Anna Thain

Key Skills I have demonstrated as a probationary teacher of a primary 2/3 class

• Differentiation and inclusive planning – creating lessons that meet a wide range of abilities and learning styles, including pupils with EAL, autism, ADHD, and dyslexia
• Behaviour management – implementing consistent, positive behaviour strategies to support pupils with extreme or challenging behaviour
• Communication and relationship-building – building trust and positive relationships with pupils, families, and support staff, especially for children with additional support needs using a home communication book to share important information
• Scaffolded literacy and numeracy teaching – breaking down learning into manageable steps, using visuals, manipulatives, and repetition to support all learners
• Supporting EAL learners – using visual aids, simplified language, peer support and contextualised vocabulary to help non-native English speakers access learning
• Use of multi-sensory approaches – engaging pupils through hands-on learning, movement, music, and practical activities for example using interactive mental maths like Peter Patilla maths.
• Understanding of neurodiversity – recognising and adapting to the strengths and challenges of pupils with autism, ADHD and dyslexia
• Calm and nurturing approach – supporting children’s emotional regulation and creating a safe, predictable classroom environment
• Use of visual timetables and structured routines – providing consistency and reducing anxiety, particularly for autistic learners
• Collaborative working – liaising with ASN staff, EAL specialists, educational psychologists and parents/carers to support personalised learning
• Assessment and observation skills – monitoring progress through observation, formative assessment, and adjusting teaching accordingly
• Building a use of technology - to assist learning where appropriate.
• Adaptability and resilience – managing the demands of a dynamic classroom with diverse needs, remaining flexible and calm under pressure
• Developing knowledge and skills around play - in line with Aberdeenshire
• Commitment to inclusive education – upholding the principles of equity, access and inclusion in line with Aberdeenshire and Scottish education policies
• Reflective practice – regularly evaluating and improving your teaching approaches based on pupil response and professional feedback
• Running an extracurricular after school club - junior jog.
• Participating in after school events - for example the talent show and the football gala

Key skills I have required when working as a self employed horse riding instructor in Aberdeenshire.

Planning and delivering progressive, safe, and engaging riding lessons for children and young people of all abilities

• Teaching flatwork, jumping, stable management, and horsemanship, in line with BHS and Pony Club standards
• Assessing rider ability and setting individual learning goals to build confidence, skills, and independence
• Promoting safe riding practices and stable safety, including correct use of tack, rider equipment, and horse handling
• Adapting teaching style to suit neurodiverse learners and those with additional support needs
• Providing constructive feedback and encouragement to support riders' personal growth and resilience
• Organising and delivering group activities, camps, and achievement badge work for Pony Club members
• Preparing riders for BHS stages or Pony Club efficiency tests, with clear progression pathways
• Monitoring horse welfare, recognising signs of discomfort or illness, and liaising with owners or yard staff as needed
• Building trusting relationships with young riders, parents, and club officials through clear communication and professionalism
• Maintaining up-to-date First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications in line with BHS/Pony Club requirements
• Demonstrating strong risk assessment and safety management skills in outdoor, often unpredictable environments
• Flexibly managing your own schedule, bookings, and transport as a self-employed practitioner
• Supporting the development of life skills in young people including responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and empathy
• Promoting inclusivity and positive attitudes toward learning and animal care
• Encouraging respectful animal handling, grounded in kindness, patience, and understanding of equine behaviour

Supervised pupils in learning environments, ensuring a safe and hygienic atmosphere.
Encouraged pupil independence; assisted with personal care and physical needs as trained.
Provided individual support throughout the day as required.
Assisted pupils in specific subjects or work areas, enhancing practical engagement.
Maintained learning resources under teacher guidance to ensure availability and functionality.
Collaborated with teachers in planning, delivering, and reviewing activities for effective learning.
Promoted inclusivity per authority and school policies while adhering to child protection legislation.
Administered basic first aid as needed, following appropriate training protocols.

Key skills required for working as a bank nurse within NHS Grampian.

• Safe and effective delivery of person-centred nursing care in line with NMC standards
• Skilled in medication administration (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, IV) and safe storage practices
• Proficient in wound assessment and management, including use of appropriate dressings and pressure care
• Experience with catheter care, PEG feeding, and continence management
• Monitoring and interpreting vital signs, recognising and responding to deterioration using NEWS2
• Delivery of palliative and end-of-life care with sensitivity and compassion
• Confident in supporting rehabilitation plans and promoting patient independence in multi-disciplinary settings
• Accurate completion of clinical documentation, including care plans, SBAR communication, and electronic records (e.g., Trak Care, Clinical Portal)
• Ability to work across a variety of wards adjusting quickly to different team structures and patient needs
• Effective use of clinical judgement in escalation and risk assessment
• Strong communication skills with patients, families, and multi-disciplinary teams
• Committed to infection prevention and control and upholding all relevant NHS Grampian policies
• Upholds health and safety standards including safe manual handling and use of medical equipment
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality in all patient interactions
• Flexible, reliable and confident in working independently or as part of a team across different hospital sites
• Engaged in continuous professional development and reflective practice

• Regularly liaised with parents regarding child's progress and behaviour at home.
• Administered first aid as needed to ensure child safety.
• Encouraged physical activity through outdoor games to promote fitness in children.
• Read storybooks before bedtime, fostering a love for literature in young minds.

Key skills I demonstrated as a scrub nurse in NHS Grampian.

• Proficient in scrubbing for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, including hand surgery, trauma, joint replacements and arthroscopy.
• Skilled in instrument and equipment preparation, ensuring correct trays, implants, and consumables are available and sterile
• Confident in maintaining a sterile field and applying strict aseptic technique throughout procedures
• Accurate counting and documentation of swabs, sharps, and instruments in accordance with WHO surgical safety checklist
• Anticipating surgical needs by demonstrating excellent knowledge of orthopaedic anatomy, instruments, and procedural flow
• Competent in the handling and management of orthopaedic implants, including plates, screws, prostheses, and power tools
• Supporting the surgical team by ensuring effective communication and coordination during procedures
• Experience in assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation, and application of tourniquets
• Collaborating closely with anaesthetic and recovery teams to ensure safe patient handover and continuity of care
• Ensuring accurate and timely completion of perioperative documentation, including implant traceability and electronic records
• Adhering to infection prevention and control standards, including decontamination procedures and theatre turnaround
• Some experience of surgical emergencies, upholding procedure and keeping calm within a stressful environment.
• Upholding health and safety regulations, including correct manual handling and safe sharps disposal
• Participating in theatre team briefings, debriefings, and reflective practice to enhance safety and learning
• Demonstrating professional accountability and adherence to NMC Code of Conduct
• Flexible and reliable in adapting to different lists, surgeons, and theatre teams, often at short notice
• Actively involved in ongoing training and skill development, including updates on new surgical techniques and equipment

Key skills exhibited in a busy family run riding school, competition centre and BHS approved equestrian facility

• Led instruction and operations in a high-paced, family-run equestrian centre with over 60 horses and ponies
• Delivered structured, progressive riding lessons and stable management sessions across all levels, for children, adults, and apprentice riders
• Designed and implemented training programmes for BHS exam preparation, Pony Club badges, and personal riding goals
• Oversaw training and development of apprentices, offering practical guidance, mentoring, and skills-based assessment
• Managed and taught within a busy riding school, while also supporting operations across competition preparation, breaking and schooling, working liveries, livery, and sales livery
• Planned and delivered riding camps, clinics, and internal/external competitions, managing logistics, safety, and rider progression
• Worked closely with owners, riders, and professionals to ensure tailored training plans for horses in for schooling or sale
• Maintained high standards of horse welfare, including fitness regimes, feeding plans, and daily care for a large and diverse herd
• Prioritised health and safety, carrying out daily risk assessments, incident reporting, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies
• Supported tack and yard equipment maintenance, and coordinated staff in yard duties and arena prep for schooling or events
• Led and supervised a team of instructors, grooms, and volunteers, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication
• Provided calm, confident handling of young, green, or challenging horses, both under saddle and on the ground
• Handled the scheduling and coordination of lessons, rider placements, horse allocation, and client communication
• Represented the business at events, maintaining a strong professional reputation in the wider equestrian community
• Balanced multiple roles in a dynamic, hands-on environment, contributing to both the professional and family values of the yard.