Ciara Pennington
Milton Keynes,Buckinghamshire
Summary
Enthusiastic about supporting students in achieving their full potential. Skilled in communication, patience, and adaptability, creating positive and inclusive learning environments. Proven ability to assist with classroom activities, manage behaviour, and foster strong relationships with both students and staff. Eager to bring compassionate and proactive a compassionate and proactive approach to support learners effectively.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Support Assistant
Summerfield School
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
03.2025 - Current
- Provided 1:1 support to students with Maths, Science and English.
- Facilitated small group sessions for targeted interventions, improving literacy and numeracy skills.
- Supported pupils with special educational needs, adapting teaching methods to cater for diverse learning styles.
- Helped students exceed expectations by providing ongoing support and assistance throughout lessons.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to students, fostering a sense of confidence and well-being.
- Assisted in the development of social skills through group work and peer interaction activities.
- Helped teachers monitor playtime activities during break times.
- Administered first aid and care for pupils when necessary, following school policies and procedures.
Camp Manager
Club Getaway
Connecticut, United States
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Assisted in the planning and execution of campfire nights, creating memorable experiences through storytelling and music.
- Led diverse groups of children in daily activities, fostering teamwork and collaboration among participants.
- Implemented inclusivity measures, ensuring activities were accessible to children of all abilities.
- Addressed emergency situations by performing first-aid protocols, coordinating with medical personnel for participants requiring medical attention.
- Provided pastoral care, offering guidance and support to children experiencing homesickness or personal challenges.
- Ensured the children were looked after in the cabins with access to food, running water and basic overnight things.
Sales Executive
Trimble MEP Ltd
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Coordinated with internal teams, including product development and customer service, to meet client needs effectively.
- Guided clients through the buying process, from initial inquiry to closing the sale, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
- Contacted current and potential clients to promote, upsell and cross-sell products and services.
- Established and nurtured long-term relationships with key clients to secure repeat business and referrals.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with clients, optimising terms for both parties while maximising sales profitability.
- Liaised with potential customers to determine needs and provide recommendations.
- Utilised CRM systems to track interactions with clients, manage sales pipeline, and optimise sales processes.
- Resolved customer issues and complaints with quick-thinking problem-solving.
Office Administrative Assistant
Calverton Finance
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
01.2018 - 11.2021
- Handled incoming calls and correspondence, directing enquiries to appropriate departments to facilitate smooth communication.
- Maintained comprehensive filing systems, both digital and paper-based, for easy retrieval of documents.
- Administered company databases, accurately inputting and updating information to support business operations.
- Managed office petty cash, including delegation, documenting expenses and replacing when required.
- Organised travel arrangements and accommodations for staff attending external meetings, conferences, and events.
- Managed general inbox enquiries by personally responding to emails or forwarding to relevant employees where required.
- Organised company events, from venue selection to on-the-day coordination, enhancing team morale.
- Organised all work from home equipment and set up everyone on their remote desktops
- Performed a variety of research projects when requested to gather data and evidence to support projects, including marketing and finance.
Assistant Manager - Retail
The Fragrance Shop
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
09.2016 - 12.2018
- Trained new employees on company policies, customer service excellence, and sales techniques.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints by offering practical solutions and maintaining professionalism.
- Oversaw daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, to maintain store standards.
- Led weekly staff meetings to discuss targets, performance improvements, and customer feedback.
- Conducted performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
- Recruited and hired staff for organisational vacancies and enforced consistent policies across workforce.
Retail Supervisor
Footasylum
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Acted as a key holder, responsible for opening and closing the store, ensuring security protocols are followed.
- Managed team of sales assistants, delegating tasks and setting daily sales targets to drive store performance.
- Mentored newly hired staff in upselling techniques, customer service and product expertise.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the store, creating a welcoming environment.
- Coordinated with visual merchandisers to arrange displays attractively, ensuring products are showcased effectively to boost sales.
- Led recruitment efforts by interviewing, hiring and onboarding new employees.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Business
St Paul's Catholic School
Milton Keynes01-2019
GCSEs -
St Paul's Catholic School
Milton Keynes01-2017
Rugby
First4Sport
Milton KeynesCustomer Service
Milton Keynes College
Milton KeynesGerman
The Open University
Milton KeynesRead, Write, Ink Phonics
Summerfield School
Milton KeynesSkills
- Phonics teaching knowledge
- 1:1 student assistance
- Organisation and efficiency
- Problem solving
- Office organisation
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Client relationship management
- Emotional support
- Positive attitude
Timeline
Learning Support Assistant
Summerfield School
03.2025 - Current
Camp Manager
Club Getaway
03.2024 - 10.2024
Sales Executive
Trimble MEP Ltd
01.2022 - 03.2024
Office Administrative Assistant
Calverton Finance
01.2018 - 11.2021
Assistant Manager - Retail
The Fragrance Shop
09.2016 - 12.2018
Retail Supervisor
Footasylum
09.2015 - 08.2016
Diploma of Higher Education - Business
St Paul's Catholic School
GCSEs -
St Paul's Catholic School
Rugby
First4Sport
Customer Service
Milton Keynes College
German
The Open University
Read, Write, Ink Phonics
Summerfield School