I was given the opportunity to complete the Supporting Teaching & Learning course by the Head of Education at TYB, as previous teaching assistants had successfully undertaken it.
Education and its impact on young people, particularly those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), deeply resonated with me, as I have personal experience of this with my own daughter. I wanted to make a difference and develop the knowledge to support best practices—not only for my own children but also for the young people I work with now and in the future. Additionally, I saw this as a valuable step towards career progression, allowing me to study while continuing to work.
This course has reinforced my understanding of the theories and practices we apply in education, giving me greater confidence in my role. It has encouraged me to be more self-reflective and to support those around me in becoming the best they can be. My subject knowledge has expanded, and I now have a broader range of approaches to help young people thrive. The course has given me the tools to ensure that every learner feels valued and respected within their school and wider community.
My trainer coach, Julia, has been phenomenal—her knowledge is extensive, and she has been incredibly supportive from the very start. She takes a genuine interest in her learners and is always available to offer guidance. Thank you, Julia!
One of the best aspects of this qualification is how inclusive it is. Not all learners feel comfortable expressing themselves solely through written work, so the ability to incorporate recorded discussions, on-site observations, and written tasks made the process far more manageable. The flexibility reduced the pressure and allowed me to demonstrate my learning in a way that suited my needs.
I also found Smart Assessor incredibly useful. It was easy to navigate, making it simple to track progress, upload and amend work, and access resources at any time. Despite taking significant time off due to surgery, I was still able to complete the course two months ahead of schedule, showing how adaptable the learning journey can be without compromising on quality.
I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone looking for a flexible and enriching professional development opportunity. The knowledge and strategies you gain are truly invaluable.
