Teaching assistant Review

My role is working in a primary school as a teaching assistant. I work as a one : one for a SEN child in year 2. Early Years is my favourite place to be at school though, the bond you create with a child impacts their start in to school life.

My level 3 diploma has been invaluable to learning how best to support children in their early years. It has also given me an insight as to what a career with younger children in a nursery setting would be like, something I have yet to experience but hope to soon.

My level three diploma has been enjoyable from the start, learning a range of areas to support children from birth to 7 years. To be able to put this course in to practice whilst studying is what it is all about and I have had some great experiences so far.

My tutor has been a great support to me and answers all my questions, no matter how small or silly! Getting back into learning was a challenge for me to begin with and understanding the jargon. Now I feel more empowered to complete assignments with less support and more confidence.

I couldn't have done my level three without the support from my employer and colleagues. Their knowledge and practice has been invaluable, learning on the job really is the best way and their support has made my understanding so much better. I know they are always there for me.

My training provider and tutor offer me support meetings and time to review my progress and practice. I have also received tailored tutoring for functional skills, which helped me to pass and gain my level 2 qualifications. The support has been much needed and appropriate for the level I required.

My qualification is tailored to working with children in the early years, which is predominantly what my role has involved. The assignments I have completed have all been relevant and enabled me to be better at my job role and support the children I work with the best I can.

Because of covid extra-curricular have slowed and at times stopped, however with things changing I am looking forward to more social events being planned, it is a great way to network with other teachers and learn about different year groups. There are opportunities to get involved with activities with the children too.

Yes

They have been a great source of support with tutoring and access to training for functional skills. I have known others to do courses online and their tutors haven't been as accessible as mine, something that has been so important to me in my qualification right from the start.

Be confident and do it! I started my apprenticeship in adult life, after children. It is not too late to focus on your own education and start focusing on your own career path. Without this apprenticeship I wouldn't have so many opportunities and plans for the future. Do it!