An Interview with Jessica Milnthorp

Jessica Milnthorp – NASENCO

Jessica Milnthorp has recently completed the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) with us at Real Training. Working in a mainstream primary school as the current SENCo/Inclusion Lead, Jessica says her special interest areas are Autism and SEMH.

We wanted to hear more from Jessica about her time studying with us. Here’s what she had to say;
 

What made you choose Real Training over other options?

Real Training’s course offered lots of flexibility to study around other commitments such as work and family. The resources and recommendations available are invaluable and the tutors are always available to offer help and support. The forums gave me the opportunities to share and network with other SENDCOs who understood the role and could offer further support and guidance.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

I heard about Real Training through a recommendation from a colleague and the course lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed completing the course and found Campus Online to be well organised and easy to follow. Being able to set my own deadlines enabled me to use my time effectively to complete the modules and progress at my own pace. Tutors offered help and support throughout the modules and I found the constructive feedback, given after the submission of learning logs and assignments really helpful.

I particularly liked the modules that required me to look closely at my own setting’s policies and procedures for SEND, exploring how to adapt and improve these to make them more effective.

How has the course helped make an impact at school?

The course has given me the confidence to implement change within my school and offer CPD opportunities for staff to better support children with SEND in and out of the classroom. This has made SEND a priority within my setting.

The biggest impact at school has been the implementation of a more child-centred approach, ensuring strong links and good communication between teachers, parents and the children. This has had a positive impact on children’s learning through the improvement of personalised provision and teacher support. I feel like we’ve broken down many of the barriers to learning and planning using the best resources available, allowing our children to thrive and succeed.

How has the course helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

The course has strengthened my knowledge of SEND and given me the confidence to support others within my setting. It has allowed me to increase the status and importance of SEND and enabled me to support teachers, providing them with a better understanding of the graduated approach. I will continue to improve the provision of SEND and allow the child and parents’ voices to be heard. I hope to give all learners the opportunities in life to achieve and aspire to be the best they can be; every child, every chance, every day.