Meet Natasha Smith: Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant

Natasha’s story is a fantastic illustration of what can be achieved through the teaching assistant apprenticeship programmes. This is never more evident when learners, like Natasha, are so committed to personal development and proving to young people that a growth mindset practises and the right support can go a long way.

Natasha admits she initially felt daunted, “there were some big challenges for me, starting an apprenticeship, having left school learning behind a long time ago,” but that she persevered through the barriers and ended up really enjoying the programme. “I’ve loved doing my apprenticeships with ESF. There is so much support and everything is so clear the whole way through.”

After a successful career in hairdressing, Natasha’s engagement at Manor Fields Primary School began as a parent helper, before doing some volunteer work in the classroom and working as a midday supervisor. She studied for her Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with a SEND focus, gaining a Distinction and then going on to secure a permanent role at the school. Her ESF tutors helped her pass her Functional Skills qualification and gave her extra support and one-to-one sessions to build her confidence throughout the programme.

Ntasha said “The ESF tutors are fantastic – they broke down walls for me, understood me as an individual and I felt truly supported by an uplifting, inspiring and motivated team,”.

For the past eight years she has been working as a TA in Year 1 and is currently doing the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant course and hoping to gain HLTA status. Natasha has chosen the Literacy specialist pathway due to her involvement in English teaching, aiming to deepen her understanding and confidence in her role. “With ESF, you feel like you’re learning beyond the apprenticeship requirements,” she added. “My aim is to do a little more teaching and have the qualifications to take the class when my teacher is out on planning time.”

Natasha is keen to point out that it is never too late to try something new, and achieve professional success, regardless of where you find yourself in life. In her own words, “we must keep learning, improving and challenging ourselves as well as our children.”

Explore the Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEND Training Apprenticeship.

Explore the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

“The support I’ve had from ESF Apprenticeships has been absolutely incredible – a truly inspiring and uplifting team. Made such a big difference to my TA career, my pupils and my self belief.”

-Natasha Smith