Additional support for learning: action plan (updated October 2021)

5.2 Pupil Support Assistants

Recommendation

The Classroom Support Staff working group must, as part of their work, undertake a review of roles and remit of Pupil Support Assistants. This must include the development of clear specifications for how classroom teacher and pupil support assistant roles interact and complement each other. It must also consider standards of practice, learning pathways, career progression routes and remuneration.

Response

Accept

Actions to be taken forward - Oct 2020

The Classroom Support Staff Working Group membership consists of representatives from Scottish Government, COSLA, ADES, Unison, Voice, Children in Scotland and Education Scotland.

The Group was established by Scottish Government to consider how best to empower and support classroom support staff.

The Group met for the first time in February 2020 and is currently considering its final terms of reference which include a number of the points covered in recommendation 5.2

The Group will develop clear specifications for how classroom teachers' and pupil support assistants' roles interact and complement each other.

Delivery Timescale

Consultation on a Pupil Support Staff Professional Learning Framework is planned for early 2022.

Status Oct 2021

On-going / on track

Progress made:

The Pupil Support Staff Working Group (PSSWG) undertook a review of pupil support assistant roles in autumn 2020. Initial findings identified significant variation of support roles, working hours and pay scales across Scotland, with local authorities determining individual roles and remuneration.in line with particular local needs. This review has informed PSSWG work to design a Pupil Support Staff Professional Learning Framework and other tools. This is proposed for consultation early in 2022

Education Scotland is a key partner with the Scottish Government on this group and are working collaboratively to:

• Lead on the development and publication of the first national Pupil Support Staff Professional Learning Framework. This was launched at the 2021 Scottish Learning Festival.
• Explore with Scottish Government and ADES options to develop a Pupil Support Staff network to share information, professional learning and engage more fully with pupil support staff across Scotland. This will include
• working with Regional Improvement Teams and Collaboratives to share the work of the PSSWG and engage with pupil support staff.