Emma Barnard
Weymouth,Dorset
Summary
I have worked in education for 30 year, firstly starting as a Nursery Nurse, then as a Work Experience Placement Officer, to a Principal TA working as a SEN Teacher.
I am thank full for the career I have had. It enabled me to be the mother I wanted to be, and it has shapes the person I am today. Now is the time for me to find a new path. To broaden my horizons and to be part of my community in a different way.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Teaching Assistant -Teacher Role
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
Weymouth, Dorset
09.2019 - Current
- Oversee a small class team on a daily basis and provide support where needed.
- Support and develop students' behaviours through Dorset County's Therapeutic Thinking Approach.
- Plan and provide an adapted curriculum to support students' learning.
- Attend annual reviews and provide evidence within these meetings to inform students' Educational Health Care Plans. EHCP's
- Individualised supports and targets are created for pupils requiring additional help, enhancing their learning outcomes.
- Established positive relationships with students, leading by example and responding appropriately to classroom needs.
- Cultivate and sustain trusting relationships with families to enhance communication and support.
- Achieved successful alignment with external agencies to meet shared goals effectively. By working closely with social workers, speech and language therapists, and local authority representatives.
- To enhance family support and wellbeing through partnerships with family workers, foster agencies and social housing organisations.
- Working in accordance with court directives to support child protection.
- Accurate, non-biased, and clear documentation within all information sharing or reporting.
- Assisted in the creation and maintenance of a safe classroom environment, minimising risks and hazards.
- Offered emotional support and guidance to pupils, fostering resilience and well-being.
- Engage with family members and the class team to assess pupils' learning challenges, enabling development of tailored, evidence-based intervention strategies.
- Provided stimulating learning environments, motivating students to engage with class activities and reach potential.
- Contributed to the organisation of school events and activities, enriching the school community experience.
- Adapted teaching materials to meet the specific needs of individuals, fostering inclusive education.
- Informed parents and care givers of child's progress, key achievements and areas of concern.
- Participated in professional development workshops, continuously improving teaching skills and knowledge.
- Attended to pupils' hygiene, first aid and other personal and social needs.
- Monitored pupils' responses to learning activities and accurately recorded achievement.
- Engaged with parents and guardians regarding pupil progress and areas for improvement, strengthening home-school partnerships.
Senior Teaching Assistant
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
Weymouth, Dorset
01.2015 - 09.2019
- To support the teacher or deliver lessons in their absence.
- Supervised children during activities and play, helping maintain safety and proactively address behavioural problems.
- Organised classroom spaces and materials to help teacher prepare for lessons.
- Contributed to the creation of a positive school culture, fostering respect, empathy, and a love for learning among students.
- Offered students one-on-one assistance with class assignments and activities.
- Encouraged student interaction to develop positive learning and socialisation experiences.
- Provided 1:1 and group support for class activities and outdoor recreation.
- Supported classroom teacher in planning and implementing educational activities, fostering a stimulating learning environment.
- Encouraged positive social and emotional childhood development and reported progress and concerns.
- Promoted health and hygiene practices among students, contributing to a safe and clean learning space.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Supervised and supported students who were removed from classrooms.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet the varied needs of students, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in learning.
- Helped students with behavioural needs stay on task through extensive 1:1 support.
- Conducted tailored learning activities set by classroom teacher, reinforcing course concepts to promote learning.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with parents, communicating student achievements and areas for improvement.
- Prepare and deliver lesson involving life skills, following school guidelines and meeting curriculum requirements.
- Monitored social interactions and modelled positive choices to improve connections and reduce conflicts.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement individual education plans, addressing specific learning challenges.
- Operated teaching aids and audiovisual equipment for classroom teachers.
- Administer medication to support students managing health conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to pupils, fostering a safe and supportive classroom atmosphere.
- Assisted in implementing students Educational Health Care Plans.
- Managed classroom behaviour, implementing strategies for a positive and productive learning environment through the Dorset Therapeutic Thinking approach.
- Encouraged pupil participation and confidence through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques.
- Prepared visual aids and handouts, contributing to varied and dynamic teaching methods.
- Organised educational resources, ensuring materials were accessible and up-to-date for effective learning.
- Assisted in organising school events and outings, providing logistical support and supervision.
- Employed interactive teaching aids and technology to stimulate interest and aid comprehension.
- Supported pupil learning through tailored assistance, adapting teaching methods to meet individual needs.
- Administered first aid and attended to pupils' health emergencies in compliance with school policies.
- Provide personal care and be respectful of others' needs.
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
Weymouth, Dorset
09.2012 - 09.2015
- Be flexible to work in any class within the school covering age from 4 to 19 years old.
- Supervised and supported pupils to complete in-class activities.
- Provided 1:1 and group support for class activities and outdoor recreation.
- Supervised children during activities and play, helping maintain safety and proactively address behavioural problems.
- Provided hands-on support during school outings, ensuring safety and inclusion of students.
- Implemented behaviour management techniques to create a safe and productive learning environment.
- Quickly built strong, long-lasting relationships with students to obtain extensive knowledge on individual needs and struggles.
- Assisted in adapting classroom environments to be more sensory-friendly for students with sensory processing issues.
- Organised and prepared materials that catered to the specific needs of students.
- Encouraged student interaction to develop positive learning and socialisation experiences.
- Prepared indoor and outdoor spaces for recreational activities to support children's physical health and development.
- Supported the emotional well-being of students by being an approachable and understanding presence.
- Provided one-to-one support to students with physical disabilities, aiding their mobility around school.
- Closely monitored student progress to assess areas for development and extra support required.
- Worked with teaching assistants to provide best possible care and educational support for students.
- Utilised assistive technology to enhance learning opportunities for SEN students.
- Conducted tailored learning activities set by classroom teacher, reinforcing course concepts to promote learning.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Operated teaching aids and audiovisual equipment for classroom teachers.
- Provide personal care.
Registered Childminder
Self-employed
Weymouth, Dorset
10.2008 - 04.2010
- Successful business providing care for children and their families.
- Ofsted report as 'good', with some outstanding areas.
- Acquired a Silver Food Hygiene Award.
- Managed business accounts, budgeting and billing.
Work Placement Officer for Care Studies
Weymouth College
Weymouth, Dorset
07.2003 - 07.2008
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of local employers providing work placements across all childcare, and health and social care settings.
- Handled incidents and escalated issues with calm, diplomacy, and empathy.
- Obtained feedback to enhance provision and experience.
- Matched students and employers considering the students' skills, experience, and interests. As well as the environment, the setting provided. For example, it is only suitable for those over 18.
- Managed placement documentation, ensuring compliance with legal and institutional requirements. IOSH
- Provided comprehensive support and guidance to students during the placement process.
- Support students through their placement journey.
- Visited placements and gathered observations to support monitoring and record keeping.
- Resolved issues with unsatisfactory placements impacting student learning or employer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with businesses / settings to secure placement opportunities for students.
- Advised students on how to navigate challenges and maximise their placement experience.
- Monitored students' progress during placements, offering feedback and support.
- Developed and maintained relationships with industry professionals to facilitate successful student placements.
- Facilitated debriefing sessions for students to reflect on their placement experiences.
- Advocated on behalf of clients with employers, negotiating opportunities for work trials or adjustments for those with special needs.
- Developed a work placement guidance book to assist students in health and social care courses and enhance placement learning aligned with course content.
- Developed trusting relationships with students and advocated on their behalf when needed.
- Provided workshops to build student knowledge and performance in college to support placement skills .
Nursery Nurse and Staff Training Supervisor
Preston Day Nursery
Weymouth, Dorset
05.2000 - 06.2003
- Provided comprehensive care for children aged between 6 months and 4 years, ensuring a nurturing environment for development.
- Cultivated stimulating environments that empower children to flourish.
- Facilitated child development by implementing engaging activities aligned with EYFS standards.
Joint Deputy Manager
Bincleaves Day Nursery
Weymouth, Dorset
01.1998 - 05.2000
- Supported nursery manager by coordinating daily operational tasks and ensuring smooth workflow.
- Supervised daily operations of nursery setting in absence of manager.
- Cultivated a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children to thrive in alignment with government guidance.
Nursery Nurse
Chuckles Day Nursery
Weymouth, Dorset
09.1995 - 01.1998
- Facilitated stimulating activities for children under 5, fostering creativity and early learning.
- Administer personal care services to enhance client well-being and comfort.
- Cultivated a calm and nurturing environment to foster early childhood development.
- Cleaned and sanitised play areas and equipment for excellent health and hygiene standards.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education
Weymouth College
Weymouth, DOR01-2002
Diploma of Higher Education - NNEB Nursery Nursing Diploma
Weymouth College
Weymouth, DOR01-1995
GCSEs - GCSE
All Saints C of E School
Weymouth, DOR01-1993
Skills
- Positive demeanour and approachability
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Independent and team-oriented work
- Organizational skills
- Deadline-driven performance
- Empathy and active listening
- Respectful interpersonal interactions
- Conflict management
- Proficient in Microsoft systems and reporting tools
- Social media engagement
- Policy and procedure adherence
- Understanding of health and safety
- Full UK Driving Licence
Certification
- In-house training yearly - Therapeutic Thinking, First aid, Health & Safety, Child Protection, Radicalisation, Food Allergy, Diabetic and Epilepsy.
- Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering 11 June 2009
- iOsh Working Safely 29 April 2024
- Introduction to Counselling Skills Level 2 20 July 2025
Timeline
Principal Teaching Assistant -Teacher Role
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
09.2019 - Current
Senior Teaching Assistant
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
01.2015 - 09.2019
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Westfield Arts College (SEN school)
09.2012 - 09.2015
Registered Childminder
Self-employed
10.2008 - 04.2010
Work Placement Officer for Care Studies
Weymouth College
07.2003 - 07.2008
Nursery Nurse and Staff Training Supervisor
Preston Day Nursery
05.2000 - 06.2003
Joint Deputy Manager
Bincleaves Day Nursery
01.1998 - 05.2000
Nursery Nurse
Chuckles Day Nursery
09.1995 - 01.1998
Diploma of Higher Education - Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education
Weymouth College
Diploma of Higher Education - NNEB Nursery Nursing Diploma
Weymouth College
GCSEs - GCSE
All Saints C of E School