Recruiting Additional Adults in Schools: A Framework for Success

A new framework has been designed to help schools recruit Additional Adults by prioritising the skills, attributes, and characteristics needed for the role - rather than prior qualification and experience alone.

Primary schools across Liverpool are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining suitable staff for Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and Additional Adult roles.

Not having the relevant qualifications or experience has sometimes limited the pool of potential candidates and resulted in a lack of suitable applications.

To address this, SIL (formally School Improvement Liverpool) has worked with local Primary Headteachers to design a flexible framework to attract and retain Additional Adults in the classroom – contributing to children’s learning and promoting career progression and inclusivity.

It offers a non-traditional route into working within the classroom, which is hoped will widen the pool of applicants and attract interested candidates from more diverse backgrounds.

Career progression

The framework works by appointing candidates into one of three tiers based on their attributes and experience.

It highlights career progression opportunities, helping Additional Adults to start or progress their careers, gain qualifications, and develop their expertise in supporting children and young people.

Gaining appropriate knowledge and skills

SIL has developed a training programme focusing on themes such as being a good role model, the importance of effective questioning and active listening, understanding the SEND code of practice, and recognising that all behaviour is communication.

Tiered training is embedded within employment, ensuring that candidates acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills on the job.

The new framework offers

Multiple pathways to employment - schools can recruit through apprenticeships, volunteer programs, by direct hire or via SIL Staffing Solutions Supply Agency.

Competitive pay structure - suggested salary bands that are attractive to potential candidates and offer clear progression routes.

Tiered approach to training – structured, yet flexible training, including pay-as-you-go options or embedded through candidates recruited via SIL Staffing Solutions. (Depending on the needs of the school, there may be subtle variations between those participating.)

Yvonne Sutton, Inclusive Learning Manager at SIL and part of the working group, said:

“We understand the challenges schools and settings face in recruiting and retaining support staff.

Proudly leading the working group on behalf of local head teachers, we have developed a framework to support colleagues in their approach to recruitment of Additional Adult roles.

By adopting this new framework and engaging with the available resources, schools can not only fill essential roles but also advance social mobility—giving individuals from all backgrounds the chance to work in education, with their unique skills, attributes, and potential being truly recognized and valued like never before.

It also provides fulfilling opportunities for adults who can potentially make a meaningful impact on children’s learning."

Laura Moreton, Head Teacher at St. Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School, shared how a member of her team retrained after a career in the hair and beauty industry.
 

“Despite having no prior education experience, our staff member brought a wealth of skills gained from previous roles and life experience. 
 

She transitioned into an Additional Adult /Learning Support Assistant role with no formal experience, quickly adapting and using her strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities to make a huge impact in supporting students' success. 
 

She has proved to be an invaluable asset, demonstrating exceptional dedication, empathy, and creativity in helping children thrive academically and emotionally.”

Are you ready to start or progress your career as an Additional Adult?

From apprentices to established practitioners – Additional Adult roles offer fulfilling opportunities which make a meaningful impact on children’s learning.

• Register with SIL Staffing Solutions.
• Search for current education vacancies across the city 

With thousands of job hunters visiting each month, schools can advertise their vacancies on the SIL Website.