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Michelle has been on a remarkable journey in education. With over a decade of experience, she has progressed from working in a nursery setting to becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at a special needs school. Her story shows how further education can support career development and create new opportunities within an existing role.
A Passion for Special Education
Michelle’s experience in education has included working with children and young people with additional needs across different settings.
“I’ve been at my current school for seven years, but my experience in special needs education began three years prior in a nursery,” she shares.
“The nursery was attached to the main school, but on a different site.”
Michelle currently works part-time as an HLTA and Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in a special needs school, where she is responsible for covering teacher planning, preparation, and assessment (PPA) time across three classes.
“It’s a special needs school, and I work with children from Year 1 up to age 19,” she explains.
Daily Life in the Classroom
Michelle’s typical day is filled with a variety of activities that keep both her and the students engaged.
“The children arrive, they do work, and then they have a bit of free time before going into the first lesson,” she outlines.
The day includes regular lessons, snack and break times, and even outdoor activities. “We go to PE in the hall, we have sports days and assemblies, and try to keep it all pretty regular.”
One of the aspects she appreciates most about her role is the diverse classroom environment.
“In my classroom, there may be around ten pupils and six adults,” she states.
However, she acknowledges that some classes may require more support due to the complexities of the children’s needs.
“For instance, some classes might have only six pupils but require as many as five or six adults due to challenging behaviours.”
The Impact of Higher Level Teaching Assistant Training
Michelle’s decision to pursue the Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification supported her progression within the school.
“I completed the course about two years ago, and it has definitely helped me in my role,” she reflects.
“When I finished, I got my certificate and went to our head teacher with it.”
Before completing her HLTA qualification, Michelle’s role was mainly focused on learning support within one class.
However, after completing the course, she began covering PPA time, first for one teacher and then across additional classes.
“I started with just one class, and now I’m covering two additional classes as well as the class I’m in,” she says.
Embracing New Challenges
Michelle acknowledges that her role comes with its own set of challenges.
“One of the challenges is the extra planning, as I’m not doing the role full time,” she explains.
“I do end up doing more work in my own time.”
Despite these challenges, Michelle enjoys the responsibility and the fulfilment that comes from seeing her students engage with the lessons she has planned.
“I love delivering lessons, watching the pupils engage with what I’ve planned, and seeing the outcomes of it,” she explains.
Looking Ahead
As Michelle reflects on her journey, she is content with where she is and the role she now holds.
“I’m quite happy in my current role,” she admits.
“It’s local for me, the hours suit me, and I like doing it. I’ll carry on as long as I can.”
Michelle’s positive experiences have not gone unnoticed, as she has already recommended the Association of Learning to colleagues.
“I’ve recommended your courses to a few people I work with,” she shares.
“I recommended you to one of the women I work with, and she used you for her HLTA course.”
A Lasting Legacy
Michelle’s story illustrates the importance of continuing education and how it can support career development within a familiar workplace.
Her HLTA qualification helped her take on greater responsibility, moving from a learning support role into covering teacher PPA time across several classes.
“It gives you a different perspective, being at the front of the class,” she explains.
As Michelle continues in a role she enjoys, her journey highlights how the right training can help learners build confidence, expand their responsibilities and progress within education.
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