This job is permanent to the local authority, currently based at Hawthorn Family Learning Centre. It is essential to have basic literacy and numeracy skills 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 sensitively to the needs of individual children. The post holder must be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of early years practice, local and national policy, research, legislation and documentation. The post holder must have a very good understanding of Curriculum for Excellence Early Level, Pre- Birth to Three Positive Outcomes for Scotland s Children and Families, Realising the Ambition, HGIOELC and GIRFEC and Care Inspectorate standards and requirements. The post holder requires an up to date first aid and food hygiene certificate, or be committed to achieving this within 6 months in post. Post holders attend a variety of courses depending on the individual needs of a child e.g. epilepsy training; baby & toddler first aid training, behaviour management; training for communication problems such as signing; Hannan language programme and 'picture exchange'. For further information about the qualifications recognised by SSSC for registration in a Support Worker role, please see Position Title: Learning Assistant ASN x2 Children, Young People and Partnerships Contract Status: Permanent to Authority Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. 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. 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.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. 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.