The forgotten support staff

In debates about teaching assistants and their impact on pupils, other learning support staff such as librarians and technicians sometimes feel overlooked. 

Long before the advent of new roles like cover supervisors and higher level teaching assistants, these staff were sharing their expertise with pupils and teachers. But as the workforce has expanded, some of these school professionals have come to feel eclipsed despite their significant contribution.

Libraries are at the heart of learning and the best education settings maintain a professional service. Too often, short-sighted decision-makers are closing and cutting services, skimping on stock and staff. 

There are a number of myths in play: encouraging children to “read for pleasure” is an optional extra, the internet has replaced the research function of libraries, or the digital age has made it possible to employ unqualified staff rather than library and information professionals.