Grace Irving

As a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Assistant, my role involves providing tailored support to one child with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their full potential in an inclusive learning environment.

I work closely with students, teachers, and other professionals to deliver interventions and support that cater to the individual needs of the student. I support the student with their academic work, help them develop social skills, and assist them in managing their emotions, promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.

During my time at La Panza I gained the skills and confidence to become a competent manager and team player, I took the approach of being on a level playing field with all of my colleagues but took extra initiative to carry out tasks that I believe fell under my responsibility, simultaneously keeping it a hierarchy free zone.

• Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
• Encouraged feedback from restaurant customers, using insights to implement positive process changes.
• Led by example in providing customers with attentive, professional restaurant service.
• Built loyal customer base by creating welcoming environment with top quality service.
• Developed plans and strategies to promote continuous improvement.

Travelled Sep 22 - Sep 23

As a communications officer, I managed internal and external communications strategies and enhanced the organisation's reputation. I utilised various channels and platforms to convey key information effectively, ensuring consistency and clarity in messaging while adapting to diverse audiences.

• Established relationship with media, organised press releases and worked closely with local news outlets.
• Oversaw work of communication specialists producing engaging, crisp writing for diverse PR needs.
• Composed content, engaged with followers in comments and monitored activities to manage social media accounts with cohesive strategy.
• Engaged different digital communities to promote organisation and identified new audiences for outreach.

As a Forest School Teaching Assistant, I supported outdoor education by facilitating hands-on experiences and fostering connections between students and nature. I assisted in creating inclusive learning environments, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the natural world among students.

• Oversaw safety of children, promoting and safeguarding welfare in and outside the classroom.
• Provided supervision to guarantee safety of students during group activities, events and school trips.
• Organised class spaces and prepared materials for upcoming teacher lessons.
• Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.

As a Playworker, I created inclusive play environments, designing and implementing diverse activities to stimulate creativity and social interaction among children. My role involved ensuring the safety and well-being of children while fostering independence and positive behaviour.

• Maintained records of children's daily activities, meals and medications administered.
• Arranged for entertainment and games to provide downtime between learning activities.
• Set up play areas, materials and equipment to enhance activities and encourage physical health.
• Upheld reliable routines to minimise children's stress and anxiety.