Learning support assistant

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.

• Education Scotland - Information and resources about supporting learning in Scottish education

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme