Mia, garde d’enfant à Eastwood

For the past two years I have worked as an LSA in the fantastic as well as challenging SEN department of a secondary school. This position included assisting their statemented pupils by leading Art and Design lessons, creating English intervention resources and then implementing them, team teaching, also working at a 1:2:1 level with certain SEN students whom are on the Autistic Spectrum and ADHD etc – in addition to this I have also been running a "Homework Club" after school hours for pupils.

From experience supporting KS3 and KS4 academically I have realised how enthusiastic I am to work alongside children and parents in a role that focuses solely on pupils’ wellbeing and safety. Throughout this role I feel I have specialised in 1:2:1 work with certain pupils mainly on a social and emotional level. I am interested in eventually qualifying as a counsellor for children and young adults – this aside I have extremely enjoyed and appreciated my time so far in Secondary education.

I have had training in “Autism Awareness”, “Supporting Literacy in the Classroom" focused at differentiation, AFL and many interactions/experiences with pupils who are diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, ODD. I have found myself to be a "go to" individual for pupils who are concerned, worried or are suffering emotional/social issues. I make sure that I am always available to pupils who wish to speak to me, arranging meetings and have taken it upon myself to also be part of the AFA Mentoring programme (Achievement for All). Together with this I have a BA Hons in Fine Art and am keen to use all creativity, familiarity and awareness as positive lessons and strategies in all circumstances and environments.

For example, a pupil who has a diagnosis of ADHD and is currently in the process of undergoing testing for the Autistic Spectrum was one whom I worked with very closely on a 1:2:1 level. This pupil had very specific needs which I embraced and met with great enthusiasm, this headed towards being appointed as his “Lead LSA”. He has been noted as having made huge improvements not only academically but also socially which is where he struggled significantly. He now is no longer an isolated student but has formed friendships and rapport with others whilst becoming more independent in and out of lesson. I am willing to take on any challenges sent in my direction; I thrive as part of a team but am also capable to undergo tasks as an individual and use my own initiative.