A dedicated learner on Aspire 2Be’s Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification has praised the programme for helping her transition into a full-time role as a Teaching Assistant.
Gemma, who embarked on the course, first learned about the opportunity through a colleague, who introduced her to the Aspire 2Be team. Keen to progress in her new career, she enrolled on the programme to support her transition into a role at Sofrydd Primary School Nursery.
“The course has been invaluable in my professional journey,” Gemma shared. “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 Gemma 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 from 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.
“My workplace has been incredibly supportive,” she said. “The encouragement from my team has made all the difference. They’ve 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 trainer coach, Andy, who has provided ongoing guidance throughout the course.
“Andy has been amazing—always there to support me and explain things in a way that makes sense to me. Our sessions are engaging and never feel like pressure; instead, they are both informative and enjoyable.”
One of the most significant advantages 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 setups—has been really useful. It makes the learning experience so much more relevant and applicable.”
The course has already paid dividends for Gemma, as she has recently secured a role as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant in a newly established Learning Resource Base (LRB) unit for children with additional learning needs.
“I couldn’t be happier,” she said. “This is the career path I wanted, and this course has helped me get there. 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.
