Ruby Parry

College placement:

My college placements have given me valuable experience that will help me become a strong teaching assistant and supply teacher. During college, I completed two placements where I worked in a reception class, a nursery, and gained experience across different year groups and classrooms. These placements allowed me to build confidence working with a wide range of children and develop important classroom skills. I carried out one-to-one phonics sessions, supported children with SEND, and worked with children with ALN, helping me understand how to adapt learning to meet individual needs. These experiences opened doors to many different opportunities and helped me grow in confidence, communication, patience, and teamwork within educational settings.

University placement:

During my university placement, I worked in a school where I had previously completed experience, which helped me build strong relationships and confidence within the school environment. I worked mainly in a Year 5 class, supporting children with their learning and classroom activities, while also gaining experience reading with younger children across the school. I worked one-to-one with a child with SEND, helping to support their individual learning needs and development. During my ITAP week, I also gained experience working in a school with high levels of poverty, which helped me develop a greater understanding of the challenges some children face and the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all pupils.

Work experience:

I have also completed work experience in a range of different schools, which has helped me gain a wider understanding of different educational settings and children’s needs. I spent a couple of days in a special educational needs school, where I developed my confidence supporting children with additional needs and learned the importance of patience, communication, and adaptability. Alongside this, one of my previous jobs was working as a swimming assistant, where I regularly communicated with younger children before and during their swimming lessons. This role helped me build strong relationships with children, develop confidence when leading and supporting groups, and gain valuable experience working with younger age groups in a positive and encouraging environment.