What exactly do you do? For three days a week I work at Knowsley Central Primary Support Centre, which caters for children with complex learning and behavioural difficulties. The other two days, I run my own business, which delivers dance and drama workshops for schools and teachers.
I am the music/performing arts manager at the support centre and a specialist learning support teacher in two local primary schools.
Describe a typical day. I take sessions at school in the morning with Years 1, 2 and 5. Then I drive to the centre and, after lunch, prepare to teach dance. Often I arrange performances by theatre groups, workshops and take the children on cultural visits.
What other agencies, and who else within your own organisation, do you have to work with? At KCPSC we are part of the area partnership. This involves working closely with educational psychologists, educational social workers, behaviour support staff, speech therapists, the Hearing Impaired service and the school nurse.
How did you end up in the job? After three years teaching in a primary school, I developed a keen interest in the low self-esteem of many of the pupils with SEN. I found dance and drama really helped children to feel good about themselves.
What qualifications do you need? Qualified teacher status and preferably a qualification in special educational needs.
What are the main goals you have set yourself? We have achieved Artsmark gold status in recognition of our commitment to quality arts provision.
I'd like to maintain and even improve on that high standard. I also want to work with the Young Shakespeare Company and produce a Shakespearian play involving all the children at the centre and classes from two primary schools.
What's the biggest challenge? Building up a good rapport with all of the pupils and staff I come into contact with.
What advice do you have for others wanting to do this work? If you want a job where every day is different and exciting, and both challenging and rewarding, this is the job for you.
