Learning support assistant
Career outlook for learning support assistant
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£14,000
£14,000
Experienced
£21,000
£21,000
Currently employed in Scotland
7,700
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would help children and young people who need special support to make the most of education by working with them in the classroom.
You’d assist teachers to create the best environment and suitable lessons for the pupils.
They may find it difficult to learn because of a disability or health issue, family circumstances that have disrupted their education, or social, emotional and behavioural factors.
Depending on the age of the children and their individual needs, you would:
- Help with schoolwork under the supervision of the teacher
- Prepare learning materials
- Help children understand instructions
- Carry out a child's care plan
- Encourage children to communicate
- Give information and help to teachers
- Support children during social activities and outings
- Help children during therapy sessions
- Look after children's physical needs
- Keep records
You’d need to be patient and sensitive. You’d comfort the children when they are upset and encourage them to be confident and independent. But sometimes it would be necessary to be firm.
You could work in a special school that supports children with severe or complex disabilities, or with an individual pupil or small group of pupils in a mainstream class.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
42%
Part-time
57%
Self employed
1%
Create a qualification route
We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeSearch course options
Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.
Find coursesSearch job opportunities
If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.
Find a jobTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Reliable
- Mentoring
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Verbal communication
- Cooperating
- Supporting
- Social conscience
- Observation
Skills Explorer
Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
There are no set qualifications. Schools and local authorities have different requirements.
Most employers look for a good general education and experience working with young people who have additional support needs.
The following qualifications would be useful:
- Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 4/5)
- National Certificate (NC) in Education Support Assistance (SCQF Level 6)
- HNC/HND in Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual (SCQF Level 7/8)
To enter an Additional Support Needs HNC/HND (SCQF Level 7/8) usually requires National 5 qualifications and two Highers.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
A wide range of subjects will be of value for this role.
You will also need
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
Helpful to have
You are likely to need some voluntary experience to find paid work.
Experience and qualifications in volunteering such as SQA Volunteering Skills Award (SCQF level 3-5) may be helpful as will a First Aid certificate.