Application for the Post of Family Support Worker - Personal Statement Example

I have in my care children with special needs (visually impaired as well as autistic), which makes it necessary for me to adjust the curriculum and lesson plans to give them a chance for healthy participation in class activities and to facilitate a happy development of their faculties and potential.

Alongside this, I balance the needs of the other children to ensure that these are also fully met. I have used this opportunity to sensitize the children in my care to the requirements of their peers with special needs. Apart from working with groups of children and helping them understand activities set by the class teacher, I also provide the teacher with feedback and assistance to help create the children's Individual Education Plans for children with specific needs. Part of my current role as a Support Assistant is to prepare learning material for these children, according to their abilities.

I have also regularly worked with a private speech and language therapist, and have found this experience both useful and satisfying. Apart from this, I have liaised with two outreach teachers from special schools in the borough, to make provisions for two autistic children I currently support. At Uphall, having worked in the nursery and foundation stages, I have had exposure to existing practices and procedures. My NVQ 2 and my Diploma in Social Work have helped in this. Besides, my BA (Hon) degree in primary education has enabled me to acquire in-depth knowledge of childhood studies and the connected policy aspect, ranging from the Discrimination Act to Every Child Matters and the S.E.N code of practice.

My strengths in the curriculum are in Maths and I.C.T activities as well as in other languages. My professional practice has further given me a working knowledge of the Every Child Matters agenda. This encompasses aspects of child protection and the provision of equal opportunities for all children, irrespective of age or home environment. I feel that I am fully aware of practices and procedures that will enable me to support parents and children alike. I am certainly keen to learn more about parent partnerships so that I can provide a comprehensive service.

I do believe that creating a positive home life will enable children to develop holistically. Issues such as housing, or living on benefits could hinder this development. Therefore, it is imperative to support parents too, so that they develop their skills, which will have a marked positive influence on their children. I strongly believe that I am the right candidate for the post of Family Support Worker as I have worked extensively with children with special needs, and have knowledge of the school and educational activity and structure, and of the Social Services and family support structures. I have the necessary administrative and organizing skills to maintain records or handle technology efficiently. I believe in equal opportunities for all, and the need for all communities and people of all abilities to be part of the mainstream.