Learning support assistant

As a learning support assistant you'll help children and young people to make the most of their education by working with them in the classroom.

You’ll help teachers to create the best environment and suitable lessons for pupils who need additional support.

You'll support pupils who find it difficult to learn, perhaps because of:

• a disability or health issue

• family circumstances that have disrupted their education

• other social, emotional or behavioural factors

Your tasks might include:

• preparing learning materials

• helping with schoolwork, sometimes under the supervision of the teacher

• helping pupils understand instructions

• carrying out a pupil's care plan and keeping records

• encouraging pupils to communicate

• supporting children during social activities and outings

You’ll need to be patient and sensitive. You’ll comfort the pupils when they're upset and encourage them to be confident and independent. But sometimes it'll be necessary to be firm.

You may work with pupils who need help to re-engage with education, or need targeted behavioural support.

You could work in a special school that supports pupils with severe or complex disabilities, or with an individual pupil or small group of pupils in a mainstream class.

• Enquire – find out more about working with children and young people with additional support needs

• City of Edinburgh Council on YouTube – what it's like being a learning support (or pupil support) assistant at one Edinburgh school

• National Careers Service on YouTube – hear from Ollie, an additional support needs assistant