Minerva Learning Trust
6th February 2017

A day in the life of a student support assistant

Abi Osborne, Student Support Assistant

A day in the life of a Student Support Assistant 

"Good morning you're through to the House office".

"Oh hi. My son is playing his very first rugby match for the school tonight and he forgot to tell me until last night he needs a gum shield. I've been to try and get one from Decathlon but they're closed as there's a sink hole in the car park. He's so looking forward to playing is there anything you can do?"

"Leave it with me and I'll speak with the PE department. I'm sure we'll be able to sort something out"

"Even if it's a used one, run it under the hot tap, you have my permission, he'll be fine. He's desperate to play". 

Knock at door "Hi Miss I've come to collect a prize for getting my rewards"

"Stress ball or highlight pen? Well done, keep up the good work!"

Log on to start checking emails - another knock at door, "Miss our printer broke last night so I've not printed my homework off - Sir's gonna kill me - what shall I do?"

"Don't panic you can log on in the Library and print it out there".

My day starts at 8am and this is a flavour of some of the things I deal with even before first bell at 8.35am! 

I've been in my role for just over 5 years and I can honestly say, no two days have ever been the same. Each day I deal with a whole range on things:

  • Nagging (students' description!) about punctuality and attendance
  • Supporting a student through a tough time
  • Phoning parents/carers about issues
  • Completing paperwork and filing
  • Delivering a forgotten packed lunch
  • Undertaking a mentoring session
  • Reminding a student they have a detention
  • Meeting with external agencies
  • And finally, sitting down with the Head of House and a cuppa to review the day

It's a busy and varied role, which I love. The best part? Watching the students at Leavers Assembly collecting their Record of Achievement hoping what I've done has helped them in some tiny way. 

By the way the young man did get to play rugby thanks to the PE department supplying him with a gum shield........ a new one!