We’re continuing our series on the day-to-day lives of fascinating professionals, this time shining the spotlight on a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant.

My alarm goes off…
At 6:00 am sharp – although I’ll admit, I’m not always up immediately. I love porridge, so I start it cooking before sneaking back to bed for another 20 minutes of rest. I enjoy calm, unhurried mornings; they’re a nice balance to the busy, energetic days ahead. I usually start with Radio 4 in the background, switching to some upbeat music by 7:30 am. My commute takes about an hour door-to-door, and since it’s a straightforward train ride, I can ease myself into the day.

I take care of…
I’ve been working with Uniform Education for over a year as a SEND Teaching Assistant at a local school. My role is all about ensuring the students’ safety, wellbeing, and academic engagement. The classes are small, typically around eight students, each with unique needs.

My job is to help the teacher keep everyone on track and motivated. A big part of what I do is creating positive energy in the classroom, which can make a huge difference. The work is incredibly rewarding but challenging, too – managing hyperactivity and occasional confrontations requires patience and energy. Every day is different, which keeps me on my toes.

My first steps into education started…
I initially planned to become an actor. After earning a degree in English Literature at Newcastle, I taught English as a foreign language in South America. Later, I returned to the UK to attend drama school and spent a year chasing acting work. Eventually, I found my way back to education. Teaching feels a lot like acting in many ways – you’re always finding creative ways to communicate. Plus, I appreciate the stability and sense of community that teaching offers.

The first thing I do when I get to work…
I usually arrive about 20 minutes before the morning assembly. I’ll greet colleagues in the staff room, make a cup of tea, and spend a few moments unwinding with a book. At the moment, I’m tackling Anna Karenina – it’s a long one!

My normal day looks like…
We start with morning assembly before moving into tutor time and registration. Then it’s lessons, a short break, more lessons, and lunch. I run football sessions during lunch breaks, which the students love. It’s not just fun; it’s a great way to teach teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

The day wraps up at 3:30 pm, but I’ll usually stay until 4:00 pm to finish admin tasks or help with display boards.

My toughest moment…
Being on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour from students can be challenging. At first, I wasn’t sure how to handle it. Over time, I learned to rely on humour, a supportive team, and consistent care to rebuild trust.

My proudest moment…
Seeing students grow in confidence and step outside their comfort zones, whether in class or during football sessions. Those moments remind me why I do this job.

The best part of my job…
I love the active and creative lessons, like PE and drama, where students can express themselves. The staff are fantastic – everyone is deeply invested in helping the students thrive. It feels like a family.

The hardest part…
It’s tough when a student is aggressive or disengaged. In those moments, I remind myself to keep showing up and demonstrating that I care.

What I’d tell myself on my first day…
Stick with it! There will be tough days, but progress happens slowly. Over time, you’ll see students’ attitudes shift, and that’s incredibly rewarding. SEND work requires full commitment, but if it’s the right fit, it’s deeply fulfilling.

In my spare time…
I used to do a lot of yoga, but now I enjoy walking and gardening. When the day’s done, I’m happy to relax and recharge – my evenings are well-earned!