Emily Whittaker
Sabden,UK
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in early childhood education and childcare, specialising in crisis management, decision-making, and behaviour management strategies. Proven expertise in safeguarding and first aid (paediatric), with strong communication skills for effective interaction with parents, professionals, and pupils. Adept at care planning and managing special educational needs, utilising Microsoft 365 applications for assessments. Committed to fostering a supportive learning environment through teamwork and independent initiative.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
St Thomas's Centre
Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen
2026.01 - Current
- Supported students with social, emotional, behavioural, and additional learning needs to engage positively with education and achieve individual targets.
- Established trusting relationships with vulnerable young people using trauma-informed and restorative approaches to enhance wellbeing and positive behaviour.
- Assisted teachers in planning and delivering differentiated lessons while adapting learning activities to accommodate a variety of academic abilities and needs.
- Managed challenging behaviour effectively by applying de-escalation techniques and behaviour support strategies to create a safe learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers, pastoral staff, safeguarding teams, parents, and external agencies to facilitate student progress and welfare.
- Monitored, recorded, and reported on student attendance, behaviour, engagement, and academic progress, contributing to reviews and intervention plans.
Residential Support Worker
Associated Wellbeing Ltd
Burnley, Lancashire
2025.09 - 2025.12
- Led support for young people in a residential children's home addressing various social, emotional, and behavioural challenges.
- Implemented a trauma-informed approach that established trust and consistency among residents.
- Facilitated the development of independent living skills and resilience through tailored guidance and professional boundaries.
- Played an integral role in formulating care plans and risk assessments, ensuring thorough documentation of daily activities.
- Engaged effectively with external partners, including social workers and educational institutions, to coordinate optimal support for each individual.
- Exhibited strong competence in safeguarding practices and crisis management, with a focus on young people's well-being and participation.
Teaching Assistant
Ightenhill Primary School
Burnley, Lancashire
2020.11 - 2025.07
- Collaborated with educators to implement targeted interventions, enhancing pupil engagement and progress.
- Supported pupils in Key Stage 1 and 2, including those with SEND and emotional challenges, fostering their learning and wellbeing.
- Cultivated strong relationships with pupils, enhancing their confidence and motivation to learn.
- Led small group sessions for enhanced focus on challenging topics.
- Maintained up-to-date records of pupil progress, tracking individual development effectively.
- Prepared classroom materials to facilitate efficient lessons.
- Supervised students in classrooms, halls, and on school trips, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Maintained knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring compliance in the educational environment.
- Assisted in lesson planning for effective curriculum delivery.
Education
Teaching Assistant - Level 3
Nelson & Colne College
Nelson, LancashirePublic Services - A Level
Burnley College
Burnley, Lancashire 2019.01 - 2020.01
8 GCSEs - GCSE
Ribblesdale High School
Clitheroe, Lancashire 2014.01 - 2019.01
Skills
- Childcare and classroom experience
- Child development
- Early childhood education
- SEN behaviour management
- Behaviour management strategies
- Paediatric first aid
- Care planning
- Crisis decision-making
- Real-time assessment
- Time management
- Microsoft 365 applications and assessments
- Teamwork and independent initiative
- Supervisory experience
- Organisational skills
- Stakeholder communication
- Communication
Certification
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (2024)
- Safeguarding Training (2024)
- Zones of Regulation (2023)
- Health & Safety (2023)
- Cultural sensitivity and professional brand representation
- Excellent personal presentation and grooming standards
- ABC North West Ltd (Valid to 2027)
- PREVENT Training (2024)
- Asthma, Epilepsy & Anaphylaxis (2025)
- Administrative experience including accurate data input and reporting
- Customer service and client relationship management
Personal Details
- Driver's License: Cars
- Eligible to work in the UK: Yes
- Highest Level of Education: A-Level or equivalent
- Industry: Childcare
- Total years of experience: 5
Timeline
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
St Thomas's Centre
2026.01 - Current
Residential Support Worker
Associated Wellbeing Ltd
2025.09 - 2025.12
Teaching Assistant
Ightenhill Primary School
2020.11 - 2025.07
Public Services - A Level
Burnley College
2019.01 - 2020.01
8 GCSEs - GCSE
Ribblesdale High School
2014.01 - 2019.01
Teaching Assistant - Level 3
Nelson & Colne College