1.2 Explain the roles and responsibilities of those working within learning, development and support services

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the roles and responsibilities of those working within learning, development and support services.

Learning, development and support services in children and young people’s settings cover a wide range of roles. These services help children develop academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Workers in these services support learning, assist with personal development and provide necessary care. Their responsibilities depend on their role, the setting and the needs of the child.

The main aim is to help every child or young person reach their potential. This means working with the individual’s needs in mind, following agreed procedures and being aware of legal requirements such as safeguarding and health and safety.

Teachers

Teachers play a central role in learning services. They plan, deliver and assess lessons. They work within the curriculum framework and adapt teaching methods to suit different abilities. Teachers promote positive behaviour, encourage engagement and give feedback to learners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning lessons that meet learning objectives
• Using assessment results to guide future teaching
• Managing classroom behaviour to maintain a positive learning environment
• Supporting children’s social and emotional needs
• Working with parents to discuss progress and concerns

Teachers must comply with safeguarding regulations. They are often the first to notice changes in a child’s behaviour or wellbeing. This means they have to report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead in the school.

Teaching Assistants

Teaching assistants support teachers and learners. They help with classroom activities, listen to children read, prepare resources and provide one-to-one support for pupils needing extra help.

Main responsibilities:

• Supporting children’s learning by explaining tasks in simpler terms
• Assisting with classroom organisation
• Helping manage behaviour by encouraging positive interactions
• Providing targeted help to pupils with special educational needs
• Supervising children during break or lunch times

Teaching assistants also work closely with other staff members. They pass on information about pupils, contribute to planning sessions and support school events. They need to be aware of confidentiality rules, especially when dealing with sensitive information about the children.

Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs)

SENCOs manage provision for pupils with special educational needs. They make sure appropriate support is in place and maintain records detailing each child’s needs and the strategies used.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying children who need additional support
• Coordinating interventions and specialist help
• Liaising with parents to discuss progress and support plans
• Working with outside agencies like speech therapists
• Training staff on strategies to support children with complex needs

SENCOs hold a key role in making learning accessible for all. They monitor how effective support is and adjust plans if needed.

Childcare Workers

Childcare workers provide care and support for younger children in nurseries, playgroups and day-care centres. They create safe and stimulating environments that encourage play and exploration.

Responsibilities:

• Organising activities that promote learning and development
• Supporting children with personal care needs
• Observing and recording development milestones
• Supporting healthy eating and nutrition
• Maintaining safe environments by following risk assessments

Childcare workers follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. They work closely with parents and report concerns about development or behaviour.

Social Workers in Education and Support Services

Social workers help children and families facing difficulties. They work in collaboration with schools and other agencies to safeguard and improve children’s lives.

Key responsibilities:

• Assessing the needs of children and families
• Creating support plans that address identified needs
• Offering counselling and advice to parents
• Coordinating support like housing or financial assistance
• Acting quickly if a child is at risk of harm

Social workers must follow the Children Act and safeguarding procedures. Their role often involves balancing the child’s needs with family circumstances.

Family Support Workers

Family support workers help parents improve their parenting skills and manage challenges. They work in homes, community centres or schools.

Responsibilities:

• Advising parents on managing behaviour
• Helping families access health care, housing or benefits
• Supporting children’s attendance and engagement in school
• Linking families to community resources
• Encouraging positive communication between parents and children

They are often a bridge between families and education settings. They need to build trust and maintain confidentiality.

Counsellors

Counsellors provide emotional support. This can be for children who are struggling with anxiety, loss, bullying or relationship problems.

Responsibilities:

• Listening to children and giving them space to express feelings
• Helping them understand emotions and develop coping strategies
• Working with teachers and parents where appropriate
• Keeping records and monitoring progress
• Maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality

Counsellors follow codes of practice and ethical guidelines. They must be sensitive to each child’s needs.

Learning Mentors

Learning mentors work with pupils who face barriers to learning. This could include poor attendance, behavioural issues or difficult home circumstances.

Key responsibilities:

• Identifying barriers to progress
• Setting achievable goals with the pupil
• Providing encouragement and reinforcing positive behaviour
• Liaising with teachers and parents
• Monitoring attendance and engagement levels

They support academic and personal development. They focus on boosting self-confidence and motivation.

Careers Advisers

Careers advisers guide young people about training or employment options. Their support helps students make informed choices.

Responsibilities:

• Providing information about further education, training and work options
• Helping create CVs and prepare for interviews
• Organising events such as career fairs
• Encouraging students to consider their skills and interests
• Supporting applications for college or apprenticeships

Careers advisers often work within schools in partnership with teachers.

Support Service Administrators

Administrators manage records, schedules and communication within learning and support services. Their role ensures smooth operation of the organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Handling enrolment forms and updating student files
• Coordinating meetings and managing timetables
• Communicating important information to parents and staff
• Maintaining accurate records for inspections
• Assisting with financial administration tasks

Accuracy and confidentiality are key in this role. Administrators also support compliance with regulations.

Volunteers

Volunteers may support classroom activities, supervise trips or help with after-school clubs. They bring additional skills and offer valuable time.

Responsibilities:

• Providing extra supervision during events
• Supporting group work under the guidance of staff
• Helping children with reading or craft activities
• Assisting with sports or games
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting concerns

Volunteers must follow training and guidance from the organisation.

Multi-Agency Working

Learning, development and support services often require input from various agencies. This is called multi-agency working. Professionals share information and coordinate efforts for the benefit of the child.

Examples of agencies:

• Education services
• Health services
• Social care
• Youth offending teams
• Charities or community groups

Each agency maintains its own responsibilities. Effective cooperation improves communication and results for the child. Clear agreements on confidentiality are important.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

All roles have safeguarding duties. Workers must protect children from harm and report any risks. Safeguarding includes protecting from abuse, neglect and bullying.

Responsibilities:

• Knowing signs of abuse and neglect
• Following reporting procedures to the designated safeguarding lead
• Keeping accurate records of concerns
• Attending regular training
• Promoting safe learning environments

Safeguarding is guided by laws such as the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Health and Safety Duties

Health and safety apply to every worker. They must provide safe spaces for learning and development.

Key actions:

• Following risk assessment procedures
• Ensuring equipment is safe and suitable
• Promoting hygiene practices like hand washing
• Knowing emergency procedures
• Reporting hazards quickly

A safe setting encourages trust and allows children to focus on learning.

Communication Responsibilities

Clear communication is vital in all roles. Workers share information with colleagues, parents and children.

Main communication skills:

• Active listening to understand concerns
• Using language suited to the child’s age and stage
• Writing clear reports or records
• Maintaining positive tone in meetings
• Respecting confidentiality when sharing information

Good communication helps build relationships and support progress.

Equality and Inclusion

Workers must respect diversity and promote inclusion. This means supporting children from different cultural backgrounds, abilities and family situations.

Responsibilities:

• Ensuring activities suit varied abilities
• Challenging discriminatory behaviour
• Celebrating cultural events and differences
• Using resources that reflect diversity
• Providing equal access to support services

Equality is backed by the Equality Act 2010. Staff must be aware of its principles.

Record Keeping

Accurate records are required in learning and support services. This may include attendance, progress reports and safeguarding records.

Responsibilities:

• Keeping information up to date
• Storing records securely
• Sharing records only with authorised staff
• Recording incidents clearly and factually
• Using records to monitor and improve support

Proper records help in planning and accountability.

Professional Development

Workers must update skills and knowledge. This supports quality practice and meets changing needs.

Responsibilities:

• Attending training courses
• Keeping up with current legislation
• Reflecting on own practice
• Seeking feedback from colleagues
• Applying new strategies in work

Continuous learning benefits the worker and the children they support.

Final Thoughts

Learning, development and support services rely on many roles working together. Each person brings skills and responsibilities. They all contribute to helping children and young people learn, grow and thrive.

Being clear about each role’s responsibilities helps teams work effectively. It ensures support is targeted and coordinated. All workers should understand safeguarding, health and safety, equality and communication. These are shared responsibilities that underpin every role in these services. By fulfilling them, professionals create settings where children feel safe, valued and able to reach their full potential.