Anna Dickson
Truro,Cornwall
Summary
A dedicated, compassionate professional with a background in teaching, speech and language therapy and person-centred counselling. Specialises in supporting children and adults with mental health conditions and learning needs. Expertise in developing individualised support programmes tailored to specific communication needs, barriers to learning and personal challenges. Promoting an empathic, authentic and accepting approach to mentoring by offering a calm and confidential environment. Committed to maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding students.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Speech and Language Lead Teaching Assistant
Crofty Multi Agency Trust
Treloweth School, Redruth, Cornwall
09.2019 - 07.2025
- Developed individualised targets and programmes for students' specific needs.
- Supported students in developing effective coping strategies within the classroom setting.
1:1 ASC Teaching Assistant
Aspire Academy Trust
Mount Hawke Primary School, Cornwall
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Adapted curriculum aligning with student's interests and learning level and encouraging inclusivity.
- Designed resources for emotional and sensory needs, including visual timetables and movement breaks.
Secondary School Supply Teacher
Concorde Recruitment and Teaching Personnel
Wide range of secondary schools , Cornwall
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Established trusting professional relationships with students in limited time.
- Responded calmly to challenging student behaviours, adhering to school Behaviour Policies.
Business Owner of Creation Station Cornwall Truro
Self employed
Truro/Falmouth , Cornwall
02.2014 - 09.2016
- Delivered arts and crafts classes to children, engaging their creativity.
Area Resource Base and Mainstream Teacher
Richard Lander School
Truro, Cornwall
09.2006 - 02.2014
- Delivered targeted Communication and Social Skills programmes within ARB and mainstream classes.
- Established individualised targets based on students' needs and learning styles.
- Developed strategies to enhance students' confidence, independence, and life skills.
- Promoted inclusion in mainstream classes tailored to students' unique strengths and needs.
- Implemented support strategies for emotional and sensory needs, including safe spaces and movement breaks.
English and Communication Skills Teacher
The Nine Maidens Centre (Pupil Referral Unit)
Redruth , Cornwall
09.2005 - 07.2006
- Developed trusting relationships to promote a feeling of safety and acceptance and to encourage student engagement.
- Established clear boundaries and expectations to support emotional and behavioural needs of each student.
- Implemented strategies to promote independence and essential life skills.
Speech and Language Therapist
Bournewood Speech and Language Therapy Trust
Chertsey, Surrey
09.2003 - 07.2005
- Planned and delivered individualised 1:1 and group therapy sessions at multiple educational institutions.
- Enhanced students' confidence and self-awareness by addressing strengths and implementing self-help strategies.
Teacher of French and German
Kingsmead Community School
Wiveliscombe , Somerset
09.1998 - 07.2001
- Adapted teaching methods and resources to meet individual student needs, ensuring accessibility.
Education
Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling -
Cornwall College
Camborne 09.2023 - 06.2025
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills -
Cornwall College
Camborne 09.2022 - 02.2023
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Speech and Language -
City University
London 09.1997 - 06.1998
P.G.C.E. German and French -
University of Bristol
Bristol 09.1997 - 06.1998
BA.(Hons) German & French Studies -
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 09.1993 - 06.1997
Skills
- Calm and warm demeanour
- Empathic, authentic and accepting, allowing students to feel heard, understood and supported
- Understanding of mental health conditions, ASC, ADD, and ADHD and the impact on students' access to learning and wellbeing
- Individualised programmes of support
- Strategies to promote organisation, time management and goal setting
- Creative problem solving including the use of assistive technology
- Student safeguarding and wellbeing
- Professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Record keeping and IT skills
- Customer Relationship Management expertise
- Face to face and online sessions
References
- Sarah French, Headteacher at Treloweth Primary School Sarah.French@croftymat.org
- Beata Webb, Manager of Pegasus Men's Wellbeing Centre beata@pegasusmenswellbeing.co.uk
Professional Memberships
BACP Student Member 01019306 - upgrading to Full Membership on receipt of Transcript July 2025
Timeline
Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling -
Cornwall College
09.2023 - 06.2025
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills -
Cornwall College
09.2022 - 02.2023
Speech and Language Lead Teaching Assistant
Crofty Multi Agency Trust
09.2019 - 07.2025
1:1 ASC Teaching Assistant
Aspire Academy Trust
09.2018 - 07.2019
Secondary School Supply Teacher
Concorde Recruitment and Teaching Personnel
01.2017 - 07.2018
Business Owner of Creation Station Cornwall Truro
Self employed
02.2014 - 09.2016
Area Resource Base and Mainstream Teacher
Richard Lander School
09.2006 - 02.2014
English and Communication Skills Teacher
The Nine Maidens Centre (Pupil Referral Unit)
09.2005 - 07.2006
Speech and Language Therapist
Bournewood Speech and Language Therapy Trust
09.2003 - 07.2005
Teacher of French and German
Kingsmead Community School
09.1998 - 07.2001
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Speech and Language -
City University
09.1997 - 06.1998
P.G.C.E. German and French -
University of Bristol
09.1997 - 06.1998
BA.(Hons) German & French Studies -
University of Portsmouth
09.1993 - 06.1997
Similar Profiles
Rachel HattonRachel Hatton
Senior team leader at Rise Multi Academy TrustSenior team leader at Rise Multi Academy Trust
Miriam Maya MockerMiriam Maya Mocker
Head of EYFS, EAL Lead, Primary School Teacher at The Lubavitch Multi-Academy TrustHead of EYFS, EAL Lead, Primary School Teacher at The Lubavitch Multi-Academy Trust
Matthew NashMatthew Nash
Head of Arts Faculty at Weldon Multi Academy Trust- Woolmer HillHead of Arts Faculty at Weldon Multi Academy Trust- Woolmer Hill
Eve PottsEve Potts
Operations manager at With YouOperations manager at With You
Leigh KerrisonLeigh Kerrison
Asbestos Removal Supervisor at Rightway Environmental LtdAsbestos Removal Supervisor at Rightway Environmental Ltd