Assistant Head Teacher: Pioneer House High School
School Direct Primary with SEND
Post Graduate Certificate of Education and Qualified Teacher Status
Following my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I worked at a pupil referral unit for two years as a teaching assistant. Initially this was in the classrooms at the PRU where I learned a wealth of strategies and techniques such as behaviour management, de-escalation strategies, teaching and learning interventions and about personalised learning. During my second year here, I helped to create an outreach team with the purpose of supporting students struggling with SEMH needs in mainstream schools and to support the school staff in managing the students behaviour and learning in order to prevent permanent exclusion. This role highlighted the importance of working relationships and collaboration, both of which are still key components to my role today.
In 2015, I applied for the Teach Manchester PGCE with SEN specialism because at the time it was the only PGCE with a specialism for SEN available locally. It seemed like a great next step for me to continue to build on my own learning around SEND needs and how best to support these students towards the best outcomes that they can achieve. The schools and university provide great CPD opportunities with clear links to practical solutions that you can use and apply in your teaching placements. The SEN schools in the alliance work closely together and create a wider community around the course meaning that you always feel welcome and like there is somebody to turn to for support should you need it.
Following the PGCE, I was appointed as an NQT at Pioneer House – a newly opening school within the Prospere Trust. This was an exciting opportunity put forward by the trust as the school was so young. Building on my experiences as a student teacher, the NQT year was a challenge but the rewards were so worth it. I’ve since gone on to take on curriculum leadership and join the senior leadsership team at Pioneer House due to ongoing opportunities to upskill and develop myself,
My advice to others:
Relationships are key! Be that student relationships, colleague relationships or parent and multi-agency relationships. Building strong relationships with others is one of the best ways you can ensure to work towards positive outcomes! Besides that, I’d advise that you can always learn something new from every experience – look for the lessons.
