Abbi

I’ve been working at Weston College since September 2014 starting as a Specialist Support Instructor (SSI) within the Sensory Learning Base (SLB) working with post-16 students who have Profound and Complex Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (PCLD). As soon as my feet hit the ground, I knew I had found where I belonged in the world of education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 

I’ve been supporting people with learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) from a teenager, I always knew this would be the area I wanted to work in. After trying out community support work, LDD fitness instructor and a teaching assistant in a few special schools, I still hadn’t found quite the right fit.  

I came across the foundation degree in inclusive practice at Weston College whilst scrolling the internet and enrolled. Just as I completed this, the College opened a specialist provision - the Sensory Learning Base for students with PCLD, I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview and be appointed for the role I had been waiting for!  

I continued my studies following my foundation degree, with a top up year in Education and Professional Practice. I had truly caught the bug, Master’s modules in Sensory Integration and a Level 5 in Teaching have completed my formal qualifications and I continue to be offered opportunities to learn and develop.  

I have been offered developments for my professional practice that have helped me to progress in my SEND career. I moved from a Specialist Support Instructor to vocational assessor, then to a lecturer and now leading the provision – all in the space of 7 years.  

A day in the life of my role is difficult to describe as every day comes with its new challenges and achievements. The main duties include planning and delivering teaching, learning and assessment in a highly differentiated and individualised way. Undertaking Education, Health and Care Plan reviews, working with parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure learners are progressing at their full potential. One day, I could be at Butcombe farm delivering work experience to learners, the next delivering a communication session using sensory stories. The team and I may be involved in supporting personal care and health care needs as well as supporting social and emotional wellbeing and managing challenging behaviours. Another part of my role is supporting the SLB team gain experience and accessing training opportunities which in turn will positively impact the learners.  

It is an absolute privilege watching and being part of the progression and achievement of the most vulnerable learners in society.