Andy Merrikin - Personal Assistant, sensory support

I have many qualifications in the field of youth and community work and always open to learning and gaining new skills. I am currently studying a SEND Provisional Practice degree with the aim of becoming a specialist teacher for sensory support. I also have a diploma in youth and community work, Level 3 certificate in British Sign Language, Level 3 certificate in counselling, moving and handling and a Health and Safety at Work First Aid qualification.

I currently employed in a mainstream school has a Specialist Teaching Assistant supporting students with SEND, who either have mobility difficulties, autism, attachment disorder, language delay in accordance with their EHCP or school support plan. I provide support in small intervention groups or in the classroom. I specialise in providing communication support to deaf students using British Sign Language and/or Makaton. I have previously worked for Children Social Care has a family support worker, local authority and voluntary youth centre and the scouting association making social activities inclusive and accessible for all. I also manage my own youth club where I provide support to children and young people with Mental Health difficulties, particularly anxiety and those that are EAL.

I am a caring, confident, self-motivated and enthusiastic person who always pays attention to detail and can work on my own initiative or as part of a team. I work in a person centred way to build positive relationships with young people and their families, and always willing to go that step further to achieve targets in everything I do. My focus is to support the promotion of engagement and independence. I have extensive knowledge and experience of working with people with challenging behaviour whilst at the same time being approachable.