Classroom assistant
Work closely with teachers to encourage children and young people to enjoy learning in a safe and caring environment.
Also known as: additional support for learning auxiliary, pupil support assistant, pupil support worker, teaching assistant
About the job
A day in the life – Classroom assistant
What it's like
As a classroom assistant, you’ll support children and young people with their learning activities at school.
Working closely with teachers, you'll create a safe and caring learning environment for pupils. Classroom assistants help teachers with a range of tasks, but you'll not teach classes or lead lessons.
It's your job to support children to become successful learners and confident people – in and out of the classroom! You may also support children who have particular needs, working with them individually or in small groups.
In some schools, you could become a specialist in a particular area. For example, if you're bilingual, you might do more work with children whose first language is not English.
At secondary school level, you'll probably work with individuals or small groups. Depending on the subject, you may help out with practical work. For example, you may support a group of children who have dyslexia as they complete a written assignment.
Classroom assistants may work with pupils who display challenging behaviour. With experience, you’ll develop strong skills in supporting a wide range of personalities.
Your tasks might include:
getting the classroom ready for lessons and preparing activities
listening to children read, reading to them or telling them stories
helping children who need extra support to complete tasks and supervising group activities
supporting teachers in managing class behaviour and looking after children who are upset or may have had an accident
clearing away materials and equipment after lessons or activities
assisting with school outings, field trips and sports events
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme
Education Scotland – discover curriculum information, advice and resources for educators in Scotland
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- mentoring
- reliable
- time management
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- observation
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Care
People and Society
Psychology
Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare
Sociology
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a number of ways you can become a classroom assistant.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC, HND or PDA could help you find a job. Useful subjects include:
Childhood Practice
Additional Support Needs
Professional Development Award: Education Support Assistance
Use the My World of Work course search to find college courses.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in:
Work
You can become a classroom assistant by applying directly with an employer or getting an entry-level job and working your way up. Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
You'll need to show that you can work well with children, teachers and parents. People with a history of volunteering in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work are in a good position to apply for classroom assistant roles.
Classroom assistants may specialise in the kind of extra support they give. For example, you could be an expert in language and communication, behaviour, pastoral care or special educational needs.
A First Aid certificate and knowledge of the Scottish education system is useful.
All classroom assistants must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
You'll need experience working with children. You can gain this by volunteering, doing other paid roles or raising your own children. Search for voluntary opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Once you're working as a classroom assistant, you may need to gain additional qualifications.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Classroom assistant'
