A dedicated learner has described Aspire 2Be’s Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification as “life-changing” after it helped her to become a full-time teaching assistant.
Gemma Young, 42, first learned about the opportunity to do the qualification, which helpsschool support staff to develop in their role, through a colleague, who introduced her to Aspire 2Be.
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Keen to progress in her new career, she enrolled to support her transition into a role at Sofrydd Primary School Nursery, Crumlin, near Newbridge.
“The course has been invaluable in my professional journey,” said Gemma, who lives in Sofrydd. “It has not only enhanced my knowledge but has also allowed me to apply new skills in my everyday role. I am constantly learning and implementing new strategies, which has made a real difference.”
A key element of the programme that she found particularly beneficial was the unit on promoting positive behaviour in children and young people. Working closely with children with additional learning needs (ALN), she discovered new insights into behavioural issues and effective strategies to address them.
“This unit really opened my eyes to understanding why children may behave in certain ways and how best to support them,” she explained. “The knowledge gained has had a direct impact on my approach in the classroom, helping me to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment.”
Throughout her studies, Gemma has received unwavering support in her workplace. From mentorship to progress reviews and witness testimonies, her colleagues and senior leadership team have recognised the value of the qualification and the impact it has had on her professional development.
“The encouragement from my team has made all the difference,” she said. “They have been involved in my learning journey every step of the way and it’s clear they see the benefits of this qualification.”
Gemma also spoke highly of her digital skills coach, Andy Goudge, who has provided ongoing guidance. “Our sessions are engaging and never feel like pressure; instead, they are both informative and enjoyable,” she added.
A significant advantage of the programme, according to Gemma, is its flexibility. The ability to complete coursework around her existing commitments, using real-life examples from her daily work, has been instrumental in her success.
“Being able to submit examples from my job – like pictures of classroom set-ups – has been really useful,” she explained. “It makes the learning experience so much more relevant and applicable.”
Gemma has now secured a role as a Level 2 teaching assistant in a newly established Learning Resource Base (LRB) unit for children with ALN.
“This is the career path I wanted and this course has helped me get there,” she added. “Come September, I’ll be moving from four part-time jobs to one full-time role. This has truly been a life-changing experience.”
Aspire 2Be’s Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification continues to empower professionals like Gemma, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to advance in their careers and make a lasting impact in education.
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