1. School Learning Support Officers Working with the Primary Teacher
Vicki Brumley
Learning & Diversity
Student Services Conference
2013

2. A little bit about me..... Teaching for around 20 years
Mainstream teacher, STLA, DSTLA, Support Class teacher, LaST
Sanctuary Point Public School - Assistant Principal
SPPS students, 5 support classes
Supervise support classes, coordinate the LST& funding for all support programs in the school

3. SLSOs at SPPS..... 5 permanent SLSOs support classes
SLSO support Mainstream (SLSP)
Funding Support
Multilit Program
Out of Home Care

4. Workshop....
Qualities
Game
Questions

5. Making An Impact
The credibility of a School Learning Support Officer hinges on their competence and their ability to perform in their role. This means that the School Learning Support Officer needs excellent communication skills, the ability to work well in a team and the skills and knowledge specific to the job. (School Learning Support Officer Information Handbook 2013)

6. Top Three Qualities
Professionalism
Effective Communicator
Team Player

7. Professionalism Knowing what your role is:
“Under the supervision and direction of a teacher, a School Learning Support Officer, in respect of students enrolled in special schools and classes, is responsible to the principal or supervisor for:
Providing assistance in school routines
Classroom activities, and
Care and management of students with disabilities and behaviour disorders.” (SLSO Role Statement 2009)

8. Professionalism Knowing what your role is NOT:
Assuming responsibility for performing a duty that is primarily teaching in nature.
Taking responsibility for classroom management, behaviour, teaching or supervision of students.

9. Professionalism
Employment Conditions (Handbook for Non Teaching Staff in Schools)
Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (Effective 2012)
Code of Conduct
Child Protection Training
Every Student, Every School Initiative
Commonwealth Disability Standards for Education 2005

10. Professionalism
Knowing the student/s (IEPs, PLPs, Health Care Plans, Risk Assessments)
Knowing the role and responsibilities of other staff members
Following school rules, routines & procedures
Professional Development

11. Professionalism
Being:
punctual
organised
flexible
reliable
positive

12. Professionalism Using appropriate terminology Dressing appropriately
Recognises the person before their disability!

13. Effective Communication
Effective communication, both verbal & non verbal, is vital to the role of a SLSO and teacher.

14. Communication - Students
Listening
Visuals /Signing
Technology
Knowing the student
Encouraging independence
Being consistent

15. Communication YES Roles are clearly defined NO Confusion
YES Student plans are discussed
NO Plans not adequately implemented
YES Using appropriate communication channels
NO Uncertainty
YES Organised meeting time / Same Page
NO On the job / Mixed messages
YES Professional & positive
NO Issues / Toxic

16. Confidentiality
– the handling and disclosure of confidential information
All forms of communication need to be on a strictly professional level.

17. Confidentiality Confidentiality means:
Respecting the privacy rights of students, teachers, other staff and families
Seeking approval prior to reading, writing, discussing or distributing information
Using appropriate communication channels within the school
Maintaining a professional relationship with students, parents and carers
(School Learning Support Officer Information Handbook 2013)

18. Team Player Collaborating with staff Learning Support Team
Attending Meetings
Sharing expertise
Committees
Participating in school events