Q: What is your role?
A: My role as a Teaching Assistant is to support the teacher to help pupils learn effectively. I do this by supporting with managing challenging behaviour and working with small groups or individual pupils who may need extra help, helping to remove barriers to learning for all children in the classroom.

Q: You were identified for Team Talks by your colleagues. Why is this work important to you?
A: I supported a pupil through a period of significant change, building a safe and trusting relationship with them and their family. This helped them feel safe, valued and able to begin managing their emotions so they could access learning again.

“Providing a safe and trusting environment helped the pupil feel valued and ready to learn.”

Q: What impact does this work have?
A: This work has a positive impact on staff and pupils, allowing learning to continue while support is in place. I believe co-regulation comes before correction, helping pupils feel safe enough to engage and develop strategies to manage their emotions.

Q: What has shaped your approach? What have you learned along the way?
A: I have learned that no two days are the same. What works one day may not work the next, so being adaptable and open to trying new strategies is essential.

“Being adaptable and open to new approaches is key when supporting pupils with changing needs.”

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work and why?
A: Be Inclusive. I aim to ensure every pupil feels part of the school community and understood, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues interested in similar work?
A: Give it a go. You may surprise yourself with what you can achieve by approaching challenges with an open mind.

Q: Any final reflections?
A: I am grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s journey.

Thank you, Jackie, for sharing your work with us in this Team Talk.

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