More than twenty support assistants working in Oban, Mull, Lorn, Mid-Argyll and Cowal have picked up Professional Development Award (PDA) certificates in Education Support Assistance. The ceremony was held on 1 June at the Loch Fyne Hotel in Inveraray.

Lead Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Breslin said, “I would like to congratulate the candidates on their hard work and commitment. They do a very worthwhile job in our schools and make a real difference to pupils.”

The assistants all contribute to the care and welfare of pupils across Argyll and Bute and have recently finished more than a year of accredited training including practical work in schools, closed book assessments and personal study.

The Professional Development Award course is designed to support classroom assistants and additional support needs assistants in developing their role in schools and in gaining a wider range of knowledge and skills in relation to pupils with additional support needs.