This month we are celebrating a truly inspiring Apprentice of the Month. LMP Education would like to congratulate Alisha Barber, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentice at Wimborne Primary School, for winning this accolade. Here is her story:
“I have always been passionate about working with children in an educational setting. My experience as a youth worker with young offenders only deepened my desire to make a meaningful difference. I truly want to help children unlock their full potential, inspire them to thrive and develop a love for school, and support them in achieving any goal they set their hearts on. Wimborne School has truly made this dream a reality, equipping me with the vital tools and skills I need to wholeheartedly champion and nurture the children in my care.
Being a single mum at the time, there were no opportunities for me to gain any qualifications or to have the chance to work in a school. I couldn’t go to university or college because I still needed to provide for my son. Taking on this apprenticeship gave me everything I needed to seize the chance to better myself and to improve the lives of my son and me. Being able to work, learn, and earn a qualification doing something I absolutely love was the most incredible opportunity I have ever embraced with LMP.
I was able to work and study at the same time was the biggest benefit for me. It’s about seizing every opportunity to gain the qualifications I wasn’t able to achieve when I was younger. Having a dedicated tutor for each subject made all the difference, allowing for great in-depth learning. The one-to-one sessions and personalised check-ins were exactly what I needed to succeed and gain the confidence.
I am genuinely proud of myself. I come from a challenging background as a child. Having endured a childhood that no child should ever have to experience suffering from physical and psychological abuse I initially believed I was at a disadvantage.
My school performance suffered greatly due to the issues I faced and continue to face. I left school with hardly any qualifications, and when I went to college, I faced difficulties there as well.
Fast forward another year, and I was blessed with the birth of my son. Slowly, things began to change for the better. I now have a wonderful son, a fiancé, a beautiful place to call home, a full-time job working in a school, helping children, and a qualification as a teaching assistant (Distinction and Merit). And even more incredibly, another baby is on the way!
I am immensely proud that I have managed to achieve my dreams and earn my qualifications, proving that despite everything, I have fought to build a better and brighter future for me and my son.
The best part of the role is the deep connections I have built with these children the laughter we share day after day fills my heart. The moments of triumph, overcoming their fears and challenges, are truly precious and inspire me every single day.
I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the incredible support of Wimborne School and LMP. The staff at Wimborne School have provided me with the very best tools to succeed, offering unwavering support and boosting my confidence through my learning and studies.
LMP – my tutors both supported me so well; I truly believe I wouldn’t be here without their guidance and encouragement.
The skills I have learned that are truly important are to always remember there is always more to learn and to strive to better yourself in the ways you teach. The world is constantly evolving, and so are the children. It’s essential to build genuine relationships and to carry yourself with integrity. Looks aren’t everything, but a warm smile and a positive attitude can make a world of difference.
I am proud to have made a truly meaningful impact on both pupils and the wider school community by blending my developing skills with the life experience I bring.
One of the most heartfelt achievements has been witnessing pupil progress. Through dedicated small group support and one to one intervention, I’ve been able to help pupils boost their reading, writing, and confidence in ways that genuinely matter. It’s incredibly rewarding to see several pupils I’ve supported move up assessment bands, and teachers have remarked on the remarkable improvement in their engagement and independence.
I’ve also had the privilege of positively influencing behaviour and classroom routines. By maintaining consistency, calmness, and approachability, I’ve helped foster a more settled and nurturing learning environment. Pupils respond warmly to me, and I’ve become someone they feel comfortable turning to for help or guidance a connection that truly makes a difference.
I was so close to pursuing my Level 4 or 5 and specialising in behaviour and SEND, but that will have to wait a year until my child’s arrival. Once they’re here, I truly hope to become a teacher it might take a bit longer, but I genuinely believe it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
Marie Butler, Alisha’s LMP tutor said:
“Throughout her apprenticeship journey, Alisha has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, successfully working across a range of year groups and Key Stages. She has shown remarkable resilience, consistently balancing the demands of her apprenticeship, school responsibilities, and home commitments with determination and professionalism.
Alisha has developed into an outstanding practitioner, demonstrating a high level of skill across all aspects of her role. In particular, she excels in supporting children with SEND, building positive relationships and making a meaningful impact on their learning and development.
Beyond her day-to-day practice, Alisha has been a passionate ambassador for apprenticeships. She recently spoke at a local event, sharing her experiences and highlighting the positive impact her apprenticeship has had on both her professional and personal growth.
Alisha’s dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence make her a highly deserving candidate for Apprentice of the Month.”
Well done Alisha! Best of luck in the future.
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