Untrained LSEs could be more harmful than none at all, top academic warns

The head of the university’s Department of Inclusion and Access to Learning says he is “seriously worried” that hundreds of children with disabilities are being assigned underqualified learning support educators.

François Mifsud said the role is still widely misunderstood.

“The way we see LSEs needs to change. They are seen as nannies or personal assistants, which they are not. They are educators and, as educators, they must have the right formation and qualifications,” he said.

At present, some LSEs graduate with a three-year bachelor’s degree while others qualify after completing a diploma course lasting 10 or 20 weeks. Even more worrying, Mifsud said, is that supply LSEs are assigned to children with no relevant qualification.

There are 4,731 LSEs working across schools in Malta and Gozo, the education ministry said, including 783 supply LSEs. The minimum entry requirement for supply LSEs is one A Level and four O Levels – in any subject – and recruits must complete an induction course once engaged. 

Mifsud said: “We are seriously worried. Students deserve the best. At the moment, some students are getting well-trained LSEs and others are getting people who do not have the correct background. Here we are talking about children with disabilities and learning difficulties. Being qualified is important in ensuring that the LSEs know how to work with these children.”

He also expressed concern that parents, who are not aware of the differences between LSEs, may be reassured simply by the presence of an LSE, when a child paired with an inadequately trained educator could be worse off.

Mifsud believes that the role needs to be taken more seriously, stressing that LSEs are educators and should even have a professional warrant.

How many LSEs are qualified?

Some 2,909 LSEs are employed within the state sector, while 1,258 work in Church schools and 564 are engaged in independent schools. In terms of qualifications, 949 LSEs hold a degree or master’s qualification in inclusive education or an equivalent qualification, while 2,538 possess a diploma in inclusive education or its equivalent. A further 461 LSEs hold a certificate in inclusive education or an equivalent qualification.

Within the state sector, there are 1,482 LSEs assigned to students who have a full-time one-to-one statement. In the non-state sector, there are 808 LSEs assigned to students with a full-time one-to-one statement.

Earlier this month, academics stressed the importance of academic qualifications for LSEs. They were reacting to a decision by Education Commissioner Vincent De Gaetano, who issued a decision stating that ranking LSEs by academic qualifications, rather than by date of appointment, was discriminatory and in breach of public service rules.

In reaction, academics criticised the decision, warning that it risks undermining the professional role of LSEs.