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With that in mind, we spoke to one of our SEND Teaching Assistants, Chukwuka, from Bradford, to learn more about his background and experience of working in this area.
There are many different routes into education, and Chukwuka’s journey is a great example of how valuable skills gained in other sectors can translate into supporting young people in schools.
He shares what inspired him to join The Supply Register, his experience of supply work so far, and his advice for anyone considering a rewarding career supporting pupils with additional needs.
What attracted you to join The Supply Register, and how did you hear about us?
I first heard about The Supply Register through Indeed, while actively looking for roles that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to school environments.
What attracted me was the way The Supply Register partners directly with schools and trusts, rather than operating as a purely transactional agency. I liked that they focus on building long-term, consistent relationships with schools and staff and support both mainstream and SEND settings.
Samantha Shaw reached out to me that my expertise will be needed after coming across my CV. Coming from a background where I’ve worked in schools in a cleaning capacity, I already had a sense of the environment and the importance of stability and reliability in education.
What did you do before being a SEN TA?
Before working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, I built up experience across several support-focused roles, many of them in demanding, people-centred environments:
I worked in a UK school as a cleaner, which gave me first-hand experience of the school environment, safeguarding expectations, and the importance of maintaining a safe, clean, and organised space for pupils and staff.
I have also worked in stewarding and crowd management, often in busy, high-pressure environments. This role strengthened my awareness, communication skills, and ability to stay calm, professional, and polite.
I worked as a catering assistant, including in care settings. This involved supporting vulnerable people, following strict hygiene and safety standards, and working as part of a team to deliver consistent service. It helped me develop patience, empathy, and respect for individual needs and routines.
Across all of these roles, a common thread is service, responsibility, and working in environments where safeguarding, safety, and professionalism are non-negotiable. That foundation made the transition into SEND support both natural and meaningful.
What are your qualifications?
Academically and professionally, my background is quite strong and structured:
I am currently pursuing an MSc in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which has helped me develop my analytical and systems thinking and my ability to manage complex environments. These skills are surprisingly transferable to school settings, especially when it comes to organisation, planning, and problem-solving.
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering, which has given me a solid grounding in problem-solving, technical thinking, and working with complex systems.
While my formal qualifications are not in education, they show a strong work ethic, high-level analytical ability, and the capacity to learn and adapt quickly. Combined with my hands-on experience in schools and care settings, these experiences position me well for SEND TA work.
What has your experience with The Supply Register been like so far?
My experience with The Supply Register so far has been very positive.
Communication has been clear, professional, and timely – from the initial contact through to placement discussions.
I’ve found the team to be approachable and supportive, and there’s a sense that they genuinely care about matching the right person to the right school, rather than just filling a vacancy.
I also appreciate the structure: the way bookings are communicated, expectations are set, and the focus on safeguarding and compliance is maintained. It feels organised and respectful of both the schools’ needs and my own availability and development. I would also like to highlight my consultant, Eli Morris, who has been exceptionally professional, always responsive, supportive, and agile in arranging placements and answering queries.
Overall, it has felt like a partnership rather than just a transactional agency relationship.
What does a typical week look like for you?
A typical week for me is quite structured but varied. On the days I’m booked, I’ll be in school supporting pupils—often in SEN settings or in roles where additional support is needed. That might involve:
- Supporting individual pupils or small groups.
- Helping them stay engaged with learning tasks.
- Assisting with routines, transitions, and emotional regulation.
- Working closely with teachers and other staff to follow plans and strategies.
Alongside work, I’m progressing through my MSc, so I dedicate time each week to reading, assignments, and research. This keeps my analytical and reflective skills sharp, which I also bring into my day-to-day work.
Because I juggle work and study, I plan my week carefully – checking bookings, travel times, and study deadlines. That habit of planning and time management is something I also bring into the classroom.
What advice would you give someone thinking about supply work?
Be adaptable: Every school is different. Every class is different. Every child is different. If you can adapt quickly and stay calm when things change, you’ll do well.
Take professionalism seriously: Arrive on time, be presentable, follow safeguarding procedures, and respect each school’s way of working.
Listen and observe: On your first day in a new school, listen more than you speak. Watch how staff interact with pupils, how routines work, and what the expectations are. That will help you blend in and support effectively.
Build relationships, even in short placements: Even if you’re only in a school for a day, being kind, respectful, and reliable can lead to repeat bookings and longer-term opportunities.
Be realistic but positive: Supply work can be unpredictable some weeks are busy, some quieter. But it’s also a great way to gain experience, learn different approaches, and find out what kind of setting suits you best.
Working in supply is a great pathway into teaching or becoming a Teaching Assistant. It offers the flexibility to fit work around your lifestyle, while also giving you the opportunity to experience different schools and trusts and discover whether this is the right career path for you.
If you’re interested in a career in teaching with The Supply Register, mainstream or SEND, take a look at our current vacancies, register your interest or chat with a member of the team.
Those who have made the move in teaching often tell us that the work is rewarding, varied, and that ‘no two days are the same’. We look forward to hearing from you.
