Apply for this role

To apply, please complete and submit the application form by Friday 2 October 2026 at 3:00 pm. We are unable to accept late applications.

Overview

As part of Scottish Government’s response to the Doran review, during the 2026/27 academic year a new professional learning programme will be collaboratively developed and piloted for classroom teachers who are new to Complex Additional Support Needs (ASN) settings or preparing to move into this sector.

Building on the positive feedback from the new ASN teacher professional learning programme which now has over 400 participants on cohort 2, a new Complex Needs ASN teacher professional learning programme is in development. We are seeking 4 Education Scotland Associates to help with the development and piloting of this new programme.

About the role

The successful candidate(s) will work closely with a subgroup from the National Complex Needs Network (NCNN) to support the design and delivery of a pilot programme working in close collaboration with applicants through a co-design process that will bridge that gap.

The programme will be co-designed with experienced practitioners working in complex ASN settings and will be certificated by Education Scotland .

The successful candidates will bring significant experience of working within the complex needs sector and have been involved in creating and delivering effective professional learning.

Emerging scheduling commitments indicate that successful candidates are likely to be required to attend in-person sessions on numerous days between the beginning of November 2026 until the end of March 2027

ASN Complex Needs ESAs will be asked to undertake up to 10 days of work between their successful appointment and March 2027.

Essential criteria

• Significant and current experience (minimum 5 years) of working in Scottish education within the complex needs sector.
• Experience of creating and delivering professional learning at school, local authority or system level, with evidence of positive impact on outcomes for children and young people.
• A strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by those working in the complex needs sector.
• Ability to advise, lead and operate credibly with colleagues, providing both challenge and support through effective critical friendship