Across all schools there is a wealth of support staff who play a critical role in taking forward key aspects of learning, teaching and assessment. They work as part of the team and work in conjunction with teaching staff in promoting achievement and raising the standards of pupil attainment. In many different ways they provide support in relation to the needs of the class and individuals’ care, health and wellbeing and safety as well as working together with all staff to ensure a secure and safe environment.
As with all other posts we would expect all support staff to demonstrate a commitment to quality service delivery through continuous improvement. This will include taking part in relevant CLPL/Training /PRD process/EARs
To support such a culture and to see learning for young people maximised, expected practices in relation to the key aspects of learning, teaching and assessment in section 2, would be:
Supporting learning and engagement:
- Supervise learners whilst in attendance in learning environments and assist in providing a healthy and safe environment.
- Work alongside teaching staff to provide appropriate support in line with planned learning experiences.
- Encourage learner independence and support developmental needs of all.
- Provide individual support to enable learners to access and be motivated in their learning.
- Encourage an inclusive environment in line with authority and school policies and adhere to child protection and all other relevant legislation.
- Assist in the implementation of the school’s vision and policies on promoting positive relationships, demonstrating a patient, fair, courteous and non-confrontational manner when working with learners.
- Respond positively and empathetically to all learners giving consideration to individual need.
Ensuring high quality teaching
- Demonstrate good interpersonal and organisational skills and able to work as part of a team to support learning for individuals and groups as appropriate.
- Working as part of the team, support the promotion of high expectations for all learners.
- Assist learners with practical input and support in specific subject or work areas, including the use of digital technology.
- Work alongside teaching staff to maintain and organise appropriate learning resources.
- Demonstrate good communication skills to support high quality learning.
- Use feedback to support learners develop their understanding of the strengths and next steps in their learning.
Using assessment effectively
- Provide individual support during assessment.
- Contribute to evidence gathering around assessment of learner’s progress and identification of next steps.
- As part of a team support learners to understand outcomes from assessment activities.
Planning, tracking and monitoring
- Assist the teacher, as part of a team, in the planning, delivery and review of learning.
- Contribute to the planning of learning experiences for individual and groups of learners as appropriate.
- In partnership with the teacher take forward appropriate interventions with learners that have been planned for as a result of the analysis of data.
- Contribute to the ongoing review and evaluation of the impact of planned interventions with learners.
