Amy Harkins

My role as a class school teacher in an additional support needs learning department at Kilpatrick School is extremely beneficial and rewarding. I am confident implementing a smooth classroom routine for all my pupil's and supporting and teaching learners with varied additional support needs. Many of the pupil's I work with have a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD and I am highly confident and knowledgeable in delivering a bespoke curriculum which is age and stage appropriate. I have undertaken a number of training courses which has had a huge impact on my practice as a professional teacher. For e.g., learning Makaton for learners who are non-verbal to ensure they are and feel included in all educational experiences. This has been excellent in communicating with my learners effectively ensuring they are able to express their emotions and develop a level of understanding of what is being communicated to them. I have also attended further training courses:

- 'Inclusive Education' ensuring all our children and young people in my care feel included.

- 'Inquiry-based learning' ensuring all pupil's learning experiences are linked to real life examples enabling them to be prepared for a future that is constantly evolving.

- Paediatric first aid to ensure I am updated and confident carrying out emergency moves if and when required.

- Child protection to commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and confident following the correct policies and procedures if and when concerns arise.

It is my responsibility to:

- Develop positive working relationships with all pupils, colleagues and families with my professional, approachable, empathetic and caring approach.

-Create a nurturing, stimulating, caring and inclusive ethos for all learners and maintain a consistent class routine through the use of a visual class timetable.

- Create consistent classroom management ensuring each day runs smoothly with all learners participating in a range of high quality learning experiences.

- Engage and motivate pupil's to achieve their full potential.

- Use my excellent subject knowledge, pedagogic and interpersonal skills to enthuse pupil's and enable them to enjoy learning.

-Make full use if ICT and new technologies to enhance the quality of learning and teaching for pupil's of all ages and attainment levels.

- Differentiate class lessons and resources taking into account pupil's attainment levels.

- Maintaining excellent professional relationships with all colleagues by making a wider professional contribution to the continuing improvement of the school.

- Plan and deliver a programme of learning opportunities and activities to enrich and enhance the taught curriculum.

-Communicate open and professionally with parents/carers on a regular basis through a variety of platforms about the attainment and progress of their child.

-Maintain high levels of confidentiality when speaking to parents and external parties.

- Model excellent teaching practice and set high expectation for all pupil's to succeed.

- Contribute new ideas and suggestions to department meetings.

- Adapt to new situations easily which I have learned is crucial as an ASN teacher.

-Use responsive planning and my knowledge of pupils' to start with the child and build upon previous learning/experiences; promoting pupil engagement.

- Work in partnership with other professionals i.e. speech and language therapists and educational psychologists to implement appropriate alternative curriculum activities in order for pupil's to achieve their full potential.

- Support the life of the school through active participation in extra-curricular clubs. I listen to pupil voice and implement recommendations from pupils. I currently facilitate a dance club which many pupils asked for. This has proved to be a huge success.

- Attend as many training courses to further expand my knowledge and skills as a qualified teacher.

- Prepare stimulating classroom displays, encourage pupil creativity and interest in subject matter.

- Attend parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.

- Assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils' within my class.

- Guide pupil's to set realistic targets to improve on specific areas and provide regular feedback to pupils to support next steps in their learning.

- Demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which are expected of pupils.

- Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a high quality and safe learning environment. Have clear rules and routines in place and set high expectations of behaviour through a range of strategies.

My role as a class teacher in a mainstream education setting was to implement a fair, challenging and progressive curriculum to all pupil's from Primary 1 to Primary 7.

- I worked effectively and professionally with all my colleagues to ensure a comprehensive delivery of the curriculum across the stage, including planning, sharing good practice and evaluating school resources.

-Created a nurturing and caring environment for all pupil's and maintaining a consistent classroom routine through the use of a visual class timetable.

-Used responsive planning and my knowledge of pupils' to start with the child and build upon previous learning/experiences; promoting pupil engagement.

-Continually fostered excellent relationships and supporting pupils with various additional support needs and challenging behaviour.

-Implemented a variety of learning and teaching strategies such as active learning, inquiry-based learning, collaborative and outdoor learning to motivate and engage pupils.

-Maximised pupil support through efficient timetabling of and effective partnership with classroom assistants.

-Monitored and assessed pupil's, while ensuring the pupils' active involvement in their target setting and providing them with opportunities to reflect their progress.

-Effectively communicated with parents/carers about their child's progress and on-going educational needs at parent-teacher meetings, through reports and encouraging dialogue through the class app 'Seesaw', phone calls and informal meetings.

-Engaged in professional dialogue with colleagues and my senior management team at departmental meetings.

- Attended multi-agency, TAC and informal meetings regarding specific pupils in my class with behaviour concerns/diagnosis of dyslexia, ASD, ADHD and discuss and implement appropriate strategies to best support pupil's in my class.

- Worked in partnership with other professionals i.e. speech and language therapists and educational psychologists to implement appropriate alternative curriculum activities in order for pupil's to achieve their full potential.

-Supported the life of the school through active participation in extra-curricular clubs. I am an enthusiastic member of the RNRA (Renfrewshire Nurturing Relationship Approaches) group within my school. I am responsible for implementing nurturing approaches to support the wider needs of the school and how best to support, children and young people who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

- Attended as many training courses to further expand my knowledge and skills as a qualified teacher.

- Organised school trips, providing pupils with enriching experiences outside the classroom.