YOUR front-page article (TESS, September 25) accurately conveyed my concerns about some of the details of the Government’s classroom assistants initiative. It did not, however, mention my strong support for the general concept.
The introduction of a large group of para-professionals into the education service will represent a major step forward from which both pupils and teachers stand to gain significantly.
Using classroom assistants in this way could allow teachers to devote more time to those tasks of highest priority which demand most professional skill. There is no question that such an approach would do much to enhance the public standing of the profession.
Keir Bloomer
Executive Director
Education and Community Services
Clackmannanshire Council
