learning support assistant

[sunflower68]

I want to apply for a post in a special needs school.  I know I don't need any education quals but cannot get a clear answer about whether I will have to retrain to keep my post (if I get it)later this year...apparantly things are due to change... Anyone got any info please.

[smudge]

sunflower - I haven't any info that would help you, but would like to wish you success in your search for employment as a learning support assistant. The dedicated staff who work with special needs children & adults, are one in million & deserve the very best. Good luck.

[willow74]

I would suggest you do the city and guilds 7302 course.  It is a branch of the teacher training course and covers special needs education.

Check out www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

[willow74]

Just to say i would think a course would start at your local college in January and September.  It is a 14 week course and usually costs about �195 + �23 registration with city and guilds.

(i used to work within teacher training division in a college and lots of special needs workers were doing this course)

[sunflower68]

Thanks for the nice replies.Actually  I really do not want to have to do any more studies as my kids take up my time and I like it that way...they seem to be happy to take those without quals now and I hope it stays that way.  I guess once I have a contract they cannot go and sack me for being unqualified.

[Jules001]

I worked as a Learning Support Assistant until July last year. I know that there are changes afoot, however I think this is because they want more people to train as STA's (specialist Teaching Assistants) . I think that it is up to the schools budget whether you go on the training (it is expensive and they have to foot the bill), once you have got a foot in the door though, if they want you to train then at least you know they will keep you on as they have paid for your training. Incidentally, I was only on a temporary contract working with a specific child so if that child left or it was decided that support was no longer needed, they could get rid of you at a drop of a hat . You may be offered a permanent contract though .

[AliJ]

I'm a teaching assistant at a school in south wales. I've just started a modern apprentiship, hopefully this will lead to a teaching assistants NVQ3. I think most local authorities are setting up courses like this one, my headteacher found out about this one for me so I've been really lucky. It's mostly work based study so it just fits in around your job. The best thing to do is ask the head teacher and any other TA's in the school if they know of any courses locally. Good luck with the job, I've been in mine for three years  and I wouldn't change it for the world!