Learning support assistants are the karma (or should that be calmer?) chameleons of the education system.
Their ability to shift focus from one pupil to the next, adjusting their teaching styles accordingly, make them a valuable commodity in the classroom.
But they’re not the only ones supporting Scottish youngsters in school. Ensuring kids are happy, safe and achieving their potential is a team effort.
Teachers and parents may take the lead but working with them are armies of support staff who make school for many students, not only possible but, a positive experience.
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Although many of their job titles appear very similar – most of them have ‘support’ in their title – there are subtle differences. The roles range from teaching positions to those more focused on special education needs, attendance, behavioural issues and pastoral care.
If the idea of working in a school support role appeals, here’s our rundown.
Pupil support officer
Not usually teachers, pupil support officers are the link between schools, the education service and the families of pupils. Typically employed by local councils, their remit includes encouraging attendance and engagement as well as child welfare and protection issues.
Principal teacher pupil support
This is a senior teaching post – usually the head of a department or school housed within a secondary school. As well as being responsible for the smooth running of their domain and ensuring standards are met, they also have specific responsibility for the pastoral care of students.
Teacher of pupil support
They are the first point of contact for children and parents looking for help and guidance in personal matters, as well as vocational and curriculum concerns. In many schools they also help develop services for young people with additional support needs.
Learning support assistant
Also known as additional support needs (ASN), they’re not qualified teachers but work with individuals and small groups in classrooms across the curriculum. Most typically you find them supporting pupils who are finding it difficult to learn because of a disability, health issues, family circumstances, or social, emotional and behavioural issues.
Special needs assistant
The remit is very similar to a learning support assistant but they tend to work one-to-one with children who have special educational needs, including those with physical disabilities or autism.
If you’d like to learn more about school support roles, you can find the latest Education/Teaching vacancies on s1jobs.