Rachel Grant - Higher level teaching assistant

Name: Rachel Grant

Job Role: Higher level teaching assistant

School: Cromwell Community College, Cambridgeshire

Bio: GCSEs including maths, english & science; BTEC National

I have been an HTLA for 10 years. Prior to this I worked as a laboratory assistant and in a building society. I have always wanted to work in a school and my first experience of this was gained as a volunteer.

Working in the school is thoroughly rewarding as well as inspiring. No day is the same and it is a privilege to be able to help the pupils develop and reach their potential. My skills and experience provide the tools for the pupils to do this. I am also involved with the Prince's Trust group which provides opportunities for young people to broaden their horizons. I am engaged in an initiative to promote well-being with the students which encourages them to think about staying safe, having healthy lifestyles and a sense of personal and economic well-being. This allows pupils to develop important transferable skills for life- long learning.

The behaviour of some pupils and the nature of the work can be challenging which is why diplomacy, tact and sensitivity are essential. It can also be challenging in meeting all the changing demands and priorities required by the school and therefore you have to be a team player, be organised and have stamina to rise to this.

My training to be an HLTA has been supported and positively encouraged by the school and I participated in the free pilot training that was available at the initial launch in 2004. I also take part in all the training available from the school to support my role.