Ultimate Guide to NSW School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) Roles

1. What does SLSO stand for?

In New South Wales (NSW), SLSO stands for School Learning Support Officer - otherwise known as a teacher's aide, teacher assistant, or education support worker in other states.

2. What does an SLSO do?

School Learning Support Officers help teachers provide additional assistance to students with learning needs in various educational settings. This includes students with disabilities, learning difficulties, bilingualism, or other needs that require extra help in the classroom.

According to the NSW Department of Education, their scope of work can include the following:

• the implementation of individual education programs
• providing opportunities for students to develop personal, social independent living and pre‐vocational skills, and
• attending to the personal care needs of students.

Other tasks can include:

• Providing one-on-one or small group support services: Helping students who need extra assistance, particularly those with disabilities, learning difficulties, or other challenges.
• Assisting with classroom management: Supporting teachers in maintaining a positive and organized classroom environment.
• Supporting students with personal care needs: This can include assisting with mobility, toileting, or feeding for students with physical disabilities, or just general student wellbeing.
• Supporting behavior management: Helping to implement strategies to implement an inclusive education program for students with behavioral or emotional disabilities (eg. students with an autism spectrum disorder, or other intellectual disabilities)
• Assisting with communication: Helping students with speech and language challenges, often using alternative communication tools or methods.
• Administering assessments or observations: Recording and tracking students' progress and behavior. Crafting learning activities that cater for diverse needs.
• Encouraging social inclusion: Helping students participate in class activities, promoting positive relationships and social interactions.

A detailed Statement of Duties for SLSOs can be found on the NSW Department of Education website here: education.nsw.gov.au

3. How to become an SLSO in NSW

To become a School Learning Support Officer in New South Wales, you'll need to follow several steps:

1. Education and Qualifications:

   • While a formal degree may not be required, it's highly desirable to have completed a Certificate III or IV in Education Support or a related qualification. These courses are available through TAFE or other private registered training organizations.
   • For more specialized roles you might need additional certifications or training. For example, for pre-school SLSO roles, you must be working towards or hold an Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approved Certificate III in Children’s Services or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

2. Experience and Skills Needed:

   • Previous experience working with children or in a school environment is often preferred. This could include volunteering, internships, or working as a teacher's aide in a school.
   • You'll need strong organization , interpersonal skills, and effective communication skills,as well as the ability to work closely and effectively with teachers and other support staff.
   • It’s also helpful to have skills in behavior management, assistive technology, and understanding the needs of students with disabilities or diverse learning needs.

3. Working with Children Check:

   • A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required to work in any child-related role in NSW. This check ensures that you have no criminal history that would disqualify you from working with children.

4. First Aid Certificate:

   • A first aid certification is preferred when applying for all SLSO positions, no matter if the role is based in the school community or is a school based education support position. If you do not have one currently, many schools will offer it as part of classroom teacher training.

5. SLSO Application:

   • The largest number of NSW SLSO positions are collected daily onto our site here: Teacher Aide jobs board. In NSW, public schools SLSO jobs are also posted on the NSW Department of Education's website. You’ll need to regularly check for job openings and apply through their online application portal.
   • Your application will typically require a resume, cover letter, and details of your qualifications and experience.

6. Interview and Selection:

   • If selected, you will be invited for an interview, where they will assess your suitability for the role based on your qualifications, experience, and personal attributes.

7. Ongoing Professional Development:

   • Once employed as an SLSO, you may be required to participate in ongoing training or professional development, which will help you stay updated on best practices and educational policies.

By following these steps, you can work toward becoming an SLSO and supporting students in NSW schools.

4. How much do SLSO get paid in NSW?

As outlined by the NSW Department of Education, the following are the pay rates of Student Learning Support Officers (SLSO)

Long term, permenant position rates

SLSO Position	Hourly Salary ($)	Annual Salary ($)
SLSO 1	$33.40	$65,998.40
SLSO 2	$34.00	$67,184.00
SLSO 3	$36.40	$71,926.40
SLSO 4	$38.81	$76,688.56
SLSO Pre-School 1	$33.40	$65,998.40
SLSO Pre-School 2	$34.00	$67,184.00
SLSO Pre-School 3	$36.40	$71,926.40
SLSO Pre-School 4	$38.81	$76,688.56
SLSO Student Health Support	$40.14	$79,316.64

Short term, temporary position rates

SLSO Position	Hourly Salary ($)	Annual Salary ($)
SLSO 1	38.42	$75,917.92
SLSO 2	39.10	$77,261.60
SLSO 3	41.85	$82,695.60
SLSO 4	44.63	$88,188.88
SLSO Pre-School 1	38.42	$75,917.92
SLSO Pre-School 2	39.10	$77,261.60
SLSO Pre-School 3	41.85	$82,695.60
SLSO Pre-School 4	44.63	$88,188.88
SLSO Student Health Support	46.16	$91,212.16

Do SLSOs get holiday pay?

It is worth noting that it is common for SLSOs to be employed as part-time and casual staff due to the nature of the work. However, there is also plenty of demand for permanent positions for SLSOs.

Typically, if you are employed in a full-time, permanent position, you will receive holiday pay. However, if you are employed on a temporary casual or part-time basis, you typically do not have holiday pay. It is best to check with the school of interest as policies differ.

5. How do I get my NSW DET SLSO number?

NSW DET numbers are the equivalent to a teaching or employment ID given to you once you are employed at a school.

Contrary to popular belief, a NSW DET number is NOT required when applying for SLSO positions.

If you are asked for a NSW DET number, contact the staff of your school, or directly contact the DET for more information.

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Learn more about teacher aides roles and salaries across Australia with our Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Teacher's Aide here.