We are thrilled to announce the LMP Apprentice of the Year 2025/26 award has been won by Diana Saeed.
This award was presented last month as part of the National Apprenticeship Week celebrations that took place across LMP Education. The online event was attended by 150 people including learners, employers and stakeholder partners. It was sponsored by SkillsHub, a unique managed apprenticeship service for schools, part of Supporting Education Group.
Diana, a Teaching Assistant at Astrea Academy, was nominated by her LMP tutor Melanie Paul who said:
Diana has been consistently proactive and engaged from day one of her apprenticeship. She attended every training session and applied herself 100% and thoroughly enjoys learning. Diana worked hard at all elements of her apprenticeship and met all targets, achieving these to an exceptionally high standard. Diana is highly regarded by everyone at her school and readily takes on all tasks, demonstrating a strong work ethic. Diana completed a phenomenal mock discussion for her EPA achieving all distinction criteria first time. She has been running the SALT interventions and is now helping to upskill other TAs in school.
Diana completed her Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway programme last year and has now progressed onto Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant. She is a valued team member at Astrea Academy Sheffield. Diana shared her journey with us:
“I chose this programme as I had an interest in the SEND Pathway and really wanted to expand my knowledge in order to support children within mainstream schools.
An apprenticeship was more convenient for my lifestyle as a mother. I was able to remain in my workplace and develop my skills whilst getting paid.
Flexibility and practicality are the key benefits. You can do everything at your own pace and the tutors are really positive and supportive.
I am proud that I completed all the assignments within a year and meet the off the job hours required. I am proud to say that the children I look after are thriving as I have completed many training programmes to better manage behaviours and support health and wellbeing. I am able to create a comfortable, trusted and nurturing environment for children to openly and confidently ask for support even if it’s a quick chat to check in. This is all by providing them with time and attention as well as constant positive energy.
Teaching Assistants are essentially the backbone to schools. They can deliver more tailored interventions and support to children who require extra support. They also support teachers in managing behaviour and are with no doubt the first point of support for the children’s pastoral needs. They will spend more time with the children building relationships and being their trusted adult.
The best thing about my role is being able to work with a variety of abilities and ages supporting their development. Seeing their progression and how the grow from early years into young people is so rewarding.
Critical thinking is a key skill which I have developed and is essential for school setting. This is because it allows me to respond instead of reacting to situations and aid my decision-making skills. It has taught me to weigh out situation, solve problems more effectively and reflect on the outcomes.
My employer and tutor, Melanie Paul, have been so supportive. They constantly praised me for my achievements no matter how small and checked up on me. They aided my flexibility needs. My employer provides me with time to shadow teachers to gain better understanding of curriculum, and my tutor would always send me beneficial reading material. Melanie was patient and understanding and gave great advise.
I would like to go into teaching as I have developed a passion for educating young children and aiding all aspects of their development.”
Well done Diana! Best of luck in the future.
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