In the past, children were sent to school and they were expected to cope with what the school and the curriculum had to throw at them in terms of work and social interaction. With the increase in knowledge of children with special educational needs and learning disabilities, the need for support assistants has increased as well.
A support assistant is someone who is able to spend one-on-one time with a child, whether they have a learning disability or behavioural problems. This assistant makes it possible for the teacher to carry on with the lesson, without as many stoppages. In this case, the assistant will be able to explain the work or provide an example in order to make the information clearer to the child they are helping. The assistant will then make a note of the work which needs revision and will be able to provide that extra work.
Support assistants also make life simpler for the child with restricted movement. When the teacher and class are on the move, it is important for the assistant to remain with the assigned child and make sure that they are able to follow the group in a safe manner – the child should not be left to sit and watch the activities, but should be assisted in every way possible in order to ensure that they know they are one of the group.
This role is not to be taken lightly by the teaching assistant, as they will be playing a major role in the education of certain children. It is still the duty of the teacher to educate the children in her class, and this includes the children with learning disabilities, special needs and behaviour problems. The assistant is not there to teach, but there to enhance the teaching for the assigned child and make sure that the child is receiving all the help and guidance they might need.
If a teacher notices that one of the children requires such help, it is important to be open and honest with their parents. Discuss the need with all the important people in the child's education – the head teacher, other teachers, physiotherapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist (if the child receives any of these therapies).