A national engagement programme developed to empower Pupil Support Staff (PSS). Participation from PSS and managers will inform the development of their professional vision, values and support.

For this programme the term 'Pupil Support Staff' is generally applied to all staff in school and ELC settings who provide support to the learning and teaching process and the wellbeing of children and young people. Pupil Support Staff have different job titles across local authorities which include Classroom Assistant, Pupil Support Assistant, additional support needs (ASN) Assistant and others.

Engagement Programme Evaluation Report

The Engagement Programme Evaluation Report provides an overview of the programme background, content and responses. Although it was not possible to include every response, this report aims to honestly reflect the range of views and the strong consensus shared by participants. The engagement programme was successful in reaching Pupil Support Staff across Scotland and received 2500 formal responses.

PDF file: Pupil Support Staff Engagement Programme Evaluation Report - July 2023 (1.5 MB)

Programme Overview

Pupil Support Staff (PSS) are critical members of our learning communities, providing dedicated, professional support in early years and school settings each and every day. They contribute to the wellbeing, learning and development of our children and young people, and many play a vital role in helping children and young people who require additional support.

Due to the variety of roles and working patterns, support to PSS has developed over time and in line with local arrangements. This Scottish Government and Education Scotland engagement programme provides the first Scotland wide discussion on that workforce.

Informed by Children in Scotland’s engagement with children and young people this engagement programme seeks to explore with staff, pupils, parents/carers and others in the system, new approaches to empower and assist PSS across Scotland in meeting the needs of the children and young people they support.

The views of staff, pupils, parents and carers, other staff and leaders will be used to inform how these, and other approaches will be taken forward. Your views and comments are therefore critical in ensuring that the support provided to PSS is achievable and impactful, both for Pupil Support Staff themselves and for the children and young people they support.

The final date to take part is Friday 3 March 2023

We have short recorded sessions (around 12 minutes) that explain the background to the programme.

For Pupil Support Staff: Pupil Support Staff Engagement Programme video on YouTube

For Senior Leaders: senior leader pupil support staff engagement session on YouTube

There are online forms linked in the videos that you can use to share your views.

Pupil Support Staff Engagement Programme video

Thank you for taking the time to complete this consultation, your views are very valuable to this important work.