TP Talent - Nell Whitfield | Teaching Personnel

Nell Whitfield is a Teaching Assistant working with our Manchester branch, currently supporting pupils in a SEND school. With a hands-on approach and a real passion for helping children thrive, Nell shares what a typical day looks like, what she’s learned in her first year in schools, and the moments that make the role so rewarding.

What is your role as a Teaching Assistant, and what does a typical day look like?

As a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, my role is very hands-on and pupil-focused. A typical day involves supporting students with a range of additional needs, including autism, learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

I work closely with teachers to support pupils in learning activities, adapt resources, and provide one-to-one support or work with small groups. No two days are ever the same, and I love it!

What type of setting are you currently working in?

I currently work in a SEND school, supporting pupils who need additional support and tailored learning approaches to help them thrive academically and socially.

How long have you been working with Teaching Personnel?

I’ve been working with Teaching Personnel for around a year. In my first week, I worked at two schools, and since then I’ve continued working at the same school consistently.

What made you want to become a Teaching Assistant?

I decided to become a Teaching Assistant because I’ve always wanted to work with children and make a meaningful difference in their lives. I’ve always loved working with children, and while studying for my Criminology and Sociology degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, becoming a TA felt like a natural way to do that alongside my studies.

What were you doing before working in schools?

Before working in schools, I worked for an agency at large stadiums such as the Etihad and Old Trafford, serving food and drinks. (I still do a few shifts there because I genuinely love it!)

That job taught me a lot of transferable skills, like communication, patience, and staying calm in busy environments, which has helped me a lot in schools.

What has been the biggest learning curve in your first year with Teaching Personnel?

My biggest learning curve has been learning how to adapt my approach for each individual pupil. In SEND schools, every child has different needs, triggers, and strengths, so being flexible, patient, and resilient has been really important.

What’s been your proudest moment in a school so far?

My proudest moments have been seeing pupils achieve something they previously struggled with — whether that’s engaging in a lesson, writing, or even socialising. Seeing those moments really highlights the joy of working with these children, especially when they’re recognised in WOW assembly.

What do you find most challenging about being a TA, and how do you handle it?

One of the most challenging parts of being a TA is supporting pupils through emotional or behavioural difficulties. I handle this by staying calm and using strategies I’ve learned through training, experience, and observing other staff.

What do you enjoy most about working in schools?

I really enjoy building relationships with pupils and being part of their journey. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing you’ve played a role in their development is incredibly rewarding.

Even the small moments mean a lot, like pupils knowing your name and thanking you at the end of the day with a smile. It makes you feel like you’ve done your job well.

What keeps you motivated on the tougher days?

On tough days, I remind myself why I wanted to work with children in the first place, and that the good days outweigh the bad. I also remind myself that I’m making meaningful change in these children’s lives, even when progress feels slow.

What advice would you give to someone applying for TA work for the first time?

My advice would be: be patient, open-minded, and willing to learn. Every pupil is different, and building relationships can take time, but it’s always worth it.

What do you think helps a TA really stand out in a school?

A teaching assistant stands out by being reliable, confident, and able to communicate well with both pupils and teachers. Showing genuine care, taking initiative, and staying positive, even on the difficult days, really makes a difference.

What do schools seem to value most in a Teaching Assistant?

Schools value TAs who work hard, support pupils’ individual needs, and work effectively as part of a team. At my current school, TAs are valued hugely, the school wouldn’t be able to function without the support and effort of everyone.

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