Claire has worked in Learning Support here for over four years and regularly goes the extra mile. To her, the job goes beyond helping students with their academic studies – it is about offering encouragement, being a good listener, giving praise for achievements and being a role model. She regularly offers additional support above her workload.
Her role is also about getting to know the students well – their likes and dislikes, how they like to work best and being able to sense when there is something troubling them. Claire describes a strong sense of pride when she sees students grow in confidence, make friendships and gain independence.
Claire has worked with numerous students with complex needs. She completed a Level 2 Cache Counselling Course, enabling her to improve skills such as active listening, controlling body language and eye contact, and asking advanced open-ended questions – all helping her to support students who are struggling to build friendships, organise themselves or suffer anxieties.
