Emma Hughes
Eastfield,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced educator specialising in curriculum delivery for mixed year groups, with a focus on SEND support and early childhood education. Skilled in behaviour management, assessment for learning, and lesson planning, driving learner engagement and collaboration. Committed to safeguarding and child protection, while developing individual education plans and reading schemes to boost student progress. Aims to enhance educational technology integration to enrich learning experiences.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Early Years Teacher
St Joseph's RC Primary School
Pickering, North Yorkshire
2018.09 - Current
- Lead teacher in a mixed Nursery/Reception class for nearly a decade, delivering high-quality EYFS provision that promotes strong foundations in communication, language, early reading, writing and number.
- Designed and implemented a stimulating, language-rich indoor and outdoor learning environment that supports child-led exploration and measurable progress from individual starting points.
- Subject Leader for English, developing whole-school reading and writing strategies, supporting staff with planning progression, and monitoring impact through data analysis and book scrutiny.
- Phonics Lead, embedding consistent systematic synthetic phonics practice across EYFS and KS1, delivering staff CPD, modelling lessons and improving early reading outcomes.
- Successfully introduced targeted phonics and early language interventions, narrowing attainment gaps and supporting disadvantaged and lower-attaining pupils to make accelerated progress.
- Early Years Lead, ensuring statutory EYFS requirements are met, leading moderation processes, and supporting colleagues with assessment, curriculum design and continuous provision.
- SENCO, coordinating provision for pupils with additional needs, leading the graduated response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review), writing and reviewing EHCPs, and liaising with parents and external agencies.
- Developed inclusive classroom strategies for children with SEND, including autism spectrum conditions, speech and language needs and SEMH, promoting independence and emotional regulation.
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting safeguarding procedures, maintaining accurate and confidential records, contributing to early help referrals and multi-agency meetings.
- Promoted a strong culture of safeguarding awareness, remaining vigilant to contextual safeguarding concerns and supporting families with early intervention strategies.
- Forest School Lead, planning and delivering progressive outdoor learning experiences that develop resilience, risk management, teamwork and wellbeing.
- Embedded outdoor learning within the wider curriculum, strengthening links between Forest School, literacy, communication and personal development.
- Led staff training and mentoring for colleagues and support staff, modelling best practice in early years pedagogy, phonics delivery and inclusive teaching.
- Established strong partnerships with parents, providing workshops (e.g., phonics and early reading), regular communication and collaborative support for children’s development at home.
- Demonstrated sustained impact over time through consistently strong EYFS outcomes, improved phonics screening results and positive feedback from leadership and external professionals.
Primary supply teacher
Tradewind
North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
2017.10 - 2018.07
- Maintained open communication with parents regarding student progress and concerns.
- Fostered positive learning environment for optimal student growth.
- Collaborated closely with other staff members to create seamless teaching environment, improving overall school performance.
- Adapted quickly to different year groups and classrooms, ensuring minimal disruption to students' learning experience.
- Implemented innovative teaching techniques, fostering a love for learning amongst pupils.
- Assessed individual learning needs, tailoring instruction accordingly for better results.
- Adapted quickly to a wide range of school settings across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, confidently delivering pre-planned lessons and maintaining continuity of learning.
- Developed strong behaviour management skills by establishing clear expectations and positive relationships with pupils in short timeframes.
- Gained experience working with diverse cohorts, including pupils with SEND, EAL and varying attainment levels, adapting teaching to meet immediate needs.
- Demonstrated flexibility and resilience by responding effectively to different school policies, classroom routines and safeguarding procedures.
- Built strong professional communication skills through collaboration with teaching staff, support staff and senior leaders across multiple schools.
Teaching Assistant
Weaverthorpe C.E. V.C Primary School
North Yorkshire
2017.05 - 2017.11
- Assisted in lesson delivery and classroom organisation, contributing to pupil progress and a positive learning environment
- Facilitated teaching and learning across mixed year groups, enhancing student engagement and understanding
- Supported children with SEND, including autism spectrum needs, fostering inclusive practices and tailored learning experiences
- Supported students with special educational needs by implementing tailored learning strategies.
- Provided feedback on pupil's work, identifying areas for improvement.
- Improved student engagement by utilising interactive learning techniques.
- Assisted in conducting assessments to determine student understanding of subjects.
- Led small group sessions for enhanced focus on challenging topics.
- Supported classroom teacher with behaviour management, promoting a positive learning environment.
- Developed and nurtured excellent relationships with students and staff, enhancing positive learning environments.
- Cultivated close working relationships with students, teaching staff and parents.
- Prepared positive, productive learning environments with engaging wall displays and effective resources.
- Established effective classroom routines by providing high-quality practical support to teaching staff.
Student teacher
University of Hull
Weaverthorpe C.E. V.C Primary School, North Yorkshire
2017.01 - 2017.03
- Planned and delivered engaging lessons that fostered student participation and enthusiasm
- Implemented assessment strategies, including self-assessment checklists and mini whiteboards, to enhance student understanding and ownership of learning
- Applied behaviour management strategies, including reward systems and structured transitions, to create a positive learning environment
- Delivered lessons across Reception, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 in mixed age groups.
- Facilitated whole-school worship sessions focused on the theme of forgiveness
Student teacher
University of Hull
Hackness C.E. V.C Primary School, North Yorkshire
2016.04 - 2016.07
- Taught mixed Year 5 and 6 class
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, catered to diverse learning needs of students.
- Developed differentiated planning strategies to address varied curriculum expectations
- Facilitated group discussions for fostering critical thinking.
- Tailored teaching style, achieved better student understanding.
- Collaborated with teachers to enrich curriculum content.
- Improved classroom management skills with hands-on experience.
- Built strong rapport with pupils, fostered a positive learning environment.
- Developed innovative lesson plans by incorporating digital technology.
- Prepared educational materials to support learning outcomes.
- Incorporated real-world examples into lessons for more relatable learning experiences.
- Fostered inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting respectful interactions amongst students.
- Led extracurricular gardening club, fostering student engagement and environmental awareness
- Managed after-school activities to promote student involvement and leadership skills development.
- Aligned lesson objectives with national curriculum standards for comprehensive coverage of topics.
- Participated in staff meetings, contributed valuable insights towards school improvement plans.
- Observed lead teacher's classes, enhanced pedagogical knowledge and skill set.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Worked with teachers to uphold behaviour management policies.
- Established classroom rules and standards of behaviours.
- Gained proficiency in various teaching methodologies by regular practice.
Student teacher
University of Hull
Filey C.E. V.C Nursery & Infant School
2014.01 - 2015.01
- Reception class teacher (placement)
- Planned engaging Early Years lessons
- Promoted learning through play and outdoor provision
Work Experience
Braeburn Primary and Nursery School
Eastfield, North Yorkshire
2014.04 - 2014.07
- Facilitated behaviour management and organised classroom activities to create an effective learning environment
- Improved student engagement by utilising interactive learning techniques.
- Led a Year 5 Science after-school club (Children's University module)
- Encouraged pupil autonomy through guided independent study initiatives.
- Supervised students in classrooms, halls, school play ground providing safe, supportive environment.
- Assisted with classroom activities for Years 2, 4, and 5
Shop Assistant
The Co-operative Group
Filey
2010.09 - 2011.11
- Customer service, till operation, stock management
- Conducted price checks at request of customers for clear communication on cost.
- Assisted in inventory counts, maintaining accurate records.
- Collaborated effectively with team members during busy periods.
- Maintained clean, appealing shop environment for comfortable shopping experience.
Voluntary Teaching Assistant
Yorkshire Coast College (FE)
2011.01 - 2011.04
- Provided assistance to 16–18 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities in a classroom setting.
- Provided additional support to students with special educational needs, ensuring inclusivity.
- Assisted with behaviour management and differentiated support to improve student engagement.
- Supported classroom teacher with behaviour management, promoting a positive learning environment.
- Improved student engagement by utilising interactive learning techniques.
- Encouraged pupil autonomy through guided independent study initiatives.
- Offered one-on-one guidance to struggling students for improved academic performance.
- Led small group sessions for enhanced focus on challenging topics.
Shop Assistant
Bourne Leisure – Blue Dolphin Holiday Park
Filey
2010.04 - 2010.09
- Ensured customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and handling complaints professionally.
- Greeted every customer warmly, promoting friendly atmosphere.
- Streamlined checkout process with efficient bagging and wrapping practices to enhance customer experience.
- Collaborated effectively with team members during busy periods.
- Maintained clean, appealing shop environment for comfortable shopping experience.
- Guided customers to fitting rooms for convenient try-on experience.
- Completed restocking swiftly post delivery arrival to ensure immediate product availability.
- Managed stock levels on shop floor for continuous product availability.
- Optimised product visibility through strategic shelf arrangements, enhancing customer engagement.
- Optimised product visibility through strategic shelf arrangements, enhancing customer engagement.
- Assisted in inventory counts, maintaining accurate records.
- Managed stock levels on shop floor for continuous product availability.
Waitress/Till Assistant
Bronte Vinery Café
Filey
2006.03 - 2010.04
- Provided top-notch service to customers, improved overall dining experience.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service.
- Delivered excellent customer service while preparing food and managing stock rotation
- Utilised professional communication skills to resolve customer complaints.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy.
- Maintained clean and organised dining area for customer comfort.
Education
BA (Hons) - Primary Education (Level 6)
The University of Hull
North Yorks, North Yorkshire 2014.09 - 2017.07
Level 3 BTEC National Diploma - Health and Social Care
Yorkshire Coast College
North Yorkshire 2009.01 - 2011.01
GCSEs - Key Stage 4
Filey Secondary School
North Yorkshire 2003.09 - 2008.07
Skills
- Expert knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring high-quality provision that supports holistic child development and school readiness
- Strategic leadership of systematic synthetic phonics, driving consistent practice across EYFS and KS1, analysing data to raise attainment and supporting staff through coaching and CPD
- Strong understanding of early reading development, including targeted interventions to close gaps for disadvantaged and lower-attaining pupils
- Effective SENCO practice, including writing and reviewing EHCPs, creating and monitoring provision maps, liaising with external agencies, and leading graduated response cycles (Assess–Plan–Do–Review)
- Skilled in identifying and supporting children with SEND, including autism spectrum conditions, speech and language needs, and SEMH, ensuring inclusive and adaptive classroom practice
- Experience as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), confident in safeguarding procedures, record keeping, early help processes, and multi-agency collaboration
- Leadership and delivery of Forest School provision, promoting resilience, independence, risk assessment skills and wellbeing through child-led outdoor learning
- Strong behaviour management rooted in attachment-aware and trauma-informed approaches, creating safe, nurturing environments
- Confident in leading staff training, modelling best practice, and supporting colleagues to improve teaching and learning outcomes
- Excellent communication skills when working with parents, governors and external professionals, fostering positive relationships that support pupil progress and wellbeing
Affiliations
- Reading
- Gardening
- Walking
- DIY
- Fitness
- Ceramics/Pottery
Certification
10/11/25 - RE - Prayer and Liturgy
18/09/25 - Colourful Semantics
02/09/2025 BoxPhish - cyber awareness
06/05/25 - Mastering Number
30/04/25 - Supporting Neurodiversity in the Classroom
25/2/25 - Paediatric First Aid
12/02/25 - Autism Training
09/09/2024 - Keeping Children Safe in Education.
1/09/2024 - Mastering Number
09/10/24 - NYCC Early Years SENCO Network Meeting
22/10/24 - Meeting Safeguarding Requirements of EYFS.
24/10/24 - Teaching and Learning - Modelling
6/11/24 - Mastering Number
11/11/24 - Teaching and Learning - Checking for Understanding.
25/11/2024 - Positive Handling
02/12/2024 - Teaching and Learning - Generative Learning.
12/11/24 - Early Years Leadership.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Early Years Teacher
St Joseph's RC Primary School
2018.09 - Current
Primary supply teacher
Tradewind
2017.10 - 2018.07
Teaching Assistant
Weaverthorpe C.E. V.C Primary School
2017.05 - 2017.11
Student teacher
University of Hull
2017.01 - 2017.03
Student teacher
University of Hull
2016.04 - 2016.07
BA (Hons) - Primary Education (Level 6)
The University of Hull
2014.09 - 2017.07
Work Experience
Braeburn Primary and Nursery School
2014.04 - 2014.07
Student teacher
University of Hull
2014.01 - 2015.01
Voluntary Teaching Assistant
Yorkshire Coast College (FE)
2011.01 - 2011.04
Shop Assistant
The Co-operative Group
2010.09 - 2011.11
Shop Assistant
Bourne Leisure – Blue Dolphin Holiday Park
2010.04 - 2010.09
Level 3 BTEC National Diploma - Health and Social Care
Yorkshire Coast College
2009.01 - 2011.01
Waitress/Till Assistant
Bronte Vinery Café
2006.03 - 2010.04
GCSEs - Key Stage 4
Filey Secondary School
2003.09 - 2008.07