ASN Specialist Teaching Assistant

Education

At Common Thread, we believe every young person has the right to a high-quality, inclusive education, regardless of complexity of need. We deliver bespoke education through a combination of:

• Low staff-to-student ratios
• Community-based learning
• Outdoor and experiential education
• Classroom-based learning when appropriate

Our approach is child-centred, strengths-based, and responsive, adapting learning environments to meet individual needs rather than expecting young people to fit into a single model.

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Referral programme
• Hospital Saturday Fund membership
• Company events

Common Thread is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and adaptable ASN Specialist 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our education team our school in Lockerbie. This role involves providing individualised, trauma-informed support to a young person with additional learning needs, ensuring they can access education in a way that is meaningful, safe, and empowering.

This is a term-time only, part-time position, ideal for someone who thrives in flexible environments and values relationship-based practice.

As an ASN Specialist 1:1 Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 educational and emotional support to a young person with additional support needs.
• Adapt learning activities to meet sensory, emotional, and cognitive needs, both in and out of the classroom.
• Support engagement with the Scottish Curriculum.
• Deliver learning across a range of environments, including:
• The classroom
• Outdoor settings
• Community-based locations
• Support emotional regulation, communication, and independence through positive, trauma-informed strategies.
• Work collaboratively with a small multidisciplinary team, contributing to planning, reflection, and review.
• Monitor progress and contribute to individual learning plans and reporting.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold safeguarding and wellbeing standards at all times.

• Experience working with autistic children or young people
• Experience supporting ASN learners in school or alternative provision settings
• The ability to adapt quickly and creatively in response to a young person’s needs
• A calm, warm, and relational approach to behaviour and emotional regulation
• Experience working 1:1 or in very small groups
• A good understanding of inclusive education and additional support needs
• Experience working as part of a small, close-knit team
• Relevant qualification in Childcare, Education, ASN, Youth Work or similar
• Understanding of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
• Full UK driving licence (essential due to community-based learning)
• Experience working in a special school, independent school, or alternative provision (desirable)