Pastoral and learning support assistant

Helen Otway

I plan mixed-age cognition-and-learning support in small steps, agreeing an approach, observing the response and reviewing what to continue or adapt while keeping the shared skill visible.

Explore the collection

A little about me

I lead a primary support group for pupils working on cognition and learning needs. Grouping by need can make it easier to practise a shared skill, even when pupils are in different year groups. I want resources that meet a range of starting points without assuming every pupil should use the same level of language or task.

Support works best when it is planned, tried and reviewed. I use a cycle that gives adults a chance to agree what to do, notice how it goes and decide whether to continue or adapt the approach. A small step can be more useful than a broad target if it shows the teacher what to look for next.

I look for materials that can flex across ages while keeping the purpose visible. A prompt, visual or short activity can support a particular skill, but it should not define a pupil by one moment or label. I value clear review notes that help the team understand what is useful and what needs another approach.

How I approach a lesson

  1. Group support around the learning need, not age alone.

  2. Plan, try and review a small teaching step.

  3. Adapt resources across ages without lowering expectations.

Templates I'd use with my class

Explore these templates and decide what fits your own setting.

Resource preview