Maureen Peters n Special Needs Assistants n Defining Best Practice

In Such Short Time!

Why S.N.A.? S.N.A.’s can Value the S.E.N. pupil: encouraging and providing positive reinforcement Promote independence Provide support for the student enabling them to access the curriculum

S.N.A.’s Role In The School n Working as a member of a team n Knowledge of school policies & procedures n Taking part in staff development/ training n Contributing to staff / team meetings, as appropriate n Support the wider needs of the school

Policies SNA needs to have a clear working knowledge policies. Healthy Eating Homework. Administration of Medicines Handwriting Mathematics Health and Safety Uniform Child Protection Home school links First-aid Toilet

Practices Practices agreed so that everyone is clear about them. In writing if possible Principal-Teacher-S.N.A-Parent-Child n Ensure safe practices relating to – Spread of infection (gloves and apron) – Manual handling (training) – Toilet (agreed routines and procedures, child’s dignity and privacy) – Recording of accidents

S.N.A.’s Role In The Class The duties of the SNA are assigned by the Principal n Working under the direction of the teacher n Supporting implementation of the student’s IEP n Promoting students’ organisational skills, listening skills and ability to stay on task n Assisting the class / subject / resource teacher with classroom organisation n Assisting with small group work Monitoring and reporting student activities.

Dual Role In Class Student: Assist Encourage Model Clarify Listen Anticipate Support Observe Teacher: Assist Communicate Free up Support Prepare materials Enable possibilities Feedback observations

Teacher and S.N.A. n Clear communication - short meeting, time table, clear expectations, appropriate documentation, knowing when to ask / knowing when to wait, n Understanding of each others perspective - clear definition of roles, respectful exchange of opinions, appropriate communication with parents. n Trust and mutual respect- open,assertive communication, acceptance of each humanity, knowing that nobody is living on “Walton’s mountain”. Shared values and goals- the child at the centre of the agenda, clear expectation for child by all.

Success - Becoming Redundant

Adapted from P. Lacey 2001 “Built on mutual respect and trust - supporting and sharing understanding of how to meet students’ learning needs.”