Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Debbie Williamson

Congleton,Cheshire

Summary



Qualified childcare practitioner and teaching assistant with 20+ years’ experience supporting children, young people, and families. Person-centred and compassionate, with specialist expertise in autism and additional needs. Skilled in safeguarding, crisis intervention, and building strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and multi-agency teams. Emotionally resilient, professional, and dedicated to promoting well-being and achieving positive outcomes.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Teaching assistant in primary school

Havannah County Primary School
Congleton, Cheshire East
09.2022 - Current
  • Supported a student with Autism by implementing strategies and visual aids for effective learning.
  • Provided special attention to students with learning difficulties for better inclusion in class activities.
  • Participated in meetings with professionals to assess and review student progress.
  • Delivered phonics lessons and interventions for children requiring additional support.
  • Secured funding and led the development of our school garden project to support children’s well being
  • Led a weekly gardening club to educate children on growing their own food and understanding local biodiversity

Teaching Assistant, Christ The King Primary School

Christ The King
Macclesfield, Cheshire East
09.2019 - 07.2022
  • Supported children across Early Years and Key Stage 2 with their learning and development, delivering a range of targeted interventions tailored to individual needs.
  • Worked closely with pupils with SEND, assisting in assessing their needs and building positive, trusting relationships to support their academic and emotional progress.
  • Supported parents in a professional and friendly manner, addressing concerns and strengthening the home–school partnership.
  • Successfully secured funding to redevelop the school's unused garden and pond area, coordinating volunteers to bring the project to life.
  • Led a weekly gardening club and integrated outdoor learning into the curriculum, encouraging pupils to develop responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
  • Contributed to classroom planning and provided individual and group support to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

Nursery/Pre- School Assistant

Old Hall Day Nursery 2017-2019
Congleton, Cheshire
01.2017 - 07.2019
  • Worked as part of a dedicated team to support the care, wellbeing, and early development of children in line with EYFS standards.
  • Acted as a key worker , building strong, nurturing relationships with children and families to ensure consistent communication and support.
  • Implemented targeted interventions and developmental goals tailored to individual needs, tracking progress and adapting strategies as required.
  • Collaborated closely with professionals, including the EYFS Lead and the Sensory Inclusion Service , to review progress and plan next steps for children with additional needs.
  • Contributed to a rich, engaging, and varied programme of activities designed to promote learning through play and exploration.
  • Recorded and monitored children's development using online learning journals, maintaining accurate and reflective observations.

Home Help

Age UK
Congleton, Cheshire East
09.2015 - 12.2016

Supported clients in their own homes, providing assistance with daily living and domestic tasks to promote independence and well being.


Maintained a professional and compassionate approach, ensuring dignity, respect, and person-centred care at all times.

Teaching Support

Reed Education Agency
Various, Cheshire
09.2015 - 07.2016

SEND support year 7 and 8 pupils.

Maternity Leave / Career break

N/A
Congleton, Cheshire
10.2010 - 03.2015

Acquired Level 2 certificate in IT User Skills ECDL during maternity leave.
Achieved Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification to strengthen educational support skills.

Residential Team Leader, Deputy TL, Support Worker

Lambs House Ltd, Imap Centre
Congleton, Northwich, Cheshire
09.1995 - 10.2011
  • Managed team of ten Residential Support Workers in specialist provision for children with Autism, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality care.
  • Oversaw daily operations and staff supervision, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Organised diverse activities and holidays to support young people's physical, social, and emotional development.
  • Supported staff in providing experiences that enhanced independence and confidence through community outings.
  • Ensured compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment standards during all activities.
  • Collaborated with education team to deliver and review EHCPs, addressing individual needs effectively.
  • Liaised with external professionals and attended multidisciplinary meetings for progress reviews.
  • Assisted Residential Manager with home assessments to evaluate children's progress and identify needs.


Education

Level 3 Diploma - Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning

NCFE CACHE
Congleton, Cheshire East
09.2015 - 01.2017

European Computer Driving License - IT User Skills

Congleton Learning Centre
Congleton
01.2013 - 05.2013

Certificate of Professional Development - Multi Agency Perspectives through Child Development

Sir John Moores University
Liverpool
01.2010 - 07.2010

NVQ Level 3 - Caring for Children and Young People

CACHE
Congleton, Cheshire East
11.2004 - 11.2005

HND - Surface Pattern Textiles

University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
09.1993 - 05.1995

BTEC National Diploma - Art and Design

London Road School of Art and Design
Northwich, Cheshire
09.1991 - 07.1993

GCSE English, Maths, Science, Art, Geography - Various

Dane Valley High School
Congleton
09.1986 - 07.1991

Skills


  • Safeguarding, child protection & confidentiality
  • Autism expertise & supporting additional needs
  • Person-centered support for children, young people & families
  • Crisis intervention & de-escalation
  • Needs assessment, support planning & progress monitoring
  • Multi-agency & multidisciplinary teamwork
  • Clear verbal & written communication
  • Emotional resilience, reflection & professionalism

Accomplishments

    Led the design and project management of the school garden, earning an “Outstanding Contribution” award from Congleton in Bloom in 2025 for the School Back-to-Back Gardens initiative, reflecting my passion for nature, outdoor learning, and community engagement.

Certification

React UK Positive Behaviour Strategies & Level 2 Positive Handling

Safeguarding Level 2

Affiliations

  • I enjoy Pilates and spending time outdoors, and I have a strong passion for gardening. I regularly work on my allotment, growing my own vegetables and flowers, and I have used these skills to design and develop two school gardens that have become much-loved spaces for the children. I am currently completing a Level 2 qualification in Health and Nutrition, which supports my interest in well being and healthy living. I’m a kind, caring individual with a friendly and outgoing nature, and I enjoy contributing positively to the environments around me.

Timeline

Teaching assistant in primary school

Havannah County Primary School
09.2022 - Current

Teaching Assistant, Christ The King Primary School

Christ The King
09.2019 - 07.2022

Nursery/Pre- School Assistant

Old Hall Day Nursery 2017-2019
01.2017 - 07.2019

Home Help

Age UK
09.2015 - 12.2016

Teaching Support

Reed Education Agency
09.2015 - 07.2016

Level 3 Diploma - Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning

NCFE CACHE
09.2015 - 01.2017

European Computer Driving License - IT User Skills

Congleton Learning Centre
01.2013 - 05.2013

Maternity Leave / Career break

N/A
10.2010 - 03.2015

Certificate of Professional Development - Multi Agency Perspectives through Child Development

Sir John Moores University
01.2010 - 07.2010

NVQ Level 3 - Caring for Children and Young People

CACHE
11.2004 - 11.2005

Residential Team Leader, Deputy TL, Support Worker

Lambs House Ltd, Imap Centre
09.1995 - 10.2011

HND - Surface Pattern Textiles

University of Huddersfield
09.1993 - 05.1995

BTEC National Diploma - Art and Design

London Road School of Art and Design
09.1991 - 07.1993

GCSE English, Maths, Science, Art, Geography - Various

Dane Valley High School
09.1986 - 07.1991
Debbie Williamson