SEND TA Kabita excels in her apprenticeship

Kabita is a Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway apprentice from Stevenage. She has been on programme with Inspire ATA since 2023 and has had a great experience getting a hands-on experience working in a secondary school, achieving a distinction in her apprenticeship. In her own words Kabita said;

“I worked in primary schools previously running after school sessions and I really enjoyed it. I loved getting hands on with the children, being a caring figure and supporting them all to grow. I had no teacher training, no college qualifications and not much experience at this time. When I saw an apprenticeship to work as a Teaching Assistant and gain my qualifications whilst working, I was so excited, and I applied. I chose the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship to help me get experience, kick start my career and to get my qualifications.

Being able to complete a relevant course whilst working doesn’t just help you to get your qualifications but also helps you to become skilled in the job you are working as you are constantly researching and upskilling outside of the workplace. Completing my TA training outside of school made me feel so much more confident at school and helped me to understand the reasons behind all the jobs I was doing.

The best thing about my role is doing new things every day and using the same problem-solving skills and education knowledge to be able to solve problems daily. It’s really rewarding being able to directly see the impact of my work.

My tutor for the programme helped me make it through and complete the year. Constantly supportive and answering all my questions and even came to do a mock with me to ensure I was prepared for my EPA. We had multiple professional discussions throughout my apprenticeship that helped me to fully understand the course content and improve my practice.

As education staff you are constantly having to learn new tricks. New pedagogy, new theories, new software, new trainings, constant CPD, constantly reading research and constant training programmes. Completing the apprenticeship not only helped me to improve my confidence but helped me to regain my passion for learning and the skills and time management that it takes.

I really enjoy the job I worked during my apprenticeship as a SEND TA, and I am going to continue working in the same school as a Teaching Assistant. I am working towards completing a Level 5 in Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties so that I can better support and deliver teaching to these students in my role.”