Support in the classroom.Confidence beyond it.
Our Shadow Aide service provides thoughtful, discreet support so children can participate more confidently in classroom routines, learning, communication and friendships.
A bridge between support and participation.
A Shadow Aide is a trained support professional who accompanies a child in school and helps them access learning, routines and social opportunities with dignity.
The aide works alongside the school—not in place of the teacher—and follows a plan shaped around the child’s strengths, needs and current goals. Support may be more visible at first, then gradually reduced as confidence and independence grow.
- Understanding and following classroom routines
- Communicating needs and asking for help
- Joining group work, play and social activities
- Managing transitions and emotional regulation
- Beginning, completing and organising tasks
- Building safe, practical independence
One child. One classroom. One carefully coordinated plan.
Priorities are selected after discussion with the family, school and Guiding Stars team.
Communication
Prompting functional communication, comprehension, self-advocacy and appropriate help-seeking.
Social participation
Supporting shared activities, peer interaction, turn-taking and natural opportunities for connection.
Learning access
Breaking down instructions, organising materials and helping the child engage with classroom tasks.
Regulation
Recognising early signs of overwhelm and using agreed sensory or emotional regulation strategies.
Routines
Practising arrival, transitions, toileting, meals, assemblies and other everyday school routines.
Independence
Using the least support needed and fading prompts when the child is ready to do more independently.
A clear pathway from first conversation to classroom support.
Family conversation
We learn about your child, current school experience and the situations that feel most difficult.
Needs review
Relevant reports, observations and practical school requirements are reviewed with consent.
School alignment
We confirm permission, expectations, communication channels and safeguarding arrangements.
Support plan
Specific, observable goals and agreed support strategies are documented before placement begins.
Review and fade
Progress is reviewed regularly, with support adjusted or reduced as independence develops.
Good support is consistent, respectful and transparent.
Families, teachers and the Shadow Aide share observations and agree on practical strategies. Communication stays focused on participation, wellbeing and the child’s increasing independence.
Ask about availabilityA Shadow Aide is not a replacement teacher.
- The service requires the school’s permission and cooperation.
- Support is planned after an individual review; placement is not automatic.
- The aide supports access and participation, not separate teaching.
- Safeguarding, privacy and school policies guide every placement.
What families usually want to know.
How many hours of support will my child need?
There is no standard number. Recommendations depend on the child’s school day, goals, current independence and the school’s requirements.
Will the aide stay beside my child all day?
Not necessarily. Effective support is discreet and flexible. The aide may step closer during difficult routines and create more space when the child can participate independently.
Can you work with my child’s existing school?
Yes, subject to the school’s approval, safeguarding process and willingness to coordinate with the family and Guiding Stars.
How is progress reviewed?
Goals are reviewed using practical observations and feedback from the family, school and support team. The plan is adjusted when needs change.
Could school feel more manageable?
Tell us what your child is experiencing and we will help you consider the most appropriate next step.
Shadow Aide placement is subject to individual review, therapist availability and written school approval. Support plans do not replace educational, medical or diagnostic assessment.
