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The Warriner School

Spotting Potential in Teaching Assistants

Mrs Jo Blackhall; Teaching Assistant (CIRB); Temp Assistant SENCo

I started at The Warriner School in 2017 as a volunteer, and within 6 months I was employed as a Teaching Assistant.  Fast forward to 2023 and I am now an Aspire Teacher and Assistant SENCo.

When I started at The Warriner I was asked to be able to work with a number of students on a 1-1 basis.  Once I moved into the classroom as a TA I felt immediately at home.  It was rewarding being able help and support a range of SEN students, helping them to be successful.  Over the years, particularly during lockdown, I have been able to do a range of training to enable me to better support students with SEN needs, particularly around ASD.

In 2020 I started on my path to become an Aspire Teacher, teaching English to years 7 and 8, and Life Skills at KS4.  I now teach to all year groups, and my main focus is now Literacy and PSE. 

In 2022 I was appointed Assistant SENCo which enabled me to put all my training and experience into practice.  I feel lucky to be supported by an amazing team in Aspire and the wider Warriner family.  

Jo Blackhall