Gemma Patnell
Harleston,Norfolk
Summary
Compassionate, enthusiastic Teaching Assistant in Primary School with strong communication and organizational skills, adept at supporting classroom activities and creating positive learning environments. Proficient in Phonics rapid catch up session delivery and providing individualized support to students. Successfully contributed to improved student behaviours and learning outcomes through tailored support. Committed to nurturing a positive, inclusive classroom atmosphere, resulting in happier, more confident pupils.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teaching assistant in primary school
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
Harleston, Norfolk
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Supported main teacher and enhanced children's understanding of complex ideas by simplifying and explaining concepts during class.
- Independently delivered "Little Wandle" Phonics sessions, phase 2 through to 5 rapid catch up interventions for students with learning difficulties.
- Monitored pupil behaviour throughout the day, ensuring conducive learning environments.
- Built positive, trusting, respectful relationships with pupils through attentive communication skills.
- Conducted daily reading sessions, and effectively maintained reading records.
- Provided enthusiastic support to pupils in both individual and group settings.
- Prepared classroom for daily activities and tidied up afterwards, keeping surroundings neat and presentable at all times.
- Facilitated field trips and seasonal events, enriching pupils' learning experiences.
- Offered support to special needs students, guaranteeing safety and access to equitable learning.
- Responded to changing needs of pupils and staff to provide maximum help and support.
MSA and Volunteer TA
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
Harleston, Norfolk
02.2023 - 01.2024
- Supervised pupils outside of classroom setting, ensuring safety during break periods and extracurricular activities.
- Encouraged respectful behaviour amongst peers to promote inclusive environments while developing positive relationships by interacting with pupils during lunchtime.
- Provided comfort and reassurance to distressed children, promoting emotional well-being.
- Implemented safeguarding measures to ensure pupil well being at all times.
- Worked with team to keep lunchtime schedule on track.
- Collaborated with staff members for successful school events.
- Participated in staff meetings and training sessions for professional development.
- Administered first aid for minor injuries, reporting accidents and near-misses appropriately.
School cleaner
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
Harleston, Norfolk
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Liaised effectively with management about any repair work needed; enabled prompt action preventing further damage.
- Shared responsibilities, improved teamwork among cleaning staff.
- Undertook independent deep cleaning of designated classrooms to ensure clean safe spaces for pupil learning.
- Replenished supplies in washrooms timely for uninterrupted usage by students and staff members alike.
- Checked stock levels regularly; avoided shortage of necessary cleaning supplies.
- Gained 100% score on COSHH training.
Tiny Talk Baby Signing class leader
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
Harleston, Norfolk
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Independently ran 4 baby signing classes to on average 10 families per class.
- Improved communication skills in infants with sign language techniques.
- Delivered lesson plans to meet Tiny Talk curriculum requirements.
- Ensured baby's engagement by implementing creative teaching strategies.
- Encouraged parent participation during sessions to strengthen parental bonds with their children.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere by tailoring sessions to diverse needs of participants.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected situations; maintaining a calm, controlled environment for all participants.
- Offered a supportive forum for new mothers, facilitating community engagement.
Independent Living Advisor
The Rowan Organisation
Harleston , Norfolk
06.2015 - 03.2018
- Conducted home visits assist clients in accessing financial aid and giving tailored advice on independent living resources within their community.
- Compiled detailed reports to ensure clients received their appropriate funding.
- Maintained accurate records of each client's progress towards independent living.
- Operated under strict codes of confidentiality when handling sensitive information about clients' personal circumstances and medical conditions.
- Promoted inclusivity by adapting communication methods to suit individual client needs.
Access to Health Records Officer
NHS - Norwich Community Health Records
Norwich, Norfolk
01.2010 - 06.2015
- Liaised between members of public requesting access to their medical records and teams of medical professionals who wrote them so records could be released quickly and efficiently.
- Independently managed an average of 15 requests a week.
- Ensured appropriate confidentiality was maintained at all times and records were stored and used under GDRP guidelines.
Various Roles Including Microbiologist
Bacardi-Martini Ltd
Portsmouth, HAM
06.2000 - 01.2010
- Various Roles since graduating include:
- Microbiologist for Bacardi- Martini
- Research and development for BAT
- Regulatory Administrator for BAT
- Regulatory Administrator for Scientific Applied Products
- Travelling round Europe and South East Asia
Education
NVQ Level 2 - Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
City and Guilds
Harleston, Norfolk 09.2023 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 09.1996 - 06.2000
Skills
- Microsoft office suite proficiency
- Phonics knowledge
- Reading instruction
- Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD support
- Classroom displays creation
- Storytelling
Timeline
Teaching assistant in primary school
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
01.2024 - 08.2025
NVQ Level 2 - Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
City and Guilds
09.2023 - 12.2023
MSA and Volunteer TA
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
02.2023 - 01.2024
School cleaner
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
01.2020 - 01.2024
Tiny Talk Baby Signing class leader
St. Benets Multi Academy Trust
01.2019 - 03.2020
Independent Living Advisor
The Rowan Organisation
06.2015 - 03.2018
Access to Health Records Officer
NHS - Norwich Community Health Records
01.2010 - 06.2015
Various Roles Including Microbiologist
Bacardi-Martini Ltd
06.2000 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Portsmouth
09.1996 - 06.2000
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