There are currently over 1.7 million pupils in England with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). To help close the skills gap that is currently present in schools, LMP Education has introduced specialised SEND Teaching Assistant pathways to develop the needed skills within educators. One of our learners is Thakdees Khan a Level 5 Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Bare Tree’s primary school. Here is her story:
“I decided to seek this qualification because it will allow me to continue developing the skills (SEN), a role I find deeply rewarding. Teaching these children has shown me the importance of patience, adaptability, and understanding, and I take great pride in helping each student reach their individual potential. I genuinely enjoy creating a positive, safe, and encouraging learning environment where every child feels valued and capable. This qualification will strengthen my ability to tailor learning experiences, implement supportive strategies, and advocate for the needs of my students, enabling me to make an even greater impact on their education and personal growth.
I chose the apprenticeship pathway because I find this route both more engaging and more accessible for my learning style. It allows me to gain hands-on experience while developing essential skills in a real working environment, which I find more effective and enjoyable than a purely academic route. This balance of practical learning and structured study makes the apprenticeship a pathway that suits me best. I’m at the workplace so I still have my job with an ongoing qualification.
The main benefits of an apprenticeship programme on the SEN Teaching Assistant pathway are the opportunity to gain real-world experience while learning, allowing me to develop practical skills directly within a classroom setting. Working hands-on with children with special educational needs helps me build confidence, improve my communication strategies, and better understand how to support diverse learning needs. The programme also provides structured training alongside mentoring from experienced professionals, ensuring I can apply theory to practice effectively. This combination of earning while learning and developing meaningful, practical skills makes the apprenticeship an excellent route for building a strong foundation in SEN education.
What I am most proud of during my apprenticeship is seeing the children achieve their individual goals and knowing that I have played a part in their progress. Being able to support them in learning new skills and gaining confidence has been incredibly rewarding. Watching students develop academically, socially, and emotionally as a result of tailored teaching and encouragement makes me proud of the impact I have made and motivates me to continue growing as an SEN Teaching Assistant.
The best thing about my role is working closely with the children and seeing the difference I can make to their learning and confidence. Being able to support them individually, celebrate their progress, and help them overcome challenges is incredibly rewarding. Every small achievement they make feels meaningful, and knowing I contribute to creating a positive, supportive environment where they can succeed is what I enjoy most about my job.
I have been well supported throughout this programme by both my employer and my LMP tutor. My LMP tutor has provided regular guidance, feedback, and encouragement, helping me to stay on track with my studies and develop my understanding of the SEN pathway. Within school, I have received fantastic support from the two SENCOs and the Deputy Head teachers, who have offered mentoring, practical advice, and opportunities to develop my skills in the classroom. Their support has helped me grow in confidence and ability and has made a significant difference to my success on the programme.
The most important skill I have learnt is being adaptable and able to tailor my teaching to meet the individual needs of each child. This is especially important in SEN education because every student learns differently and requires personalised support to help them succeed. Developing this skill has allowed me to be more patient, creative, and responsive in my teaching strategies, ensuring I can provide meaningful learning experiences that build confidence and promote progress for every child.
Teaching Assistants are vital in supporting SEN pupils because they provide targeted, individualised support that helps children engage with learning in ways that meet their specific needs. Teaching Assistants can adapt activities, reinforce understanding, and offer emotional reassurance, allowing pupils to build confidence and make progress at their own pace. They also support communication between teachers and pupils and help create a consistent, nurturing environment, ensuring that every child feels understood, supported, and included in their learning.
My work has had a meaningful impact on both the pupils and the school by supporting children to make significant progress in their learning and development, particularly in their life skills. Through tailored support and targeted teaching strategies, I have seen improvements in pupils’ independence, communication, confidence, and engagement in daily activities. The children are more motivated and involved in their learning, and they are developing essential skills that help prepare them for wider school life and future opportunities. Seeing their increased participation and personal achievements shows the positive difference my support has made.
My next step after completing this programme is to become a Level 5 HLTA Specialist in SEN so I can continue developing my expertise and take on greater responsibility in supporting children with additional needs. In the longer term, I hope to use the skills, knowledge, and experience I gain to create my own provision for children with additional needs, providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where tailored support helps every child reach their full potential.”
What an inspiring story, well done Thakdees!
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