Michelle Knowles
Study Type: Apprenticeship
Study Location: Workplace
Subject Studied: Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring
SEND Learning Support Assistant Michelle achieves double distinction
As a mum to three neurodiverse children, SEND Learning Support Assistant Michelle Knowles is well placed to help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Michelle, who works at Redwood Primary School in Sinfin, recently completed the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with Derby College Group, achieving a double distinction. She is now considering taking the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification to further her career in SEND support.
Michelle, who is 35, couldn’t be happier in her job — but never imagined she’d be working in education. Removed from school at 13 and then home-educated, she had a difficult childhood and, by 14, was working on a market stall.
She said: “After I had a family, I started working at a Derby school as a midday supervisor. Two of my children are autistic and my eldest has ADHD, so I found I had a genuine understanding of SEND.
“When my three were younger, I learned everything I possibly could about their conditions so they could go on to lead happy, independent lives.”
It was this natural affinity with children that led to Michelle helping with learning support at Redwood Primary School.
She added:
“I was a midday supervisor there too, but also helped out in the classroom sometimes. Then the chance to take the TA apprenticeship with Derby College came up, and my headteacher really encouraged me to go for it.
“Because of my own experience of school, I questioned myself at times and struggled with my confidence — but Louise, my college tutor, was unbelievable. She had so much faith in me right from the beginning.
“Studying was full-on, as I have disabled parents as well as my children and my job, but Louise was so understanding. I always made sure I found time to complete my coursework and, in the end, I finished my course a year early!
“Louise’s feedback was always clear and precise, which gave me the motivation I needed to move forward. The classroom observations were nerve-wracking but so useful.
“I’d always thought my SEND knowledge was my biggest strength, but the course showed me that it’s actually my patience and ability to communicate.”
Michelle now spends half her time supporting six to seven-year-olds as they prepare for junior school, and the other half working with SEND children.
She added:
“I know this might sound clichéd, but I love seeing the difference I can make to young lives. My own children are so proud of me.”
Louise, my college tutor, was unbelievable. She had so much faith in me right from the beginning.