Supporting Children. Supporting Families. Supporting Schools.
In the UAE’s inclusive education environment, many children benefit from personalised, one-to-one support within mainstream classrooms. A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) also known as a shadow teacher is a trained professional who supports a child academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviourally, helping them participate fully in school life.
At Alamaani, our LSAs work collaboratively with families, inclusion teams, and teachers to help children succeed within their classroom environment.
What Is a Learning Support Assistant?
A Learning Support Assistant provides individualised support to a child throughout the school day. Their purpose is to facilitate independence, reinforce learning, and promote positive participation. LSAs support the child while the teacher maintains responsibility for whole-class instruction.
Our LSAs have experience supporting children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD and attention-related challenges
- Speech and language delays
- Dyslexia and other learning needs
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Behavioural or emotional regulation difficulties
- Social communication needs
- Executive functioning challenges
- Mild to moderate learning support requirements
The LSA works alongside the teacher, reinforcing the curriculum, helping with focus and organisation, and supporting the child in navigating classroom routines and peer interactions.
Our Matching Process
Every child is unique, and selecting the right LSA is crucial. Our matching process is detailed, sensitive, and designed around the child’s individual needs.
Step 1: Initial Parent Consultation
We begin by speaking with parents to gather comprehensive information, including:
- The child’s strengths, interests, and personality
- Learning needs and challenges
- Curriculum followed (British, American, IB, or Ministry of Education)
- School expectations regarding support
- Any assessments, reports, or recommendations that may guide the placement
This allows us to build an accurate profile before identifying suitable candidates.
Step 2: Shortlisting
We identify two to three LSA candidates whose qualifications, experience, and personal approach align with the child’s needs. Considerations include:
- Relevant experience with similar learning profiles
- Curriculum familiarity
- Language preferences
- Teaching style and personality fit
- Each candidate is pre-screened, vetted, and fully trained.
Step 3: Parent Interviews
- Parents are invited to meet the shortlisted LSAs, either in person or online.
- This ensures the chosen LSA is someone the family trusts and feels confident working with.
Step 4: School approval and documentation
Once the LSA is selected, we coordinate with the school to complete any required documentation and approval procedures. This may include:
- Submission of LSA credentials
- Health and safety documentation
- Identification and clearance checks
- Any onboarding procedures required by the school
Our team manages this process to ensure it is clear, compliant, and straightforward for both parents and the school.
How an LSA Supports Your Child at School
A well-matched LSA contributes to the child’s overall development and helps them experience greater success at school. Their support spans several key areas.
Academic Support
- Reinforces classroom instructions in an accessible way
- Breaks down tasks into manageable steps
- Supports reading, writing, and organisation
- Helps the child follow the curriculum confidently
Social and Emotional Support
- Assists with social interactions and peer relationships
- Supports emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Encourages confidence during group activities
- Provides reassurance during challenging moments or transitions
Behavioural Support
- Applies positive behaviour strategies in line with school policy
- Helps the child maintain focus and manage impulses
- Encourages participation while promoting independence
Long-Term Development
- Works toward classroom independence
- Provides consistency and stability in the child’s school routine
- Aligns with school learning goals and any personalised learning plans
Cultural Understanding and Professional Standards
All LSAs placed by Alamaani are trained to work respectfully within the cultural and social expectations of families in the UAE. We support both Emirati and expatriate families, and our professionals understand:
- Cultural norms and sensitivities
- Expectations around communication with families
- Working within multilingual environments
- Professional boundaries and confidentiality
Our approach is grounded in respect, discretion, and professionalism.
Why Choose Alamaani for LSA Placement?
- Thorough and personalised matching process
- Professionally trained and vetted LSAs
- Full coordination with the school
Begin the Process
If you believe your child would benefit from an LSA or if the school has recommended additional support, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us to arrange an initial consultation or to learn more about how we can support your child’s educational journey.