One of the things I found positive about the new SNA circular was that it seemed to recognise the reality of what SNAs actually do.

Supporting regulation. Reinforcing learning. Supporting communication. Contributing to Student Support Plans. Professional development. Working collaboratively with teachers.

To me, that looked like a step towards professionalising the SNA role.

But some of the responses to my post made me question that.

One person asked why expanding the role wasn’t accompanied by increased pay.

Another pointed to ongoing issues around job security.

Others mentioned qualifications, redeployment, June working and the lack of recognition for CPD.

And that raises a fair question:

Can you professionalise a role by expanding its responsibilities without professionalising the conditions that come with it?

What would genuine professionalisation of the SNA role look like to you?

Higher entry qualifications? Better pay? A career structure? Greater job security? Recognised CPD? Something else entirely?

I’d really like to hear from SNAs, teachers and school leaders on this.