Claire Kent
Ely,Cambr
Summary
A dedicated teacher, senior school leader, phonics and early reading lead with extensive experience in championing literacy skills and fostering a lifelong love of reading among students. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, effectively engaging with stakeholders such as the Trust, SLT, Ofsted, staff, children, and parents to drive improvements in early reading strategies. A curious and reflective leader committed to continuous professional development through research and training, ensuring the implementation of evidence-based practices. As an ECT mentor, provides instructional coaching to early career teachers, embodying the school's code of conduct and standards. Experienced in leading projects like Every Child a Talker across Suffolk and delivering large conferences and training sessions. Career goal: to continue enhancing educational outcomes for all children by leveraging expertise in early years education and leadership.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
EYFS Lead, EYFS Teacher and Early Reading Lead
Kingsfield Primary School
Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
09.2021 - Current
- Contributed to strategic leadership as active member of SLT.
- Directed phonics and spelling curriculum, providing weekly training and coaching sessions.
- Led EYFS initiatives for Nursery and Reception classes, enhancing early years education.
- Monitored teaching and learning outcomes, analysing data for informed decision-making.
- Facilitated CPD in phonics, early reading, and Maths for all staff members.
- Oversaw EYFS moderation for ALT schools to maintain consistency in standards.
- Mentored first and second year ECTs with weekly coaching and co-teaching support.
- Collaborated with professionals to address children's and families' needs.
EYFS /Key Stage 1 Lead and Reception Teacher
Burwell Village College Primary School
Burwell, Cambridgeshire
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Led leadership and management of EYFS and Key Stage 1, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Developed curriculum for EYFS and Key Stage 1, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
- Monitored teaching and learning across Key Stages to uphold quality and effectiveness.
- Actively contributed as a member of SLT, influencing strategic decisions.
- Served as phonics and spelling lead, improving literacy skills throughout the school.
- Delivered continuous professional development sessions to enhance staff expertise.
- Mentored NQTs, supporting their professional growth and integration.
- Moderated EYFS Profile assessments to maintain consistency in evaluation.
Key Stage 1 Lead and Year 2 Teacher
Isle of Ely Primary School
Ely, Cambridgeshire
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Led Key Stage 1 teaching team to enhance collaboration and improve instructional quality.
- Taught Year 2 class, fostering academic growth and student engagement.
- Actively contributed to SLT meetings by sharing insights and best practices.
Head teacher of primary school
Tollgate Primary School
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Provided strategic leadership, defining core values and overall management of school.
- Developed and implemented an inclusive curriculum to enhance student engagement.
- Monitored teaching and learning processes, resulting in improved educational outcomes.
- Led safeguarding and Prevent initiatives, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
- Delivered continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for staff enhancement.
- Analysed performance data to establish targets for student achievement.
- Managed school finances effectively to ensure sustainability and resource availability.
- Presented educational strategies to diverse audiences, fostering community engagement.
Head Teacher of Infant School
Drayton Community Infant School
Norwich, Norfolk
01.2013 - 09.2017
- Successfully established a collaborative ethos and vision with pupils, staff, and community.
- Oversaw overall management of the school to ensure effective operations.
- Led safeguarding initiatives as Prevent lead and CIN named teacher.
- Developed and monitored curriculum to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
- Delivered continuous professional development (CPD) for staff improvement.
- Enhanced outdoor provisions by establishing Forest School, achieving silver RHS award.
- Improved phonics teaching methods, resulting in increased pass rates in screening checks.
- Created a dedicated library space to promote reading enjoyment among children.
Principal Consultant for Early Years and Childcare
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich, Suffolk
07.2012 - 01.2013
- Led a team providing guidance to early years settings and schools.
- Collaborated to establish strategic vision for Early Years within Local Authority.
- Served as EYFS profile moderator, ensuring compliance with standards.
- Organised and delivered training sessions locally, presenting at multiple conferences.
- Maintained current knowledge of early years research and agenda on local and national levels.
- Demonstrated understanding of community needs to offer tailored support for settings.
Head of school and Class teacher (R, Yr 1 and Yr2)
Somersham Primary School
Ipswich, Suffolk
09.2011 - 07.2012
- Directed school operations, reporting to Executive Head Teacher of partnership between two schools.
- Collaborated with teachers and community at partner school to share best practices.
- Taught mixed-age/stage classes, fostering inclusive learning environments.
- Enhanced community engagement by integrating school activities with village initiatives.
- Established forest school to promote outdoor learning opportunities.
LA Lead for Every Child a Talker Project
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich, Suffolk
09.2009 - 09.2011
- Developed and delivered CPD sessions for Every Child a Talker project.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of child development research and shared insights with colleagues.
- Supported Early Years settings in creating communication-friendly environments.
- Conducted thorough assessments of settings to provide tailored support for community engagement.
- Collaborated with East of England colleagues to exchange best practices and communication strategies.
- Organised large-scale conferences focusing on enhancing young children's communication skills.
- Educated families on the significance of communication in child development.
- Gathered and submitted data to National Government project for monitoring purposes.
Early Years Adviser & QT at Children's Centre
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich, Suffolk
04.2005 - 09.2009
- Advised Early Years providers on educational and care strategies for children and families.
- Delivered Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions to enhance provider capabilities.
- Moderated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) profiles to ensure compliance and quality standards.
- Collaborated with Children’s Centre staff to support children aged zero to four in high-deprivation areas.
EYFS Lead and Reception Class Teacher
Mendlesham Primary School
Mendlesham, Suffolk
09.2000 - 04.2005
- Led Reception Class, ensuring effective teaching and learning outcomes.
- Managed Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), implementing best practices across all settings.
- Established Forest School programme to enhance outdoor learning experiences.
- Cultivated partnerships with local community, including church and businesses, to enrich educational opportunities.
- Collaborated with pre-school staff and Year 1 teacher to facilitate seamless transitions for pupils.
Insurance claims handler
Royal and Sun Alliance
Ipswich, Suffolk
07.1995 - 09.1997
- Call handler managing customer motor and home claims.
Education
NVQ Level 2 - Neuroscience in the Early Years
Learning Curve Group
Derby 09.2024 - 12.2024
NVQ Level 2 - Mathematics
National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Maths
Sheffield 07.2022 - 01.2023
NVQ Level 2 - Coaching
Integrity Coaching
London 01.2017 - 08.2017
Certificate of Higher Education - NPQH
National College of School Leadership
Cambrisge 09.2012 - 07.2013
Certificate of Higher Education - Leading From the Middle
National College of School Leadership
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 09.2004 - 07.2005
Certificate of Higher Education - PGCE
University of East Anglia
Norwich 09.1999 - 07.2000
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Essex
Colchester 09.1996 - 07.1999
A-Levels - History, RE, Home Economics, General Studies
Westbourne High School Sixth Form
Ipswich, Suffolk 09.1993 - 07.1995
GCSEs - Core and Foundation Subjects
Westbourne High School
Ipswich, Suffolk 09.1991 - /1993
Skills
- Phonics and early reading expertise
- Classroom teaching effectiveness
- Leadership in education
- Effective communication skills
- Data-driven strategies for improvement
- Instructional coaching techniques
- Classroom development practices
- Creative problem solving
- Stakeholder relations
- Team collaboration
- Dedication to school objectives
- Project management
Affiliations
- Walking
- Going to the gym
- Gardening
- Spending time with my family
Timeline
NVQ Level 2 - Neuroscience in the Early Years
Learning Curve Group
09.2024 - 12.2024
NVQ Level 2 - Mathematics
National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Maths
07.2022 - 01.2023
EYFS Lead, EYFS Teacher and Early Reading Lead
Kingsfield Primary School
09.2021 - Current
EYFS /Key Stage 1 Lead and Reception Teacher
Burwell Village College Primary School
01.2020 - 09.2021
Key Stage 1 Lead and Year 2 Teacher
Isle of Ely Primary School
04.2019 - 01.2020
Head teacher of primary school
Tollgate Primary School
09.2017 - 04.2019
NVQ Level 2 - Coaching
Integrity Coaching
01.2017 - 08.2017
Head Teacher of Infant School
Drayton Community Infant School
01.2013 - 09.2017
Certificate of Higher Education - NPQH
National College of School Leadership
09.2012 - 07.2013
Principal Consultant for Early Years and Childcare
Suffolk County Council
07.2012 - 01.2013
Head of school and Class teacher (R, Yr 1 and Yr2)
Somersham Primary School
09.2011 - 07.2012
LA Lead for Every Child a Talker Project
Suffolk County Council
09.2009 - 09.2011
Early Years Adviser & QT at Children's Centre
Suffolk County Council
04.2005 - 09.2009
Certificate of Higher Education - Leading From the Middle
National College of School Leadership
09.2004 - 07.2005
EYFS Lead and Reception Class Teacher
Mendlesham Primary School
09.2000 - 04.2005
Certificate of Higher Education - PGCE
University of East Anglia
09.1999 - 07.2000
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Essex
09.1996 - 07.1999
Insurance claims handler
Royal and Sun Alliance
07.1995 - 09.1997
A-Levels - History, RE, Home Economics, General Studies
Westbourne High School Sixth Form
09.1993 - 07.1995
GCSEs - Core and Foundation Subjects
Westbourne High School
09.1991 - /1993
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