Andrea Dugay
Orpington,Kent
Summary
Experienced Early Years Deputy Manager and SENCO with over ten years’ experience in early years education and a strong background in leadership, training, and safeguarding. Currently undertaking a Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship. Skilled in curriculum planning, staff development, and supporting children with additional needs, particularly autism. Proven ability to embed Christian ethos and British values in practice through leading Bible-based activities, Christian festivals, and family engagement. Strong communication, organisational, and coaching skills developed through both early years leadership and previous retail management roles.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Deputy Manager / SENCO
Crofton Early Learners
Orpington
11.2019 - 09.2025
- Lead staff training in curriculum, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Designed and delivered Christian-based activities (Bible stories, prayer, festivals).
- SENCO role: support children with SEND, particularly autism, working with families and external professionals.
- Planned and implemented a wellbeing lunch club and forest school-inspired 'Little Explorers' programme.
- Supported governance and improvement planning following Ofsted Requires Improvement judgement, strengthening accountability and practice.
- Manage staff deployment, supervision, and appraisals.
- Facilitated staff meetings, leading to improved collaboration.
Teaching Assistant (Reception)
Southborough Primary School
Bromley
12.2018 - 11.2019
- Supported SEN children to access curriculum and school life.
- Delivered small group and one-to-one interventions.
- Worked in partnership with teachers, SENCO, and parents to support holistic development.
Deputy Leader / Practitioner
Crofton Early Learners
01.2013 - 11.2018
- Supported curriculum planning and delivery across all areas of learning.
- Acted as Deputy Leader, supervising staff and liaising with parents.
Retail Manager & Area Deputy Manager
MK One & other retail brands
01.1993 - 01.2007
- Managed a retail store and acted as deputy to Area Manager, supporting up to 12 stores.
- Delivered manager training through designated training store.
- Implemented action plans in underperforming stores.
- Gained strong experience in coaching, supervision, and performance management.
Education
Level 5 Leadership & Management - Early Years
Best Practice Network
CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Children and Young People’s Workforce
Skills
- Early Years Leadership & Staff Management
- Safeguarding (DSL Level) & Child Protection
- SEND Coordination & Inclusion Practice
- EYFS Curriculum Planning & Delivery
- Training & Professional Development Delivery
- Ofsted Preparation & Quality Improvement
- Promoting Christian Ethos & British Values
- Partnership Working (Trustees, Parents, Agencies)
- Governance & Compliance Awareness
- Strong Communication & Coaching Skills
Certification
- Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
- SEND Code of Practice (Level 2)
- Autism Awareness, Speech & Language Development, Behaviour Management
- Wide range of CPD courses (Mindfulness, British Values, Prevent, EYFS updates)
References
Available on request
Additional
- Full Enhanced DBS
- Flexible to work evenings/weekends and travel locally
Timeline
Deputy Manager / SENCO
Crofton Early Learners
11.2019 - 09.2025
Teaching Assistant (Reception)
Southborough Primary School
12.2018 - 11.2019
Deputy Leader / Practitioner
Crofton Early Learners
01.2013 - 11.2018
Retail Manager & Area Deputy Manager
MK One & other retail brands
01.1993 - 01.2007
CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Children and Young People’s Workforce
Level 5 Leadership & Management - Early Years
Best Practice Network