French education support staff, known as AESH, are increasingly turning to the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) process to gain formal qualifications, according to recent guidance issued by the SNALC union. The union is responding to a surge in inquiries from AESH seeking pathways to become qualified educators, specifically targeting diplomas in specialized education or educational monitoring.
The VAE, a right enshrined in the French Education Code (article R 355-5), allows individuals to gain a qualification based on their professional experience. SNALC advises AESH to begin the process by registering on the official France VAE platform (https://vae.gouv.fr), where they will be connected with an “architecte accompagnateur de parcours” (AAP) to guide them through the application, dossier preparation, and funding options.
Financial assistance for VAE is available through the CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation), a personal training account. Full-time AESH accrue 25 hours of CPF credit annually, up to a maximum of 150 hours. Those without a Level 3 diploma (equivalent to a CAP or BEP) receive double the credits – 50 hours per year, capped at 400. Part-time AESH accrue credits pro-rata to their working hours. These credits are valued at €15 per hour towards training costs, with some academies offering up to €25 per hour and a project funding limit of €1,500 per academic year. The AAP will assist in maximizing these funds and identifying additional regional funding opportunities, such as “chèques VAE.”
AESH pursuing VAE are also eligible for up to 24 hours of paid exit to prepare their validation and attend assessments. This can be extended to 72 hours under certain conditions, as outlined in decrees from 2007. Applicants must formally request this leave from their employer, specifying the required dates.
SNALC is also addressing concerns regarding the implementation of medical recommendations for AESH with health concerns. The union advises members to request a written justification for any refusal to implement recommended workplace adjustments, along with confirmation that the F3SCT (Formation Spécialisée en matière de Santé, Sécurité et Conditions de Travail) has been informed, as mandated by Article 26 of the 1982 decree concerning health and safety in the public service. Failure to adhere to this procedure allows for further action through the union.
Delays in processing pay increases following an advancement in echelon are also being reported. SNALC acknowledges these delays are common, as advancements are processed in campaigns that vary in frequency across different academies. While the increase is retroactive to the date of eligibility, the delay can impact social benefits calculated on current income. SNALC continues to advocate for a more streamlined process to minimize these disruptions.
Finally, SNALC clarified the entitlement to bereavement leave for AESH. Three days of paid leave are granted for the death of a spouse, parent, or child (including PACS partners). Additional travel time, up to 48 hours, may be added for long-distance travel, extending the leave to a maximum of five days. While this leave is typically granted, it is not automatic and may be subject to employer discretion. Leave for the death of other relatives is subject to approval as personal leave and may not be paid.
