ABA Tutor experiences at TreeHouse

Amy Temple

I started at TreeHouse as part of the graduate scheme in 2008. Right from the interview I could tell that TreeHouse would be an interesting place to work and I have not been disappointed! I studied Psychology at university and focused a lot of my time on researching autism. However those three years now seem incomparable to what I have learnt in just a few months working here. The training we received prior to starting work with the children was immense; the thought and effort that had gone in to preparing us for the tasks ahead was extraordinary. The content and approach was not only open and interesting, but also welcoming of our questions.

The school ethos is focused on improving the lives of the children that come here as well as those of their families. We can see this being strived for and achieved in a multitude of ways everyday. It could be something like trying a new activity or mastering a complex mathematical skill, or even a skill we might take for granted in our own lives, like making a cup of tea.

My role as an ABA Tutor involves the running of daily programmes with the children in my class, and keeping track of the progress and wellbeing of my key-child. I am also sometimes required to cover in different classes throughout the school, which I find really interesting, and this provides another opportunity to learn more about the different things that go on within the school. I am also a member of the JCC (Joint Consultative Committee) where I try to represent other ABA Tutors from the school within the committee, discussing and promoting change throughout the organisation. I love the team that I work with and feel very supported and ingrained within the working of my class.

The main thing about working at TreeHouse is that I truly look forward to spending each day hanging out with the kids and wondering what challenges and rewards a new day will have in store for us all.

Daniel Phipps

I am a Psychology graduate and am 22 years old. I’ve been an ABA Tutor at TreeHouse since September 2008. I am thoroughly enjoying working here - it has dedicated professional staff who are approachable and, most importantly, committed to delivering the best possible services for children with autism.

Working with the children is the most rewarding part of my job, they are such characters. Each day is unique as there are always different challenges that arise throughout the day, making the environment a very stimulating place to work. The best part is seeing the children make progress - be it gaining your eye contact; independently expressing a desire or demonstrating that they have understood a concept. Seeing the progress day to day and knowing you have helped them understand something new is really rewarding.

The training provided by TreeHouse is fantastic. They provide an intensive training programme which is comprehensive and interesting - but most importantly it is fundamental in aiding you to work effectively with children and young adults with autism. In addition they hold continuous professional development training to keep staff up to date on relevant areas of teaching, which is really useful.

Hannah Rowland

I have a BSc in Psychology and graduated from Exeter University in 2008. Here at TreeHouse I have found myself in a dedicated multi faceted team, where my opinion is valued and listened to and I learn something new and constructive almost every day.

My work at school is rewarding, challenging and never boring. The best part of my job is enabling the pupils to express themselves and giving them the functional skills that will allow them to achieve a greater level of independence and happiness in life. This could be by simply teaching one of our students to express appropriately that he or she wants to be alone or maybe working on a child’s ability to make their own breakfast.  There is always a different challenge and a varied expectancy for each child. All their improvements no matter how small they seem are so exiting and are what makes this work and this place so special.

Chloe Jacobs

I’m a 24 year old psychology graduate. I’ve been working at TreeHouse since September 2008. The job is everything I hoped it would be - challenging, rewarding and often lots of fun.

The progress we make with the children is so fulfilling. Working in small classes means we have the opportunity to build great rapports with the children and their families.

There’s a very friendly, positive atmosphere at TreeHouse. This is reflected in the children’s achievements, the support from staff and the extensive training we receive. Treehouse is always looking to the future, striving for the best standards of teaching and care for the children.