Swati Waghmare joined the Skills Bootcamp for SEN Professionals with a strong desire to develop the skills necessary to work with individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN). With aspirations of becoming a SEN teaching assistant, Swati aimed to equip herself with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners with diverse needs.
Swati recognised that working in SEN environments requires more than just planning and communication skills. It demands adaptability, empathy, and strong behaviour management strategies. Through the Skills Bootcamp, she sought to acquire these abilities while learning how to provide personal, physical, and emotional support to SEN learners, enabling them to feel confident, independent, and part of their community.
Her focus extended to understanding specific needs, such as those of individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions. Swati’s empathetic approach drove her ambition to meet each learner at their level, fostering an environment where their voices are heard and respected.
Swati approached the Skills Bootcamp with dedication, preparing herself by ensuring she had the right tools, including an updated laptop, to support her learning. She scheduled her study hours strategically, balancing her coursework with personal responsibilities. To stay engaged, Swati utilised reflective practices, such as maintaining diaries, to track her progress and identify areas for improvement.
During the course, she developed proficiency in essential tools like Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, which she used to organise her learning and future work efficiently. This preparation ensured she remained focused and committed throughout the programme.
Swati’s learning extended beyond theory. After completing the Skills Bootcamp, she began applying her newfound knowledge in a work placement, by setting SMART goals and focusing on practical strategies to support SEN learners. By tailoring sensory-based activities to individual needs and implementing effective behaviour management techniques, Swati demonstrated her ability to translate her training into impactful real-world practices.
The journey was not without challenges. Adapting to the diverse needs of SEN learners required Swati to think critically and embrace flexibility. With support from her trainer at Educate 2Gether, she tackled these challenges head-on, prioritising tasks and using their feedback to enhance her practice.
Swati credits the Skills Bootcamp with significantly boosting her employability. The programme provided her with not only technical skills but also the confidence to reflect on her abilities and align her strengths with her career aspirations. Feedback from trainers and peers validated her readiness for the role of SEN teaching assistant, highlighting her adaptability, emotional intelligence, and ability to build trust with learners.
Swati enthusiastically recommends the Skills Bootcamp to others, describing it as a focused and practical pathway for professional growth. She appreciates the programme’s ability to accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the tools to succeed in SEN roles.
Swati’s journey showcases the power of determination and structured learning in turning aspirations into achievements. Her commitment to improving the lives of SEN learners marks her as a dedicated professional ready to make a meaningful difference.
