LMP Education would like to congratulate Chloe Lever a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice at St Columba C of E Primary School for winning Apprentice of the Month!
Chloe was recently recognised as the first apprentice in England to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme. In addition to this fantastic achievement, Chloe has also achieved a Distinction in her qualification. Here is Chloe’s story:
“I choose this apprenticeship because I have a passion for working with SEND pupils and being an advocate for them , this programme was the most effective way I could build my understanding and ensure I am able to make a positive impact in SEND children’s life.
I had already been to university, and I felt the apprenticeship route was the way for me to fully develop while getting real life experiences.
The apprenticeship programme allowed me to build my knowledge and skills in real life with real experience, and it gave me the tools to be an effective adult for the SEND Children in my school.
I am proud of how my confidence has grown and how I have improved my skills and my confidence in my own abilities with the SEND children. It’s allowed me to believe in myself more and appreciate the value in my skills.
It is essential for SEND children to have close relationships for their teachers and those around them, in order to make their school life manageable and a safe place for them. Having a teaching assistant with them allows them to believe they are supported and included in their school life without affecting them or the other children as the class teacher will be able to focus on all children.
I have been able to create Alternative Provision for SEND children in my setting and I have seen a lot of progress for these children both academically but also socially. I have seen the impact this has had on the children and how they have transformed in school, they come into school with a big smile and are able to express themselves and their emotions in a safe and nurturing environment.
Working with the SEND children and building those relationships and being a true advocate for them has been the absolute best part of my role.
My LMP tutor Susan was amazing and was there when I needed her, she showed me that my work was valued and my knowledge was appreciated. Katie my employer has allowed me to build myself in real time and gave me the opportunity to learn on the job and gave me jobs to further my skills and knowledge.
I have learnt many important skills, but my own personal growth has been an important skill for me, I am able to voice my opinion and my ideas and know I will be supported as I have the skills behind me.
My next steps are to continue to work with SEND children and continue to advocate for them. I am thinking about going into outreach for SEND children, or Positive Behaviour Support.”
Chloe’s LMP Tutor Sue Radcliffe said:
“Chloe’s journey on her L5 Specialist Teaching Apprenticeship started with a quiet, committed woman with a passion for SEND. To begin with, Chloe, supported a range of SEND pupils across the school but had a vision to maximize the opportunities for the children she worked with.
She shared her ideas for a Restorative Practice classroom where pupils could access learning in the way that suited them and where skills could be developed to ensure impactful inclusion was achieved in mainstream classes, with the SENDCo and Katie Viola (Head), who welcomed her passion and ‘Apple’ classroom was born.
Chloe is extremely humble about her abilities and is absolutely dedicated to getting things right for learners. She has consistently developed her practice over the year and has applied all her learning to support the best possible outcomes for her pupils.
Being the first person in the country to achieve the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Apprenticeship at distinction level is well deserved and testament to her dedication to her school. I am super proud to see Chloe achieve this and can’t wait to hear about the next steps on her adventures!”
What an incredible achievement. Well done Chloe, best of luck in the future!
Learn more about the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme
