Help! Pupil Support in Scotland

[Meely28]

Hi,

just looking for some advice i am qualified in early education and childcare and working with young children has been all I’ve known. I had took some time out to have my own children and decided i wanted a change so applied for a pupil support in a high school.

The interview itself went awful but i got a phone call to say i got it as i came across really friendly. My only issue now is i really struggle with maths pretty sure I’m undiagnosed dyscalculia. Anyway i’m inclined to now decline the job but unsure if this is the right thing to do?

I’m capable with every other subject but this so just wondering what everyone else’s opinion on this would be?

also a single parent so things like the kids shows etc would they allow me to go to them and come back to work?

if i was to take this does anyone have any tips on doing this job and things that i would need to take? Examples notepad, stationary?

Thanks!

I’m a PSA in primary. Congratulations on being offered the job!
I think you could get by without having to do maths - you are likely to be supporting a particular pupil/s to access their learning (not doing it for them) or assisting in a class. Presumably you have the background required in maths and English or you wouldn’t have been offered the job.

You shouldn’t need to buy anything specially for work, just carry a pen with you. You might find a small cross-body bag useful if you’re moving around school.

As for getting leave during the day to go to children’s shows etc, this will depend on the school. The school I work in allow it, as do others I know of locally. I was able to see my DS’s leaving show and my DD’s presentation last year. It’s effectively supporting other schools as well as their own staff, so they should see the value in it.

Hope it goes well.