Holly Ashton
Whitstable ,Kent
Summary
I have worked in education for over 20 years in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, including supporting children with SEND and leading research-informed initiatives in schools. My experience has given me a strong understanding of how education systems work, how children learn, and the challenges faced by families and schools. This year, I am looking to take the next step in my career by moving out of teaching and into policy and research, where I can use my experience, knowledge, and analytical skills to contribute to improving education for all children.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Middle Leader / SENDCo & Class Teacher
Westmeads Infants School
Whitstable , Kent
2016.09 - 2025.01
- Work closely with Headteacher and Assistant Headteachers to build and implement effective strategies, develop policies and design a wider curriculum offer in line with our SDP (School Development Plan).
- Monitored, evaluated and improved quality of teaching and learning in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and for children with SEND through implementing a research driven approach.
- Improved the quality of continuous provision through implementing a research led approach which lead to a 'Good' with elements of 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in the EYFS.
- Enriched learning environments to stimulate student learning and achievement.
- Promoted extra-curricular activities aligned to educational targets.
- Devised curriculum strategy to meet national targets with a focus on closing the gap for underserved children.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Established productive rapport with parents, encouraging parental involvement to boost student achievement.
Class teacher
The Discovery School
Kings Hill, Kent
2016.01 - 2016.07
Personal Assistant and Office Administrator
APAM Ltd
London
2015.08 - 2016.01
- Worked to facilitate positive, productive working environments through reliable administrative support.
- Registered visitors, guests and contractors upon arrival, providing relevant building access passes.
- Managed highly complex diaries for senior staff through effective calendar planning.
- Scheduled meetings and corporate events using exceptional organisation and planning abilities.
- Handled mail and correspondence for 20+ employees.
- Managed staff travel arrangements to identify best available options.
- Monitored contract delivery to achieve key deliverables
- Reduced costs and improved operational efficiencies by streamlining processes.
- Submitted timely stationery orders, researching cost-efficient suppliers to reduce spending.
Class Teacher
St Johns C of E Primary School
Enfield , London
2012.09 - 2015.08
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education with QTS - Education
Middlesex University
London12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Middlesex University
London 06.2010
Diploma of Higher Education - Fashion Retail
Fashion Retail Academy
London07.2006
A-Levels -
Southgate School
London07.2005
GCSEs -
Southgate School
London 07.2003
Skills
- Communicating with parents and stakeholders
- SEND inclusion strategies
- Encouraging critical thinking
- Tracking pupil progress
- Lesson and presentation planning
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Adaptive learning techniques
- Child-Centred approach
- Individualised education plans
- SEN policy development
- Research led
Timeline
Senior Middle Leader / SENDCo & Class Teacher
Westmeads Infants School
2016.09 - 2025.01
Class teacher
The Discovery School
2016.01 - 2016.07
Personal Assistant and Office Administrator
APAM Ltd
2015.08 - 2016.01
Class Teacher
St Johns C of E Primary School
2012.09 - 2015.08
Post Graduate Certificate in Education with QTS - Education
Middlesex University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Middlesex University
Diploma of Higher Education - Fashion Retail
Fashion Retail Academy
A-Levels -
Southgate School
GCSEs -
Southgate School