Amanda Sutherland
Aberdeen,Aberdeen City
Summary
The experience, skills and knowledge that I have gained in my employment history are relevant to this particular post as I feel that I have demonstrated in the past, that I am very good at nurturing, engaging and building relationships with the children in my care. I find it comes naturally to me that I can build rapports with children and have done this in my various roles to date. I have worked with children from babies to young adults and have been proud of how I have been able to play a part in their development. I have worked with children across all ages and all capabilities. In whichever role I have I believe that I have brought the best out in them that I possibly can. I work extremely hard with the children to give them the best possible opportunities in their development that I can. I have always enjoyed being a part of a team and work well with other members of staff. I firmly believe that when a team has the common goal of the children's development as their priority, teamwork can play a big part in helping the children to reach their potential. I am flexible when it comes to teamwork and will ensure I am pro active in assisting wherever and whenever required. I find my strengths are in communication not only with the children but with their guardians as well. I am competent with completing 7/9 observation reports, Progress Reports, Risk Assessments and Safe Guarding reports. In the various roles I have fulfilled, I have been active in any activities I can help with as well as enjoying the day to day development. I have organised many school shows e.g. a talent show, end of school prom, masked singer competition as well as assisting with fundraising when possible. When participating in the events I always ensure that the children play a massive part as I feel it helps to develop them and also that they contribute to something that can be both fun and rewarding for the children. In my experience, the children take a lot of joy out of realising that their contributions are valued and appreciated. In the various roles I have had, I have always felt that it is a privilege and I do absolutely everything I can to help the children where possible to aid their initial development as this is such an important time of their lives. I have volunteered for additional training in my employment and obtained the following as well as my SVQ Level 2 & 3: First Aid Training, Child Protection Course, LIAM trained, Knowing Autism, Seasons of Growth and have participated in Neurodiversity training.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Pupil support assistant (ASN)
Aberdeen City Council (Bramble Brae Primary)
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
08.2025 - Current
Improved individual learning experiences for children with autism and ADHD through dedicated support.
Enhanced curriculum delivery by collaborating with educators on daily planning initiatives.
Delivered insightful evaluation reports that contributed to effective educational strategies for children.
Family support worker
Includem
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
11.2024 - 08.2025
Supported social work initiatives by assisting children in need of help.
Established a safe environment for children to express their feelings and concerns.
Developed trusting relationships with children through consistent engagement.
Completed daily reports, support plans, and risk assessments effectively.
Pupil support assistant
Aberdeen City Council (Countesswell Primary)
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
01.2021 - 10.2024
Assisted in promoting achievement and supporting pupil attainment standards.
Provided general support for class needs and individual care, health, wellbeing, and safety.
Maintained a secure and safe environment within the school.
Attended staff meetings, contributing valuable insights into pupil progress.
Teaching assistant
Camphill School
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
09.2019 - 12.2020
Supported children with autism and related disabilities through daily assistance and guidance.
Collaborated with teachers in planning and executing curriculum activities.
Completed evaluation reports to monitor children's progress and development.
Carer/Activities coordinator
Barchester Lethen Park
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
02.2016 - 06.2019
Maintained records of patient care and condition progress.
Assisted with transferring patients in and out of beds, baths, and wheelchairs.
Engaged with residents to ensure comfort and happiness. Enhanced morale within the residential community via frequent social gatherings.
Managed all resources needed for activities, ensuring smooth event execution.
Support worker
Real Life Options
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
08.2012 - 11.2015
Monitored patients' attendance and recorded progress in client records.
Supported patients in meeting their physical needs to help achieve therapeutic goals.
Assessed living skills and abilities of clients with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities.
Nursery practitioner
Broomhill Nursery
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
02.2010 - 04.2012
Enhanced children's learning experiences through effective provision of diverse materials and resources.
Achieved compliance with legal and district regulations by maintaining accurate student records and preparing requisite reports.
Drove safety initiatives within play environments to support child well-being.
Monitored children's play activities to optimise engagement and development.
Strengthened communication with parents or guardians, addressing daily activities and behavioral issues to support holistic development.
Nursery practitioner
Clockwork Nursery
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
09.2008 - 01.2010
Improved children's engagement and learning experiences by providing varied resources for exploration and imaginative play.
Achieved compliance with legal and district policies through meticulous record-keeping and report preparation on student activities.
Established a secure play environment, ensuring children's safety and well-being during playtime.
Nursery assistant
Cloud 9 nursery
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
05.2003 - 09.2008
Ensured safe play environment for children.
Assisted with dressing children and changing nappies.
Monitored children's play activities closely.
Communicated with parents or guardians regarding daily activities and behaviour issues.
Education
GCSEs -
Kincorth Academy
Aberdeen, Aberdeen CitySVQ Level 2 - early years education
City & Guilds
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City 05.2003 - 05.2004
SVQ Level 3 - Early Years Education
City & Guilds
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City 06.2004 - 09.2006
Skills
- Special educational needs knowledge
- Autism spectrum disorder understanding
- Mental health support experience
- Disability awareness training
- Autism spectrum understanding
- Creativity in teaching strategies
- Non-Verbal learning disability awareness
- Child development knowledge
Certification
I have volunteered for additional training in my employment and obtained the following as well as my SVQ Level 2 & 3: First Aid Training, Child Protection Course, LIAM trained, Knowing Autism, Seasons of Growth and have participated in Neurodiversity training
Timeline
Pupil support assistant (ASN)
Aberdeen City Council (Bramble Brae Primary)
08.2025 - Current
Family support worker
Includem
11.2024 - 08.2025
Pupil support assistant
Aberdeen City Council (Countesswell Primary)
01.2021 - 10.2024
Teaching assistant
Camphill School
09.2019 - 12.2020
Carer/Activities coordinator
Barchester Lethen Park
02.2016 - 06.2019
Support worker
Real Life Options
08.2012 - 11.2015
Nursery practitioner
Broomhill Nursery
02.2010 - 04.2012
Nursery practitioner
Clockwork Nursery
09.2008 - 01.2010
SVQ Level 3 - Early Years Education
City & Guilds
06.2004 - 09.2006
Nursery assistant
Cloud 9 nursery
05.2003 - 09.2008
SVQ Level 2 - early years education
City & Guilds
05.2003 - 05.2004
GCSEs -
Kincorth Academy