UK Career Advice

Learning Support Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Learning Support Assistant?

As a Learning Support Assistant in the UK, you would work closely with a teacher to provide individualized assistance to students who have specific learning needs or difficulties. This could include helping them understand assignments, providing emotional support, or adapting teaching methods to suit their learning style.

How do I become a Learning Support Assistant?

As a Learning Support Assistant in the UK, you would work closely with a teacher to provide individualized assistance to students who have specific learning needs or difficulties. This could include helping them understand assignments, providing emotional support, or adapting teaching methods to suit their learning style.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Learning Support Assistant?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Learning Support Assistant

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with students, teachers, and parents
  • Patience and empathy to work with students who may have learning difficulties or behavioral issues
  • Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other support staff to develop and implement individualized education plans
  • Organizational skills to manage paperwork, schedules, and resources for multiple students
  • Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changing classroom needs and student requirements
  • Knowledge of basic teaching strategies and techniques to assist with lesson planning and delivery
  • Ability to provide emotional support and encouragement to students to help build their confidence and self-esteem
  • Understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students
  • Basic IT skills to assist with the use of technology in the classroom
  • Willingness to continue professional development and training to stay up-to-date with best practices and new approaches in education
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students
  • Patience and empathy in supporting students with learning difficulties
  • Knowledge of educational strategies and techniques
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to adapt and be flexible in a classroom setting
  • Good problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other support staff
  • Basic IT skills for assisting with technology in the classroom
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions

Qualifications & Education

  • Academic qualifications (may be required by some employers)
  • Relevant experience (entry is possible with this alone)
  • CRB clearance (mandatory)

Career Path

Learning Support Assistant
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Educational Psychologist
Special Education Teacher
Inclusion Manager
Head of Special Educational Needs Department
Director of Special Education Programs
Teaching Assistant
Classroom Teacher
Head of Department
Deputy Headteacher
Headteacher
SEN Teacher
SEN Coordinator
SEN Manager
Director of SEN Services
Behaviour Support Worker
Behaviour Specialist Teacher/Consultant
Behaviour Analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need any qualifications to be a learning support assistant?

Yes, to be a learning support assistant in the UK, you will need two or more passing grades at GCSE, including English and maths, and to pass an enhanced DBS check. It may also be beneficial to have a special qualification, such as a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

Is a learning support assistant a good job?

Yes, becoming a learning support assistant can be a good job, especially if you are considering a career in teaching as it provides valuable hands-on experience in various educational settings.

Is learning support assistant higher than a teaching assistant?

The role of a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) is different from that of a Teaching Assistant (TA). While both roles involve supporting teachers in the classroom, an LSA is typically assigned to work with one specific child, usually with special needs, while a TA works more with the teacher and manages the class as a whole. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that one role is higher than the other.

What does a learning support assistant do?

A learning support assistant in the UK helps teachers with various tasks such as planning learning activities, preparing materials, and completing administrative tasks. They also assist in managing classroom behavior, following a child's care plan, and supervising students in the playground.

What is the career path for teaching assistants?

The career path for teaching assistants in the UK can vary, but many individuals aspire to become teachers. However, there are also other opportunities in the education sector such as working as a private tutor, an assessor, in educational research, or as an examinations officer.

What qualifications do you need to become a learning support assistant?

To become a Learning Support Assistant in the UK, you need two or more passing grades at GCSE, including English and maths, and to pass an enhanced DBS check. It may also be helpful to have a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

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