In order to assist appropriate science teachng and relevant learning experiences n the primary phase, technical advice and non-teaching support are required. The Association for Science for Science Education is strongly convinced that the demands of the science curricula of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland can be delivered in an appropriate manner only when an adequate level of support is available.
Science technicians have an important contribution to make to the quality of learning.
The availability of well-trained support assists and influences the effective delivery of practical programmes, whilst the absence of this support and expertise militates against it. The present provision of technical support is in need of considerable enhancement, yet it may well deteriorate further as a consequence of the absence of any suitable training and career structure for technicians. The precise level of support required by a school depends upon the range of work required of the technical support service and also on the special circumstances of each school. However, the Association for Science Education recommends the following formula in determining the minimum amount of technical support needed. After this formula has been applied, consideration should be made of any special circumstances.