.
Requirements
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Further details of this scheme can be found here .
Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.
Responsibilities
The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are \”spent\” under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.
The Individual
WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:
• Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
• Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support
Now that you have read the role and what we have to offer, we would love to hear from you. Please use the application to tell us your experience, and why you are the candidate for this role.
For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice:
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working-for-us/about-us/
More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council, can be found using the following link:
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working-for-us/benefits-of-working-with-us/
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Learning Assistant (Grade 5) (Various Locations - Part Time/Term-Time) (Fixed Term) employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
Contact Detail:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Assistant (Grade 5) (Various Locations - Part Time/Term-Time) (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional support needs. Understanding their challenges and how to support them effectively will show your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Learning Assistants in West Dunbartonshire. They can provide insights into the role and the working environment, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role requires availability during school hours, demonstrating your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Dunbartonshire Council's values and initiatives. Showing that you align with their vision of 'Nurturing Potential Together' will highlight your enthusiasm for contributing positively to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Assistant (Grade 5) (Various Locations - Part Time/Term-Time) (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in supporting children, especially those with additional support needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Learning Assistant role. Emphasise any previous work with children, particularly in educational or supportive settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in children's lives. Mention specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past and why you want to work with West Dunbartonshire Council.
Highlight Flexibility: Since the role requires availability during school hours and across various locations, make sure to mention your flexibility in your application. This shows your willingness to adapt to the needs of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Dunbartonshire Council
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning journeys. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives, whether through paid work, volunteering, or personal experiences.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any experience you have with children who have additional support needs. Be prepared to explain how your skills and background make you a suitable candidate for the role, especially in terms of providing care and support.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working across various locations and adapting to different environments, be ready to discuss your flexibility in working hours and locations. Show that you are open to meeting the needs of the school and its pupils.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand more about the school's culture and expectations. Consider asking about the support available for Learning Assistants or how success is measured in this position.