First, there are the mostly voluntary parents who want to help at their child's school and are happy to assist the teacher by doing mundane jobs such as washing paint pots and photocopying in order to allow the teacher more contact 'teaching time' with the children. Little qualification is needed above common sense, and pay to cover their costs for 'volunteering' would be perfectly acceptable. I think this is an important part of parent/school relationships and should be encouraged.
Second, there is the other more professional type of assistant who works as part of a team or a partner with the teacher and takes on a more advanced role that obviously requires more knowledge, as is reflected in their qualifications and, consequently, more pay. They are an essential part of school life.
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