Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Elaine Duke

Poulton-le-Fylde,United Kingdom

Summary

A highly organised and efficient professional with a strong foundation in IT proficiency and team collaboration. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal relationship building and communication skills, ensuring reliability and punctuality in all tasks. Approachable, well-mannered, and respectful, with a commitment to fostering positive work environments.

I am dedicated and people‑focused with extensive experience supporting children, families, and colleagues in fast‑paced educational settings. Skilled in delivering excellent customer service through clear communication, patience, and a warm, approachable manner. Brings strong teamwork, organisation, and problem‑solving abilities, with a proven track record of staying calm under pressure and adapting quickly to changing situations. Confident in building positive relationships, handling enquiries professionally, and creating a welcoming environment. Now seeking to bring these transferable skills to a Customer Assistant role, contributing to a friendly, efficient, and customer‑centred team.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Higher level teaching assistant

Lancashire County Council
Preston, Lancashire
2008.02 - Current

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) working within a School Improvement Service this is a much broader, more strategic role than a classroom‑based HLTA. The focus shifts from supporting learning in schools and private nurseries to helping raise standards, build staff capacity, and improve outcomes across multiple settings.

The role centres on supporting the School Improvement Service to enhance teaching, learning, and inclusion across schools. This involves modelling high‑quality practice, supporting staff development, and contributing to whole‑school improvement priorities. The HLTA acts as a skilled practitioner who can work independently, support teachers, and contribute to raising standards.

Nursery manager

Lancashire County Council
Hambleton, Lancashire
2001.09 - 2008.02
  • Collaborated with staff members to create engaging lesson plans, enhancing child development.
  • Handled recruitment process for new staff, ensuring best fit for nursery needs.
  • Developed high-quality childcare programmes by implementing educational and enrichment activities.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents to improve communication regarding child progress.
  • Coordinated with external agencies for additional support services as needed by children or families.
  • Ensured compliance with Ofsted regulations by managing daily nursery operations diligently.
  • Provided safe and stimulating environment for children, promoting their learning and development.
  • Managed parental concerns professionally whilst maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Reinforced a positive learning atmosphere with effective behaviour management techniques.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Children, Schools and Families

University of Central Lancashire
Preston
2006.09 - 2009.06

Foundation Degree in Arts - Integrated Education and Care of Children and Young People

University of Central Lancashire
Preston
2007.09 - 2008.06

GCSEs - GCE Mathematics, English Language and Sociology

Blackpool And Fylde College
Blackpool
1983.09 - 1984.06

Diploma of Higher Education - NNEB

Lancaster And Morecambe College
Lancaster
1978.09 - 1980.06

GCE - Music, French and RE

St Aidans C E High School
Preesall, Lancashire
1973.09 - 1978.06

Skills

  • Confident communicator
  • Organised and efficient
  • Interpersonal relationship building
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Team collaboration experience
  • IT proficiency
  • Approachable, well mannered and respectful

Timeline

Higher level teaching assistant

Lancashire County Council
2008.02 - Current

Foundation Degree in Arts - Integrated Education and Care of Children and Young People

University of Central Lancashire
2007.09 - 2008.06

Bachelor of Arts - Children, Schools and Families

University of Central Lancashire
2006.09 - 2009.06

Nursery manager

Lancashire County Council
2001.09 - 2008.02

GCSEs - GCE Mathematics, English Language and Sociology

Blackpool And Fylde College
1983.09 - 1984.06

Diploma of Higher Education - NNEB

Lancaster And Morecambe College
1978.09 - 1980.06

GCE - Music, French and RE

St Aidans C E High School
1973.09 - 1978.06
Elaine Duke