Teaching Assistant Apprentice Review

My role on a day to day basis consists of supporting students with SEN with their work academically but also supporting their social, emotional and mental health needs and taking on a pastoral care role. Additionally, I am a form tutor so I plan activities for my class to complete as well as conducting parent meetings and supervising student's reports.

I have learnt a lot since starting my placement, I work in a specialist provision for girls with social, emotional and mental health needs. I have been able to develop my knowledge on ASD, ADHD and dyslexia and how to support students with these needs. Additionally, I have been able to learn a lot about behaviour management and how to handle difficult behaviour.

I have really enjoyed my programme, it provided me with all the support I needed to get through it. Also, the coursework that I had been completing was extremely relevant to the work I was doing and helped me to understand the job I was doing better eg. reading and analysing all of the relevant legislation to gain a good understanding of this

My programme was extremely structured which really helped me to succeed throughout the length of the course. I had regular check-ins from my pastoral manager as well as meetings with my tutor every month to go through what work I was doing and if I needed any help on anything.

I recieved a lot of support from my employer, including monthly supervisions where she would push me to do more and succeed on my course. As well as a really supportive team who have taugh me a lot throughout my time. I know if there was ever a problem or concern I had, I would feel comfortable to talk to my employer about this.

My tutor gave me a lot of support during my time on the course, he was really attentive and always answered my many emails in a timely manner. He was empathetic and understanding of my needs and was always available to help if I needed it. I enjoyed working with my tutor as he really helped me this year.

Due to my qualification, I have an extensive knowledge on topics that are important to know when you work in the education sector eg. safeguarding, child development, SEN, etc. All of the topics covered helped me to relate them to my own practice and made me feel more prepared whilst performing my role.

LMP make a huge effort to arrange socials for the people taking the apprenticeship. Even though it was difficult because of covid, they still arranged online quizzes and fun activities for us so that we could all see each other at least. The only problem with this though is that no one turns on their cameras or really feels comfortable to talk so the people taking the course don't really get to socialise with each other and I think it would have been nice to have some way to communicate with each other.

Yes

I would reccoment LMP to a friend because they were extremely supportive to me throughout my time on the course. I also think that the level of organisation that they aid you with is really useful as it helps you to stay on track with your work as a learner and prevents you feeling overwhelmed.

The advice I would give to others applying to LMP group are to be proactive and always ask questions and take intitiative with your coursework and whilst at your placement. Even if you don't have experience in the area you want to go into, still go for it and tweak your CV and be your best self because LMP will help you to get to where you want to be.