Imagine getting up in the morning knowing that you will make a difference that day. Well, this is one of the benefits of working at Booker Park School. Being in a highly staffed class with a small number of pupils allows for strong relationships with the children and their families and this helps you to make the difference! Working as a team with the therapists, we plan and implement a multi-sensory curriculum that meets the individual needs of children. Yes, the day can be challenging. Understanding behaviours, organising lessons around staffing, and keeping up to date with paperwork. However, when you have a moment of reflection at the end of the day and you remember the child that made a verbal request for the first time, and the boy that finally completed an activity on his own, that is why you work at Booker Park school.

I have worked for the Federation since 2016. My main role is to process Payroll for over 300 staff, which at times, can have its challenges, but from day one I have received full training and support, with plenty more training opportunities available to me. What I like about having a challenge, is working through them to see the positive results and benefits at the end. Although I am office based, I make sure I have interaction with staff at all levels. Working as part of a solid, content team is the reason I am still here after more than 7 years. For me it is not just a work environment, as there is also a strong community feel across the whole Federation, with many social and well-being events taking place.

After COVID happened, I thought about what I wanted from life. After managing a well-known high-street restaurant for the last ten years, I knew I wanted a new job where I could really make a difference. I also wanted a job that could work around my child’s school life. I joined The Vale Federation at Stocklake Park in April 2021 initially as a part time Teaching Assistant and I was promoted to Senior Teaching Assistant this school year. I really enjoy working at Stocklake Park School. I have a brilliant working relationship with my Teacher colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team. I have learned loads and recently trained as mental health first aider. I am pleased that I am making a difference and also have great work-life balance too.

You might have days when you will be punched, kicked, spat at, or have your hair pulled (the latter being less likely for me). On occasions, you will need to clear up poo, pee, and vomit. There will be moments when you question your sanity and ask yourself “Why, oh why, did I take this job?” And the answer is “Because it’s the most emotionally rewarding job you could hope for.” You get to work with awe-inspiring pupils who can blow you away daily with their stunning personalities. You will work alongside talented teammates who will amaze you with their dedication and professionalism, as well as their ability to be master of so many varied tasks. Most importantly, thanks to the on-going training, you will be able to push and develop yourself to achieve more than you could have ever imagined helping you become a valued member of the Family that is The Vale Federation.

I have worked at Stocklake Park School for nearly 3 years now. Although having worked at other organisations, my experience at Stocklake has been a unique one. No one-day is the same. The job comes with many challenges; however, the extensive training and development opportunities has enabled me to overcome these with passion and determination. The camaraderie I share with my colleagues and seeing everyone go above and beyond for the individual needs of young people makes me look forward to coming to work every day!

I have enjoyed working at Stocklake Park School for many years and find it to be a highly dynamic and stimulating environment. Working in a busy school office, no two days are ever the same and I enjoy rising to new challenges, supporting our staff, students, and parents, and ensuring that the admin team assists in the smooth running of the school. There is a wonderful feeling of community and support for one another, which inspires loyalty and trust. Everyone in the school works together to create a safe, friendly, and nurturing environment for our students to grow and develop, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

I joined Booker Park in 2007 after completing my PGCE. I have worked in a number of classes over the years. It involves hard work and teamwork, but it is extremely rewarding working with the amazing children here.

From the time I sat down in my interview, I was bought in to the new and intriguing vision and saw it as a fresh challenge. I enjoy every aspect of my job, from seeing projects progress and how they benefit the children to it helping me develop skillsets that I wasn’t even aware I had. Every day is different with lots to do but I don’t see it as a job as I genuinely love what I do. What makes it even better is developing bonds with the children and seeing their progression through the schools.