Chelsea Bond works as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at Histon and Impington Brook Primary School – and has a passion for supporting children with SEND. We caught up with Chelsea to learn more about her experience, role, and interests outside of the workplace.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I left a school near Peterborough and moved to Histon and Impington Brook Primary School after being offered a position as a Teaching Assistant five years ago. I’ve since progressed to a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and love the increased level of responsibility it brings.
Most recently, I’ve become a SENCO support, and have loved working closely with the school’s dedicated SENCO lead. This involves supporting children with SEND and ensuring our SEND provision is the best it can possibly be for our young people.
Part of this role has also seen me set up a classroom called ‘The Hive’ within school. This is a place where children with SEND can come to learn – and we do a range of activities to support their development including learning, arts, and emotional regulation work.
What’s your favourite part of your role?
The best of part of my role is seeing our children progress and develop – and witnessing that ‘light-bulb’ moment. At Histon and Impington Brook Primary School, we work so hard to ensure our young people feel supported and achieve their potential, so seeing them accomplish that is really special.
What’s your proudest achievement?
My proudest moment has been working with and supporting the SENCO. It’s meant that I’ve needed to step up, use my strengths, and think about long-term strategy to help our children. My progression from a teaching assistant to a HLTA role with SEND responsibilities has made both me and partner proud.
What are you most excited about following the merger of CPET and CMAT?
I’m excited to see what we can learn from other schools and what more we can understand about the different SEND strategies, resources, and solutions that have been implemented there. Trying to take a bit from each of them and adapt it to fit into our provision will be really interesting. Also, it will be great to share some of the exciting things we’ve been doing at Histon and Impington Brook Primary School!
What do you enjoy doing outside of the workplace?
I’ve just celebrated a year in my new house in Longstanton so I love spending my time gardening, renovating, and decorating! I also enjoy spending time with my partner and family. As well as this, I love to read.