Pupil Support Teachers
What we do . . .
If at all possible we prefer our pupils to do homework from mainstream classes at home. However we know that often this is beyond their capabilities without our support. If this is the case, we do the mainstream homework in the Curriculum Support periods and give more suitable homework to enhance basic English and Maths.
There are 6 roles for Pupil Support Teachers
- Consultancy
- Co-operative teaching
- Direct tuition
- Key-working
- Short-term support
- Staff development
Consultancy
The Pupil Support Teacher can help the subject teacher by sharing with them the causes of learning difficulties and suggesting suitable strategies to support learning. We can advise on appropriate materials for certain pupils and participate in differentiating these materials when appropriate. Pupil Support Teachers also consult with senior managers to formulate policies and to give advice for pupils with additional support needs. Pupil Support Teachers consult with primary colleagues to support the transition of pupils to secondary. We also consult with partner agencies and bring them in to work with pupils as needed, and to support their transitions to post-school options.
Co-operative Teaching
The aim here is to offer support within the mainstream curriculum and bring a variety of learning strategies to pupils where and when they need it most – in the subject class. This collaborative approach brings many benefits to pupils who might otherwise become disillusioned and disengaged. Co-operative teaching also benefits all class members because the presence of two teachers in one class creates a different dynamic and offers greater opportunities for differentiation.
Direct Tuition
Pupil Support Teachers will occasionally withdraw pupils and work in small groups to help with specific problems. The Reading Recovery course for S1 pupils gives youngsters a chance to improve their reading skills. The Crucial Skills course addresses behavioural support needs, and direct tuition time can help pupils who have been absent catch up again.
Key-working
Pupil Support Teachers act as key-workers for pupils with additional support needs. This job requires that they co-ordinate their integrated support plans or coordinated support plans, making sure that the pupils themselves, parents and carers, teaching and other education staff and staff from partner agencies all understand, agree and then implement the support arrangements. These plans are regularly reviewed.
Short-term Support
This can be provided for pupils settling back into school after illness, bereavement or other family upset, or to a new pupil arriving from another school. At times if a pupil has become upset in class or there has been a flare up or emergency, he or she may spend a short time in pupil support. Compared to the other roles, this is fairly minor.
Staff Development
Pupil Support Teachers play an important role in supporting the professional development of our teaching colleagues. We do this by sharing our insights and carrying examples and ideas of good practice in supporting learning around the school. The HMIe described Pupil Support Teachers as “the oil in the machinery” of the secondary school. We are dedicated to doing the best for all our pupils and making sure that those with additional support needs are understood and catered for by colleagues.