Donna Marie Morrell
Stapleford
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in supporting young people with SEMH and complex behavioural needs, specialising in behaviour management, de-escalation, and conflict resolution. Proven ability to remain calm in high-risk situations while effectively working 1:1 and with small groups, both inside and outside the classroom. Skilled in building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring safeguarding, confidentiality, and child protection awareness. Competent in monitoring progress and incidents using CPOMS, collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams, and developing individual education plans. Committed to promoting literacy and numeracy while adapting to rapidly changing situations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Teaching Assistant/Forest School Practitioner
Fairfield Spencer Academy
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2018.09 - 2026.04
- Support pupils with complex SEMH needs, including dysregulation, anxiety, and behavioural challenges
- Use de-escalation strategies to manage heightened behaviour safely and effectively
- Deliver targeted ELSA informed interventions, supporting emotional literacy and coping strategies
- Build strong, consistent relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
- Support pupils who struggle with engagement, helping them access learning through adapted approaches
- Lead Forest School sessions, promoting resilience, teamwork, and self-regulation in an outdoor environment
- Work closely with teachers and SEND staff to implement personalised support strategies
- Record safeguarding concerns accurately using CPOMS and follow all procedures in line with KCSIE
- Act as a lead first aider, responding to incidents calmly and appropriately
Data Input & Quality Controller
Experian, Nottingham
Nottingham
2001.01 - 2018.01
- Entered and checked high volumes of data with a high level of accuracy
- Promoted to Quality Controller, checking colleagues' work and correcting errors
- Worked to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Maintained accuracy levels of approximately 98.5%
- Developed strong organisational and attention-to-detail skills
Bar Staff
Nags Head and Plough, Stapleford
Stapleford
2005.01 - 2009.01
- Managed challenging and sometimes confrontational situations calmly
- Maintained safety and security of premises
- Used communication skills to de-escalate conflict and resolve issues
Customer service representative
Markem Technologies Ltd, Nottingham
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2005.07 - 2005.10
- Worked with accuracy and attention to detail under pressure
- Managed customer enquiries and resolved issues professionally
- Checked and quality assured colleagues' work
Education
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
St John's Ambulance First Aid at Work - undefined
A Levels - English Language (B), English Literature (C), ICT (C), General Studies (C), Maths AS (D)
Bilborough College
Nottingham06.2004
GCSEs - English Literature (A), English Language (B), Maths (B), Science (B), History (A), German (B), Graphic Products (B), GNVQ ICT (Merit)
George Spencer School
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Nottingham College
Nottingham 2017.09 - 2018.07
ITC Level 3 Certificate - Forest School Leaders
Little Acorns Forest School
Burton-on-Trent 2021.11 - 2022.11
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - SEMH pathway
Spencer Apprenticeships
Nottingham 2025.11 -
Skills
- Supporting young people with SEMH and complex behavioural needs
- Behaviour management, de-escalation and conflict resolution
- Ability to remain calm in high-risk or challenging situations
- Working 1:1 and with small groups, including outside classrooms
- Building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
- Safeguarding, confidentiality and child protection awareness
- Monitoring, recording and reporting progress and incidents (CPOMS)
- Working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams
- Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to rapidly changing situations
References
Available on request
Timeline
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - SEMH pathway
Spencer Apprenticeships
2025.11 -
ITC Level 3 Certificate - Forest School Leaders
Little Acorns Forest School
2021.11 - 2022.11
Teaching Assistant/Forest School Practitioner
Fairfield Spencer Academy
2018.09 - 2026.04
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Nottingham College
2017.09 - 2018.07
Customer service representative
Markem Technologies Ltd, Nottingham
2005.07 - 2005.10
Bar Staff
Nags Head and Plough, Stapleford
2005.01 - 2009.01
Data Input & Quality Controller
Experian, Nottingham
2001.01 - 2018.01
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
St John's Ambulance First Aid at Work - undefined
GCSEs - English Literature (A), English Language (B), Maths (B), Science (B), History (A), German (B), Graphic Products (B), GNVQ ICT (Merit)
George Spencer School
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
A Levels - English Language (B), English Literature (C), ICT (C), General Studies (C), Maths AS (D)
Bilborough College