Teenagers as classroom assistants

Questions and Answers

Q: From what age on can teenagers work – paid or on voluntary basis – as classroom assistants?

A: All classroom assistants should have a DBS checks, i.e. be at least 16 years of age. Once they reach 18, i.e. become legally adults, the same rules apply to them as to other adults and they can take full responsibility for children/a class.

Q: Are the teenagers themselves subject to the school’s safeguarding policy? Should they be? – Should they be safeguarding trained? 

A: All staff, paid or unpaid in a school have the same safeguarding responsibilities. So yes, the teenagers should have training, follow safeguarding procedures etc.

Q: Can teenagers supervise children on their own, for example during break time?

A: Teenagers under the age of 18 should not be solely responsible for supervising children.