Elspeth Simpson
Alton,United Kingdom
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in child development, inclusive teaching strategies, and SEN support. Skilled in multidisciplinary team collaboration, advocacy, and regulatory compliance to ensure optimal student progress and well-being. Proven ability to lead teams effectively, resolve conflicts, and implement process improvements that enhance educational outcomes. Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment while maintaining strong parent-guardian relationships and driving positive change within the education sector.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
26
26
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special educational needs officer
Hampshire County Council
Hampshire, Hampshire
10.2017 - 03.2024
- Identified key areas for improvement within SEN services, driving continuous development efforts.
- Provided emotional support to parents of children with SEN, offering guidance and reassurance.
- Ensured compliance with SEN regulations, maintaining high standards in educational practice.
- Coordinated special education services, resulting in streamlined support for students.
- Advocated strongly for pupils during meetings to secure necessary accommodations and support measures.
- Managed complex caseloads for efficient delivery of special educational needs services.
- Oversaw transition planning processes for SEN students progressing into further education or employment.
- Developed individual education plans by collaborating with teachers, parents and therapists.
- Kept student records updated with current information.
- Liaised with external support providers to deliver high-quality resources and instruction.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students and families, meeting evolving care demands.
- Planned smooth student transitions with subsequent education providers.
- Offered guidance and advice to parents on educational and social matters relating to SEN students.
- Set clear short-term and long-term goals to help SEN student progression.
- Utilised Makaton and British Sign Language abilities to support students with communication difficulties.
- Scheduled and managed face-to-face, phone and 1-1 student enquiries.
- Used parent portal in [Software] to directly connect with updates and accept feedback or questions.
Manager of Resourced Provision for SLCN
Hampshire County Council
Farnborough, Hampshire
04.1999 - 12.2018
- Facilitated staff training, resulting in better customer service.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business.
- Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
- Liaised with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team-building activities.
- Piloted change management initiatives successfully improving organisational adaptability.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
- Led and managed administrative staff to maintain smooth daily operations.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
- Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
- Created classification systems to manage archives.
Special educational needs coordinator
Hampshire County Council
New Milton and Farnborough, Hampshire
05.1989 - 12.2017
- Monitored pupil progression meticulously, evaluating effectiveness of implemented interventions.
- Alleviated teacher workload through the provision of additional learning resources and support tools.
- Completed thorough end-of-year reports highlighting individual achievements and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated closely with local authorities to access additional funding and resources for SEN provision.
- Identified key areas for improvement within SEN services, driving continuous development efforts.
- Improved student engagement in classroom activities through the implementation of inclusive teaching strategies.
- Provided emotional support to parents of children with SEN, offering guidance and reassurance.
- Assisted in developing school policy around special educational needs, ensuring inclusivity at all levels.
- Coordinated special education services, resulting in streamlined support for students.
- Advocated strongly for pupils during meetings to secure necessary accommodations and support measures.
- Made effective use of assistive technology resources to aid pupils' learning experience.
- Ensured compliance with SEN regulations, maintaining high standards in educational practice.
- Managed complex caseloads for efficient delivery of special educational needs services.
- Implemented personalised learning programmes, enhancing student progress and achievement levels.
- Enhanced school-wide understanding of SEN issues with regular staff training sessions.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by liaising with teaching staff and family members.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments on students' needs to ensure tailored support.
- Oversaw transition planning processes for SEN students progressing into further education or employment.
- Developed individual education plans by collaborating with teachers, parents and therapists.
- Worked tirelessly to promote an inclusive culture within the school setting.
- Coordinated and implemented individualised learning programmes to meet student needs.
- Kept student records updated with current information.
- Liaised with external support providers to deliver high-quality resources and instruction.
- Implemented new resources and technologies to improve student support and education.
- Supported administrators in developing inclusive Special Educational Needs policies.
- Adapted learning environments to provide safe, accessible spaces.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students and families, meeting evolving care demands.
- Trained staff in adapting teachings to suit students with diverse needs.
- Supported classroom teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording students progress.
- Managed student behaviour, intervening in crisis situations to resolve conflicts.
- Planned smooth student transitions with subsequent education providers.
- Advised on required budgets to meet Special Educational Needs provisions.
- Offered guidance and advice to parents on educational and social matters relating to SEN students.
- Set clear short-term and long-term goals to help SEN student progression.
- Worked cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed.
- Monitored students response to learning activities and modified appropriately to achieve intended learning outcomes.
- Generated ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Ran training sessions and supported all staff in understanding needs of SEN pupils.
- Conducted assessments of student learning styles and used results to plan instructional activities.
- Utilised Makaton and British Sign Language abilities to support students with communication difficulties.
- Conducted workshops and conferences to train teachers in new programmes and teaching methods.
- Led curriculum improvement with course leaders with focus on increasing pass rate and overall performance.
- Reviewed adherence to established curriculum and communicated required changes and development.
- Supported course staff in undertaking research and professional development for improved understanding of subject matter, technology options and instructional methodologies.
- Observed teaching techniques in classroom setting and evaluated teacher performance.
- Analysed quality of existing curricula, communicating with education professionals to create accurate analysis.
- Maintained accurate student data and assessment information for 20+ pupils.
- Provided ongoing professional development, training and consultative services to teachers.
- Made recommendations about improvements to curricula and teaching methods to educational boards.
- Scheduled and managed face-to-face, phone and 1-1 student enquiries.
- Researched teaching aid options and organised introduction and implementation in teaching and classroom settings.
- Advised legislators and policymakers on educational issues, and assisted in planning educational policies.
- Developed professional network with researchers, government agencies and education professionals.
- Organised logistics and operations for [Number] student exams per year.
- Streamlined student services through integration of learning resources, course content and feedback.
- Organised school attendance at educational events and conferences to connect with potential students.
- Organised and tracked back of house administrative processing of course registration to mitigate student transition issues.
- Opened up new student pipeline opportunities by developing partnerships with local organisations and community groups.
- Oversaw school inspections, checking that school administration, premises and equipment conform to regulations.
Primary class teacher
Hampshire County Council
New Milton, Hampshire
09.1986 - 07.1997
- Upheld high standards of professional conduct whilst respecting diversity amongst pupils and staff alike.
- Facilitated parent-teacher meetings for improved communication about student development.
- Collaborated with other staff to organise school-wide events, promoting community engagement.
- Performed administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, report writing efficiently.
- Adopted innovative teaching techniques, enhancing quality of lessons delivered.
- Evaluated students' academic progress regularly, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Enhanced student understanding with provision of practical examples and interactive activities.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by implementing differentiated teaching methods.
- Prioritised safety in the classroom, adhering strictly to school regulations and guidelines.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance educational experience.
- Participated actively in continuous professional development courses for enhanced teaching skills.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents through regular communication and transparency about child's progress.
- Implemented strategies to manage classroom behaviour effectively, maintaining a focused learning atmosphere.
- Supported children with special needs by adapting teaching style according to their individual requirements.
- Assisted struggling students through tailored tutoring sessions, improving overall performance.
- Contributed to developing the school curriculum, ensuring alignment with national education standards.
- Worked closely with colleagues for collaborative planning and resource sharing.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Collected, analysed and tracked data on student progress.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations.
- Boosted student success by maximising individual learning, balancing group and individual instruction models to accommodate different academic levels.
- Administered assessments to determine each student's specific educational and social needs.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities.
- Planned lessons according to national standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardised tests.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provided reading instruction to special needs students.
- Integrated creative learning strategies, such as games and team-building exercises, resulting in increased classroom engagement.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Supervised and mentored teaching assistants to build confidence and cultivate effective classroom environments.
- Established strong, supportive relationships with families, encouraging parental involvement to boost children's achievement.
- Utilised visual aids and classroom displays to support engaging lesson delivery and enhance student understanding.
- Encouraged students to work together to achieve goals.
- Set expectations for behaviour and dealt with discipline cases as outlined in school policies.
- Safeguarded security of all students and intervened in cases of conflict between students.
- Organised and took part in school events, outings and activities happening during weekends and evenings.
- Evaluated own teaching critically to identify weak areas and make improvements.
- Supervised sports, excursions and other extra-curricular activities.
- Planned and presented lessons catering to varying needs and abilities.
- Marked and provided constructive feedback on homework tasks and class projects.
- Prepared and delivered creative curriculum for children aged 4-7 in subjects including maths and English.
- Identified SEN and gifted students to provide access to extra resources and services.
- Prepared and presented informative reports to parents.
- Encouraged personal development by motivating students to use mental and social capabilities.
- Created and updated attendance records to check the regularity of students on day-to-day basis.
- Tested and analysed students for customised progress in oral and written work.
- Used behaviour management techniques to maintain positive learning environments.
- Helped children to reach full potential across multiple primary subjects using blend of modern and traditional teaching techniques.
- Assessed, recorded and reported on child development, progress and attainment to encourage continuous improvement against educational goals.
- Marked student work with clear improvement feedback.
- Adapted teaching styles for varying student capabilities and requirements.
- Maintained daily records of class attendance and liaised with caregivers to address issues.
- Cultivated welcoming, positive classroom environment, encouraging children to express opinions, thoughts and feelings.
- Collaborated with teaching teams to implement improved learning schemes.
- Created daily lesson plans targeted to current curriculum standards.
- Identified students needing extra support and coordinated personalised, attentive teaching and available resources.
- Evaluated student academic and social progress and used data to formulate achievable future targets.
- Planned long-term learning schemes to meet exam targets.
- Devised homework to enhance student learning and confidence.
- Implemented engaging teaching programmes across multiple core subject areas.
- Monitored and reported on students' performance to aid development.
- Set and marked assessments in line with Year [Number] curriculum requirements.
- Highlighted student achievements, building confidence and encouraging continued growth.
- Coordinated educational school trips to broaden student learning.
- Tutored students individually, improving attainment levels.
- Assisted students of diverse backgrounds with navigating educational environments and learning subject material.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Speech, language and communication needs.
Sheffield University
Sheffield 09.2000 - 07.2022
PGCE - Nursery and Infant education
University of Reading
Reading 09.1984 - 07.1985
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology and Classics
University of Wales
Lampeter 09.1979 - 07.1982
Skills
- Child development understanding
- Inclusive teaching strategies
- Parent-Guardian consultation
- Advocacy and representation
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Disability awareness
- Student progress monitoring
- SEN expertise
- Motivational leadership
- Interpersonal communication
- Team Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Process Improvement
- Regulatory compliance
Affiliations
- Crafting
- Reading
- Gardening
Languages
British Sign Language
Elementary
Timeline
Special educational needs officer
Hampshire County Council
10.2017 - 03.2024
Diploma of Higher Education - Speech, language and communication needs.
Sheffield University
09.2000 - 07.2022
Manager of Resourced Provision for SLCN
Hampshire County Council
04.1999 - 12.2018
Special educational needs coordinator
Hampshire County Council
05.1989 - 12.2017
Primary class teacher
Hampshire County Council
09.1986 - 07.1997
PGCE - Nursery and Infant education
University of Reading
09.1984 - 07.1985
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology and Classics
University of Wales
09.1979 - 07.1982
Similar Profiles
Sarah FoleySarah Foley
Teaching assistant in primary school at Hampshire County CouncilTeaching assistant in primary school at Hampshire County Council
Nial WrightNial Wright
Retained Firefighter at Hampshire County CouncilRetained Firefighter at Hampshire County Council
Sarah HuckfieldSarah Huckfield
Teacher in a primary school at Hampshire County CouncilTeacher in a primary school at Hampshire County Council