Teaching Assistant Review

Each day I support many children aged 7 to 11 years old. This could be within the classroom as a whole class, a group or 1 to 1. It could be working with smaller groups of children to re teach current lessons, dealing with behaviour, first aid etc. I work with many other adults within my role and support some children with emotional issues.

In my current role I have learn't many things in order to aid and assist the children I work with and continues to learn more each and every day. I have also learn't a lot about myself, how I make a difference in their lives and education. The course has given me a little confidence in myself and highlighted what I needed to improve.

I have experienced 4 tutors throughout the course. Each one brought different knowledge and expected different outcomes. My final tutor was by far the most active and supportive by far. I feel that if I had this tutor from the start I would of enjoy the course very much, however it dragged in many areas.

Because I had 4 different tutors throughout the course, there was lots of crossing over and it lacked direction. Each tutor had different expectations and expected things others didn't so on occasions would have to redo some of the work or add further evidence. Tutors were quick to answer emails and would try and find the answers as soon as possible.

My employer was very supportive and attempted to ensure any issues I had were sorted as quickly as possible. I was able to gain experience from other members of staff who went through questions that I need support with, normally giving examples of when and how we could do these things.

Based on my last tutor, I have felt very much support. Scarlet took me from 36% to 98% in the space of 3 weeks and we covered approx 7 months worth of work in that time. Scarlet was able to work with other members of LMP and sort out the missing work. I had all but given up on the course until Scarlet joined the team.

I felt I was pretty sure how the education sector works before I started the course, but I have been able to ask more probing questions that I wouldn't normally ask and found it has allowed me to discover more understanding in how children think and behave. It has opened my thinking more to the world outside of school for the children.

Due to COVID restrictions all extra-curricular activities are currently suspended. However aside this, we now have the use of one of our secondary school sports facilities including gym and swimming pools. We would also hold Christmas and Summer fairs for the school and its local community, which would include a raffle. We have managed to do both a Christmas and Easter raffle virtually. We have a parent and staff group which will resurrect once restrictions lift. Staff members are also invited to end of Summer term and Christmas term social events.

Yes

Based on my last tutor without a doubt I would recommend LMP to anyone. I have been fully supported and my tutor has gone above and beyond on all aspects of the course. It is easy to access and an objective overview for your observations. Your tutor is with you every step of the way.

The first piece of advice I would give is to ensure your tutor is informed of everything, if you can not meet a deadline for an assignment or need to move the time of a virtual meeting then let them know, they will accommodate your requests where they can. The application process was extremely easy to follow and process. Your tutor is your first point of contact for everything, and no question is a silly question - they have probably heard it before. Try and attend webinars where possible as they create an excellent learning platform.