IN MY SETTING.....

This (training to be a TA) is my first attempt at doing something for myself..yes FOR  MYSELF, in the UK.

 All that I learn and experience is new and fresh...and a wonderful time is being had by me. With baby steps, I ventured out, very wobbly and unsure of what to expect!

The first herculean task was to find a school setting to volunteer in, as part of the course. I as usual, panicked..major PANIC mode. But in all honesty, I needn't have. Schools are very welcoming and obviously expect new aspirants to approach them; something I totally overlooked. 

I started by emailing a dozen schools, visiting a couple personally. Most of the schools replied back, though negative responses, they did reply back. That kept me going and soon I had not one but two schools willing to accept me. 
I have not looked back since. 
The last couple of months have been absolutely fabulous...learning new things everyday, making new friends and breaking so many barriers only I could be held responsible for building around me. 

I must thank my mentor..SHE IS A GEM, I am lucky to have her guiding me through this, and her group... SO SUPPORTIVE, ACCOMMODATING AND WILLING TO HELP ..THANK YOU.

I have been volunteering in my setting since end of September 2015. I have understood and seen first hand how dedicated the teachers and staff are. Right at the onset, I was asked to go over the policies the school followed: equality, diversity, inclusion to name just a few.

The school is committed to equality as in treating all pupils and staff in the same way, no favoritism or preference of one over the other.The school understands that people have different needs and goals and so to achieve this any discriminatory practice could hamper it. All children are treated equally whether or not they are differently abled. Social status or religion or ethnicity or age or gender doesn't have any bearing on how the are treated. Recruitment and staff development is undertaken fairly without bias. 

This is a picture from my setting that shows effectively the notion of equality and ethnicity in the classroom.

The school welcomes pupils from all ethnic backgrounds and believes that diversity is its strong point. They respect the religious beliefs and practices of all staff, parents and comply with reasonable request relating to religious observance and practice. Most festivals are discussed and celebrated during assembly time or in class.

   

This is another example of children being welcomed into the school from all over the globe. This beautiful display hangs in the corridor of the school where I volunteer and is a constant reminder of  the school policy.

Another example of an amazing display about DIWALI in the corridor..celebrating other religious festivals.

It is an inclusive school with support for families and children with special needs. The school values the skills and talents of all its children and ensures to make them feel comfortable and welcome. The school offer trained nurses and first aiders to special needs children. There is fully functional RAINBOW ROOM with trained nurses.

I was asked to attend a CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING to update me of the new rules and how to deal with it if ever I was in a situation that required me to take action.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this process of creating a blog for use of any persons, who like me, go down the path of  TRAINING TO BE A TEACHING ASSISTANT.

                                                                THANK YOU