Ysgol Treffynnon

A learning support assistant at a Flintshire high school has taken her knowledge to another level after achieving her ambition to gain a degree before the age of 40.

Julie Parry has been supporting students with additional learning needs at Ysgol Treffynnon for six years, starting at Holywell High School as it was formerly called.

Through building up good relationships with students to help understand their needs, Julie felt there was a gap in her knowledge. She wanted to learn more about the conditions some of the students were presenting with, such as PTSD and anxiety, and why students in the care system display certain behaviours.

After researching different courses, Julie found the Therapeutic Childcare BA Hons course at Wrexham Glyndwr University. This specialised course is only offered at Glyndwr University and attracts students from across the country.

Encouraged by Mary Jones, the school's additional learning needs coordinator (ALNCo) and deputy head, Julie applied to the course and the rest, as they say, is history!

Julie said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded my degree. The knowledge I have gained has meant that I am confident to address the types of behaviours some of our students display. Through a better understanding, I am then able to support their individual needs to help them achieve their potential.

"Working as a Learning Support Assistant is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. I am so privileged to be able to have such positive relationships with so many young people.

Julie's experience enabled her to complete the three-year course in just two years. She added: "It has been challenging to fit in the study time while also working five days a week and being a mum.

"Mr Weir, our headteacher, has been incredibly supportive with giving me the time off to attend university on the allocated days. I would also like to thank Mary Jones and all the staff in the school who have been so supportive and encouraging over the past two years while I have been studying.

"Completing my degree before my 40th birthday meant everything to me. I wanted to be an inspiration for my daughter and the young people that I work with and prove that at any age, you can still study and achieve your goals."

Mary Jones said: "Julie has worked really hard to achieve this qualification whilst continuing to dedicate herself to her job. Our students greatly benefit from working with Julie; she is an asset to our team, and we are incredibly proud of her."

John Weir, headteacher, said: "We are immensely proud of Julie's achievement. We are very lucky to have someone with Julie's talents and abilities supporting our students."