Before I joined the team at Craig-Y-Parc, I was studying for my Level 3 in Health and Social Care, alongside working part-time in retail and in a cleaning service.
I actually started working at Craig-Y-Parc as work experience, and that was when I fell in love with the school so I was happy that a year later, I officially got my contract and started as a full-time Learning Support Assistant!
At Craig-Y-Parc, it feels like we are all part of an extended family. My plan was never to stay at the school – I initially just wanted to gain some new skills and experiences – but 14 years later, I am still here and still loving my role and learning more and more every day.
The students here are the main reason I enjoy coming to work each day. I like coming up with ideas to make each day enjoyable for all the students, and in return they make sure no two days are the same – that’s what I love about them and this job! I have also often given 1:1 support which has allowed me to form strong working relationships with the students. Although my role can be challenging, all the rewards of being around the students and being able to support them in meaningful ways outweighs this.
Throughout my career with Salutem and Craig-Y-Parc, I have been given the opportunity to take on more responsibility within my role, such as being one of the few Health Care Links within Education, where I work closely with the nursing team to ensure all the students’ wellbeing is met. I am also one of the First Aiders on site and attend regular refreshers and training.
“My most favourite thing about my role and working at Craig-Y-Parc must be being given the chance to be a part of our young student’s lives, and being able to see them develop and grow into adults who are able to achieve their personal and developmental goals.”
