Teaching Assistant Review

I work with Primary school children with ASD. I encourage them to embody the school ethos to 'make sense of the world' by modelling the school and British Values. I contribute my creativity by adapting tasks to their individualised needs and interests, and make and use a variety of resources to make learning fun, accessible and engaging. I have a professional relationship with my class team and students, to create a comfortable atmosphere, and an environment where we can share and reflect on ideas. I contribute to the delivery and assessment of lessons and ensure the classroom is tidy and everyone is safe.

I have developed in confidence, which has allowed me to contribute and communicate ideas more efficiently and with clarity. This has helped me to develop professional relationships with those in my care and whom I work with, and beyond the workplace in all aspects of my life: opening me to new opportunities for further development. I have learnt a lot about ASD and safeguarding procedures, learning more terminology and developing my understanding from case studies and practitioner research. My assignments broaden this knowledge and guide me to later implement these practices within the workplace. Training courses and sessions have supported me in a range of ways to support my CPD.

I love my programme! I was in college for a month and find that my change to this apprenticeship has helped me to not only cope with my mental health but improved it: developing my confidence and rewarding me in experience and in sharing the joys of my students progress. My training provider has been supportive and empowering and guided me around a structure of assignments that develop understanding of my practise and myself as a learner. I feel much more confident and happier, working in this programme and in the care of my training provider and Inspire ATA Ltd.

Communication is always clear and efficient; emails, messages and calls are promptly replied to and my progress or any concerns are always recorded and responded to exceptionally. Deadlines are always clear and easily rescheduled. This organisation helps me to stay on track for my end point assessment and gives me plenty of time to reflect and enhance on past assignments to equip me for a distinction.

My employer is always efficient with communication: always offering support and responding to any concerns and queries instantly - both reassuring, supportive and empowering. Their communication with my tutor is really effective in ensuring holistic support, and reinforcing collaborative care, modelling teamwork and creating a comfortable working and learning environment, where I'd confidently share any concerns, should they arise.

My training provider is always efficient with communication: always offering support and responding to any concerns and queries instantly - both reassuring, supportive and empowering. I have monthly calls to review assignments and monitor my progress, and check-in calls and progress reviews where necessary. Mock end point assessments are conducted by my tutor/employer that help me boost my confidence and understanding and prepare me.

My qualification develops understanding of the resources and methods I implement: their context to development, psychology practitioners, and the impact they have when executed correctly. This guides me to adapt approaches to individualised needs and age related expectations, and to understand how their home life and wellbeing can impact their academic performance and engagement.

There are no extra-curricular activities at my placement, however I have met with other apprentices and employees my age and also developed professional relationships with all of my colleagues. We sometimes meet up at end of term parties or gatherings, allowing us to celebrate as a team and in turn modelling great teamwork and friendships, creating a positive work environment.

Yes

I have recommended Inspire ATA Ltd. to people before, including colleagues exploring further education for their children or others seeking further development and qualifications. The communication, support, enjoyment and skills are a great resource in all aspects of my life, and allow me to learn and earn at the same time! I couldn't be happier that I chose to do an apprenticeship with them.

Use their support offered and ask questions where needed - they always have great advice and answers. Ensure you have a diary or somewhere to list any meetings, and a good organisation system to keep all your assignments safe; you're tutor will support you with this but its great for developing your organisational skills and allows you to complete tasks more efficiently with gathering portfolio evidence. Enjoy!