It’s National Teaching Assistants Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of Teaching Assistants across the country. Teaching Assistants (TAs) are the backbone of the school systems, supporting pupils and staff alike. In honour of National Teaching Assistants Day LMP Education is celebrating the teaching assistants who are stepping up, investing in their education through apprenticeships in order to make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.
TA Connor supports classroom routines
Connor Meech, a Level 3 TA apprentice has worked with the team at SummerDown School to develop a stable routine for a struggling classroom:
“The best thing about my role is being able to make a difference every day. Seeing pupils thrive by what you do is one of the best feelings you can have. The class I work at has struggled but as a team we managed to work out a good routine which works for all.”
TA Louisa supports SEND provision
Teaching Assistants are key in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs as they can provide a more personalised approach to their learning. Louisa Atkinson is an LMP Education apprentice who is currently studying on a Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND pathway programme, working at Oasis Shirley Park Primary.
Louisa has been working with the school’s SEND provision to support pupils with additional needs: “It is important for teaching assistants to support SEND pupils because they can find school hard to navigate or be very overwhelming. Having a 1 on 1 can help them feel supported and cared for to help them to work better. It can produce a positive environment for them to feel safe in and comfortable which can help them regulate their emotions better. It is better for them to have someone familiar to support them.”
Sports TA Muhammad supports physical education
Muhammad Salahuddin is a Level 3 Sports Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Oasis Academy Foundry. Muhammad has been able to make a true difference in the school’s PE provision through the skills he’s developed in his apprenticeship:
“I can happily say that I have made a massive difference at Oasis Academy Foundry in the sports field and in a classroom. I have put in the effort to support the staff during lessons working together as one to ensure the P.E curriculum is taught effectively. I have introduced new ideas and activities which engages not just the pupils, but the staff involved also. There were also scenarios where I had to lead in some of the P.E lessons myself, which has given me more confidence and experience in planning and leading a session plan. This has helped me progress towards my goal of becoming a sports coach. “
TA Nadine makes an impact on school
Nadine Murray is a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentice at Oasis Academy Media City who made a huge difference to the school and pupils through her apprenticeship:
“During my apprenticeship, I feel I have made a positive impact by supporting students who struggle to access learning in the classroom. For example, I have been working closely with a student with ASD and anxiety who has found it very difficult to attend lessons. Over time, I have built a trusting relationship with him and gradually supported him to re-engage with his learning. While he is not yet able to attend the classroom, he has gained the confidence to complete parts of his lessons with me on a one-to-one basis in a quiet space where he feels comfortable. This has meant he is beginning to make academic progress again, and it has also reduced his levels of stress and anxiety around school. I am proud that my support has helped him take these important first steps towards returning to the classroom in the future.”
TA Niamh nurtures relationships with pupils
Niamh Collins is a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Oasis Academy Media City who utilised the apprenticeship path to grow her skills. Niamh has been involved with her school’s Nurture provision supporting pupils with additional needs:
“I believe I’ve made the biggest impact in being the TA for the Nurture provision. I’ve been able to support students in Year 7 and 8 with some of the highest cognitive and behavioural needs in English and Maths. Our Year 7 class was initially working at a Year 2 level at the start of the year, but by the end of the year the whole class had massively improved, and all were on or above target in Maths. One of the biggest changes though, is that there was a clear difference in the confidence that all the students had with English and Maths and themselves, which was amazing to see. “
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