The role of the special needs coordinator in working with the learning support assistant

When SENCOs are asked what is good practice in working with learning support assistants, they identify the following guidelines as important. SENCOs should ensure that assistants are:

• clear about roles and responsibilities; • valued as part of the learning support team; • given regular opportunities for planning with teacher colleagues; • clear about learning objectives; • clear about the learning and emotional implications of the child’s special need; • deployed efficiently, effectively and flexibly; • given opportunities for training and development.