Claire Louise Crighton
Bicester,OXON
Summary
Experienced EYFS/KS1 Lead and SEND specialist with over 15 years of success supporting pupils with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and speech, language and communication needs. Proven expertise in leading inclusive practice, implementing EHCP provision, and driving measurable pupil progress through targeted intervention and adaptive teaching strategies. Skilled in coaching and supporting staff to deliver high-quality provision for all learners, while fostering safe, structured and nurturing environments where children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Committed to strengthening SEND outcomes through collaborative leadership, early identification and effective multi-agency working.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
EYFS/KS1 Lead and Class Teacher
Bardwell Community Special School
Bicester, Oxfordshire
2024.01 - Current
- Lead EYFS and KS1 provision, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across phases.
- Monitor teaching quality and pupil progress, using evidence-informed strategies to drive continuous improvement.
- Deliver specialist teaching for pupils with communication and interaction needs, securing personalised progress outcomes.
- Collaborate with Speech and Language Therapy teams to embed total communication approaches across EYFS/KS1.
- Lead annual EHCP reviews, contributing to person-centred planning, target setting and provision mapping.
- Design and deliver staff training focused on communication, engagement, behaviour regulation, interaction and relationship-based practice.
- Provide SEND clinics for schools across Oxfordshire, advising staff on strategies and provision for pupils with additional needs.
- Contribute to outreach work through The Gallery Trust, supporting collaboration and inclusion across partner settings.
- Complete whole-class and individual risk assessments to ensure safe, responsive learning environments.
- Support development of an inclusive, communication-rich whole-school curriculum.
- Liaise effectively with therapists, families and external agencies to ensure coordinated pupil support.
- Plan and deliver whole-school assemblies promoting inclusion, belonging and pupil engagement.
EYFS Teacher and SEND Specialist
St Edburgs Primary School
Bicester, Oxfordshire
2017.01 - 2023.12
- Delivered high-quality EYFS teaching, creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where all pupils could thrive.
- Led early identification of additional needs, implementing targeted interventions to improve progress and engagement.
- Adapted curriculum provision for pupils with SEND, including communication and interaction needs, Autism and ADHD.
- Worked closely with the SENCO, families and external professionals to coordinate effective support plans.
- Contributed to EHCP applications, reviews and provision planning to ensure pupil needs were met.
- Monitored pupil progress through assessment and used data to inform next steps and intervention strategies.
- Supported colleagues with practical strategies for behaviour regulation, communication and adaptive teaching.
- Promoted positive transitions into Reception and onward into Key Stage 1 through effective liaison and planning.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, improving communication and collaborative support for pupils.
- Contributed to wider school improvement priorities, whole-school events and inclusive practice initiatives.
SEND Teacher
John Watson Community Special School
Wheatley, Oxfordshire
2011.09 - 2016.12
- Taught pupils across Key Stage 3, planning and delivering differentiated lessons that secured progress across a range of learning needs.
- Monitored attainment and adapted teaching approaches to meet complex individual needs and maximise engagement.
- Supported pupils on Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 residential visits, promoting independence, confidence and social inclusion.
- Worked in partnership with Wheatley Park School to support inclusive practice and successful pupil transition.
- Undertook a temporary KS2 Lead role, guiding staff with planning, teaching and assessment across the phase.
- Planned and led educational visits, including Forest School provision, to enhance communication, wellbeing and experiential learning.
- Delivered teaching across EYFS and KS1 when required, demonstrating flexibility and strong understanding of early development and SEND provision.
Drama, English and Theatre Studies Teacher
High Wycombe School for Girls
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
2011.01 - 2011.07
- Taught KS3 and KS4 Drama and Theatre Studies, planning engaging and inclusive lessons that promoted confidence and progress.
- Co-taught GCSE and A-Level Drama, supporting attainment and successful performance outcomes.
- Co-taught KS3 English, contributing to literacy development and cross-curricular learning.
- Led a Year 10 tutor group, providing pastoral guidance and supporting wellbeing, attendance and academic progress.
- Supported extracurricular performing arts activities and whole-school productions.
- Led an inclusive drama partnership project with a local PRU, using creative approaches to develop engagement, confidence and social communication skills.
Supply Teacher (KS2/KS3)
Simply Education
Oxfordshire
2010.09 - 2010.12
- Delivered supply teaching across a range of primary and secondary schools in Oxfordshire, ensuring continuity of learning across varied settings.
- Adapted quickly to different school environments, year groups and curriculum areas, maintaining effective classroom routines and engagement.
- Undertook a short-term placement teaching KS3 Drama at The Warriner School (two days per week), planning and delivering engaging lessons that supported participation and progress.
Drama, English and Theatre Studies Teacher
Bicester Community College
Bicester, Oxfordshire
2009.09 - 2010.07
- Co-taught KS3 and KS4 Drama, supporting lesson planning, delivery and assessment to promote engagement and progress.
- Supported teaching of A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies, contributing to student preparation and performance outcomes.
- Assisted with whole-school productions, supporting rehearsals, performance development and wider creative learning opportunities.
Education
QTS Teaching Standards
OXON And BUCKS (Graduate Teaching Programme)
OxfordshireBachelor of Arts - Drama and Performing Arts
Winchester University
WinchesterBTECH National Diploma in Performing Arts
Banbury College
BanburyBicester Community College
BicesterSkills
- SEND Leadership and Inclusion Management
- Specialist Knowledge of Communication and Interaction Needs
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD Support Strategies
- EHCP Implementation, Reviews and Outcome Monitoring
- Staff Coaching, Mentoring and CPD Delivery
- Behaviour Support and De-escalation Strategies
- Provision Mapping and Targeted Intervention Planning
- Assessment, Progress Tracking and Impact Evaluation
- SEND Policy, Statutory Guidance and Compliance
- Parent Partnership and Multi-Agency Collaboration
- Adaptive Teaching and Inclusive Curriculum Design
- Safeguarding and Pupil Wellbeing
Certification
- NPQ in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Leadership
- Team Teach Level 2
- Paediatric First Aid Certified
- Annual Safeguarding Training
- Annual Training in Communication & Language, Wellbeing, and Curriculum Development
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
EYFS/KS1 Lead and Class Teacher
Bardwell Community Special School
2024.01 - Current
EYFS Teacher and SEND Specialist
St Edburgs Primary School
2017.01 - 2023.12
SEND Teacher
John Watson Community Special School
2011.09 - 2016.12
Drama, English and Theatre Studies Teacher
High Wycombe School for Girls
2011.01 - 2011.07
Supply Teacher (KS2/KS3)
Simply Education
2010.09 - 2010.12
Drama, English and Theatre Studies Teacher
Bicester Community College
2009.09 - 2010.07
QTS Teaching Standards
OXON And BUCKS (Graduate Teaching Programme)
Bachelor of Arts - Drama and Performing Arts
Winchester University
BTECH National Diploma in Performing Arts
Banbury College
Bicester Community College