Learning support/counselling staff

Debbie Forsythe
LSA
Anger Management Counsellor

Hi, my name is Debbie.I enjoy working at Cavendish and enjoy a challenge, as most of our students can be challenging.

I teach Anger Management and do counselling with the students. I get a feeling of satisfaction when they talk openly about how they feel, I feel rewarded and privileged that the students can trust me as a member of staff to come and talk to about most things.

Quotes:

• "It is ok to be angry but its how you deal with it that matters"
  
• "You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger"
  
• "It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people, to focus your energies on answers, not excuses"

Joan Warner
LSA Mentor

I am a highly motivated individual who has been working within the teaching environment for six years. I have the ability to learn quickly, work hard under pressure and comply with tight deadlines. I have the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of people, including senior officers, staff and others. My people skills are highly developed; I have the confidence and ability to build balanced relationships with people of all levels.

I work as part of a team including teachers and other support staff, to promote the learning and welfare of pupils by providing practical and learning support to an individual pupil, under the guidance of the class teacher.

Under the guidance of the class teacher and the Special Needs Coordinator I develop strategies and draw and implement action plans to assist an individual pupil in line with their statement of special educational needs. Attend and assist a pupil with their personal hygiene, eating and general welfare requirements as necessary.

Provide one to one support to a pupil, or work with the pupil in a small group on pre-planned activities.

Provide one to one guidance and support to a pupil in their literacy/numeracy/social/motor skills and undertake the appropriate training to enable you to do so.

Ensure that all pupils and especially the child with whom you are working individually are encouraged to access the national curriculum to their best ability by your intervention and that they participate fully in the life and activities of the school.

Be aware of the school development plan and participate in monitoring and evaluating your contribution to its achievement, especially in relation to pre-set targets on pupil achievement.

Administer first aid where training has been provided.

To contribute when requested, to meetings with parents and outside agencies.

Undertake all duties in line with the policies of the school, including those surrounding equality of opportunity and raising achievement.

Undertake training as appropriate.

Any other duties as directed by the line manager in keeping with the nature, confidentiality and grade of the post e.g photocopying resources or occasionally assisting in the supervision of school trips.

Steve Watson
LSA
PE Assistant

My name is Steve Watson and I'm 42 years of age, I have worked in a school environment for the past seven years with autistic children. I have been at Cavendish School since the end of October 2007 and I am enjoying the new working environment, the staff are fantastic and helpful as are the pupils. I am looking to establish a long working contract with the school for the future. I have recently been given the opportunity to train as the school Dyslexia Mentor.