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
2019.09 - 2025.07
- 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
2018.09 - 2019.07
- 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
2017.01 - 2018.07
- 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
2014.02 - 2016.09
- Delivered arts and crafts classes to children, engaging their creativity.
Area Resource Base and Mainstream Teacher
Richard Lander School
Truro, Cornwall
2006.09 - 2014.02
- 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
2005.09 - 2006.07
- 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
2003.09 - 2005.07
- 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
1998.09 - 2001.07
- Adapted teaching methods and resources to meet individual student needs, ensuring accessibility.
Education
Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling -
Cornwall College
Camborne 2023.09 - 2025.06
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills -
Cornwall College
Camborne 2022.09 - 2023.02
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Speech and Language -
City University
London 1997.09 - 1998.06
P.G.C.E. German and French -
University of Bristol
Bristol 1997.09 - 1998.06
BA.(Hons) German & French Studies -
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 1993.09 - 1997.06
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
2023.09 - 2025.06
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills -
Cornwall College
2022.09 - 2023.02
Speech and Language Lead Teaching Assistant
Crofty Multi Agency Trust
2019.09 - 2025.07
1:1 ASC Teaching Assistant
Aspire Academy Trust
2018.09 - 2019.07
Secondary School Supply Teacher
Concorde Recruitment and Teaching Personnel
2017.01 - 2018.07
Business Owner of Creation Station Cornwall Truro
Self employed
2014.02 - 2016.09
Area Resource Base and Mainstream Teacher
Richard Lander School
2006.09 - 2014.02
English and Communication Skills Teacher
The Nine Maidens Centre (Pupil Referral Unit)
2005.09 - 2006.07
Speech and Language Therapist
Bournewood Speech and Language Therapy Trust
2003.09 - 2005.07
Teacher of French and German
Kingsmead Community School
1998.09 - 2001.07
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Speech and Language -
City University
1997.09 - 1998.06
P.G.C.E. German and French -
University of Bristol
1997.09 - 1998.06
BA.(Hons) German & French Studies -
University of Portsmouth
1993.09 - 1997.06