Grace Mair

Teaching Assistant working across key stage one and two focused on one to one support for pupils with special educational needs and supporting classroom teacher with day to day activities.

I have worked full time at St James primary school Fallowfield since February 2022 as a temporary classroom assistant. I was placed with the year 6 class where I spent the majority of my time assisting the class teacher in day-to-day activities to ensure the smooth running of the classroom and management of the cohort. I also provided one-to-one support for one of the pupils with additional needs. This included helping them in day to tasks, supporting academic activities and ensuring that communication and progression records are maintained. I was also involved in assisting them with their transition to secondary education and accompanied them on trips to develop their confidence. This allowed me to experience the social, legal and emotional requirements associated with working with SEN children and develop my confidence in this area.

I was fortunate to rejoin the school in September 2022 where I currently work with children aged 6-11 and support three children in year two, three and six on a one-to-one basis. Each child has specific needs and I have been able to experience and learn strategies to assist their development. This has included liaising with the class teacher, specialists such as speech and language therapists and parents /carers. Alongside this I have supported the classroom teachers with the day to day running and management of the classroom as well as supporting activities outside of the school such as theatre trips and sport and social activities. This has allowed me to develop my knowledge of safeguarding and the legal requirements of looking after children including how and to whom I should report incidents.

Whilst at the school I experienced an OFSTED inspection and the preparation required for the visit. I was one of the staff interviewed by one of the inspectors and it was a valuable experience that resulted in positive feedback and prepared me for this in the future.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia and Irlen’s Syndrome at the age of eight and academic study was always a major struggle. School was never easy but through supportive and highly skilled tutors at Xaverian College I managed to achieve level three qualifications. As someone who struggled I have an emotional and practical understanding of the challenges that face pupils and empathy with their struggle. I do also know that things are achievable and want children to have confidence in who they are and of what they are capable. My current role has allowed me to learn about various conditions and challenges pupils face and try and think of more creative ways to develop their learning and try and develop their confidence.

Outside of work I work within performing arts as an actor and writer. In 2022 one of my short pieces was chosen to be performed at Oldham Coliseum for a comedy showcase and I have been part of The Royal Exchange Young Writers Programme. The skills that come with this are useful as a teaching assistant as you develop spontaneity, creativity, and good listening skills. I also believe that these skills can be utilised in the classroom to help children develop their confidence.