Sue Winslow - Learning Assistant, Richmond Road School
I started as a volunteer mum when my daughter Amber started at Richmond Road School in 2001. This was after being made redundant from my sales job. I have had a variety of jobs at the school. I began working with special needs children initially, then I became very involved with fundraising and was hired by the school in a fulltime fundraising role. I was involved with running the annual ‘Art with Love’ art auction, Food and Lifestyle Fair and the ‘Richmond Road Short Film Festival’ for a period of five years. Then I reverted to working in the classroom directly with children, running various educational programmes. I also run the afterschool care, before school care and holiday programmes at Richmond Road School.
Where did you train?
My background is in sales, but I have had various training in special needs areas during my time at Richmond Road School.
What are your favourite things about being a learning assitant?
Working alongside dedicated teachers and surrounded by kids (far easier when they are not your own)!
What has been a highlight of your teaching career?
Working in a multicultural, multilingual environment and seeing children being taught in their heritage language.
And a low point?
None that I can recall.
How would your principal describe you?
Someone who wants to give their best.
How would other teachers describe you?
Flexible, adaptable and a pleasure to work alongside! (*laughs)
How would your students describe you?
Nice, funny and a bit crazy.
If you could wave a magic wand in the classroom...
There would be lots of new resources and fairy dust everywhere!
Five tips for mums and dads of primary school kids
1. Trust the teachers.
2. Have children come to school well rested.
3. Pack a nutritious lunch - nothing in a packet!
4. Teach children to know and use good manners.
5. Have children be respectful - instil good, old-fashioned values.