The Scope of the Role
SSR^® provide special needs assistants (also known as special needs classroom assistants, special needs teaching assistants, learning support, pupil support staff, support workers and special assistants) to help teachers, by providing direct support to pupils with a wide range of severe learning, physical or behavioural difficulties. For ease, we refer to them here as SNAs (special needs assistants).

SNAs work under the supervision of an experienced and specially trained teacher, supporting the pupil to achieve their learning goals and to undertake routine activities that able bodied people take for granted. Other duties may include:

	helping with independent living skills
	supporting pupils in activities (play and learning) or on school outings
	attending to pupils’ physical needs (these may include hygiene and toileting)
	assisting pupils during therapy sessions

Occasionally SNAs may be asked to provide basic literacy or numeracy skills to support pupils with less severe special educational needs.
Some pupils have very severe forms of behaviour, are very challenging and disruptive and whilst the safety of the SNAs is the primary responsibility of the school’s appointed person, SSR^® expect the SNA to advise us if they feel unsafe or require additional support. This information is recorded and then passed immediately to the school.

Working Hours
SNAs work during term time and normally work school hours. They are paid for all hours they are in contact with the pupil or undertaking activities in relation to the pupil. From our experience, it is best that the SNA (once accepted by the pupil) remains with the pupil, thereby providing continuity.

Skills and Interests
General experience with children or young people with specific types of disability or learning difficulty is assessed by our consultants. Applicants will also be expected to demonstrate that they:

	enjoy working with children
	have an interest in education
	have energy and a good sense of humour
	are passionate about treating children from all social and cultural backgrounds with respect
	are able to build good relationships with children, their parents and carers, and with teachers and other professionals such as speech therapists or arts therapists
	have good literacy and numeracy skills
	enjoy working as part of a team
	are responsible for their own actions
	willing to help with personal care needs (washing, going to the toilet etc)
	Fluency in another language and other specialist skills such as sign language, teaching are also verified

There are no set minimum academic requirements, and SSR^® recognise that each school will have it’s own standards and specific requirements. Where advised, SSR^® will select SNAs with these requirements in mind.

Because of the need to attend to personal hygiene matters and toileting, the sex of the pupil is likely to determine whether the SNA should be a man or woman and some schools may require lesbian and gay male assistants.

It is vital for all SNAs to develop the necessary skills and experience and SSR^® recognise that learning is a life long process. As such, we hope schools will provide us with accurate feedback on all SNAs we provide, including recommendations for training and, of course, praise.
All SNAs are required to have a current police check prior to starting work and this includes a check on the sexual offenders register (current means produced within the last eighteen months).

SSR^® is registered as an umbrella company with the CRB, and all checks are carried out in house. We will also provide CRB checks for other staff engaged in schools.

The CRB check should be provided to the school prior to the start date.