Two Teaching Assistants have been back to school and qualified in their professional roles at NVQ Level 2.
Samantha Paul and Razia Mahay were two of 21 members of staff from Yeading Junior School in Yeading who studied for the Teaching Assistant qualification through Uxbridge College.
The NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant course took place on-site over a year, and covered all areas of the Teaching Assistants' jobs including supervising playtimes, supporting children with special needs, creating displays, and dealing with legislation and administration.
The course was taught free under the Government's Train to Gain scheme.
Carol Jones, Headteacher, said: "I think it is well worth schools or any organisation taking up free training for staff through Uxbridge College. Samantha, Razia and everyone else who has done the training have all increased in confidence. They can do their jobs in a more effective way, and they have also inspired others to develop their skills."
We spoke to Samantha and Razia about what doing the qualification meant to them.
Name: Razia Mahay
Age: 46
Family: Married with four children age 21, 19, 15, 10
Education History: Last studied CSEs at the age of 16
Razia said: "It boosts your self-worth doing something like this - it goes up a hundred fold. I think it's made us more confident. My children thought it was really good that I was learning - it helped them see I am not just their mum but that I have a lot of other skills and abilities too. It was hard to get back into the routine of study at first, but everyone in our group really supported each other and we worked as a team. We couldn't believe it when out tutor said we'd all passed - it was such a good feeling."
Name: Samantha Paul
Age: 34
Family: One son age 12
Education history: Last studied GCSEs and BTEC First Diploma in Art and Design at the age of 18.
Samantha said: "Our Headteacher has been really supportive about our studies, and our tutor gave us an amazing level of support and guidance. She was very understanding and patient. I don't think we could have done it without her. If you have got the dedication and support behind you, you can do anything. The experience of gaining the qualification makes you feel appreciated and valued. If you have got an opportunity to learn it doesn't matter how old you are. I'd do it all again."
For more information about training for schools and businesses at Uxbridge College, please contact Employer Services on 01895 853605