Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Gaps in Employment
Timeline
Generic

Ifeoma Pauline Iheanacho

Mitcham,Merton

Summary

Currently completing a PGCE in Early Years and Key Stage 1, expected to be completed in July 2026.

Undertaken school placements in a mainstream primary school teaching Year 2 pupils, including lesson planning, teaching delivery, assessment, and maintaining accurate records of pupil progress.

Developed strong understanding of inclusive practice and adaptive teaching, supporting pupils with diverse learning needs and a high proportion of EAL learners from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Built positive relationships with parents and carers, recognising the importance of strong home–school partnerships in supporting pupil learning and development.

Supported the organisation of educational visits and contributed to risk assessments for trips to the Wildlife Centre and the British Museum to ensure pupil safety and wellbeing.

Gained additional experience in a specialist SEMH school placement, strengthening knowledge of behaviour support strategies and the importance of creating safe, structured learning environments.

Demonstrated strong classroom management skills and the ability to promote positive behaviour for learning across diverse pupil groups.

Established trusting relationships with pupils, supporting engagement, confidence, and academic progress.

Extensive experience across mainstream and specialist education, including one year supporting pupils with and without SEND in a mainstream school and over six years as a Teaching Assistant in a specialist setting supporting pupils from Early Years to Sixth Form.

Supported teachers with lesson planning, classroom organisation, and targeted interventions for individuals and small groups.

Applied strategies to model positive behaviour, support emotional regulation, and maintain effective learning environments.

Maintained a strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing, ensuring pupils feel safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential.

Previous experience as a secondary school teacher in Nigeria, responsible for lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and monitoring pupil progress.

Developed strong skills in collaboration and teamwork, working closely with colleagues, support staff, and families to support effective teaching and learning.

Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments where every child is encouraged to succeed.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work history

Teaching assistant

Merton Park Primary School
Morden, Merton
11.2024 - 07.2025
  • Provided dedicated one-to-one support for pupils with Autism and ADHD who was non-verbal during morning sessions.
  • Planned and adapted learning activities to meet pupils' individual needs.
  • Implemented speech and language and occupational therapy programmes consistently and effectively.
  • Monitored and assessed pupils' progress, producing developmental reports to inform personalised planning and targeted support.
  • Maintained regular communication with parents regarding pupils' development and learning needs.
  • Contributed detailed information for pupils' EHCP review in collaboration with school SENCO.
  • Supported whole-class learning during afternoon sessions under class teacher's direction.
  • Assisted pupils with EHCPs and those on school support plans, including pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in supporting range of academic and pastoral needs across classroom.
  • Applied effective behaviour management strategies and differentiated support to promote pupil engagement and progress.

Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs

Perseid School
Morden, Merton
02.2017 - 07.2024
  • Supported teachers in managing classroom effectively, including addressing challenging behaviours and ensuring that teaching and learning activities ran smoothly.
  • Prepared and organised learning resources to support inclusive and accessible learning for all pupils.
  • Fostered positive, welcoming, and supportive environment that encouraged interaction and collaboration among pupils.
  • Worked with pupils in small groups and on one-to-one basis to provide additional support during lessons and learning activities.
  • Supported pupils with range of learning needs, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), helping them work towards greater independence.
  • Assisted in developing pupils’ social communication skills through structured interactions and guided activities.
  • Monitored pupils’ responses to learning activities and adapted support strategies to help achieve intended learning outcomes.
  • Observed pupils to identify changes in behaviour or wellbeing and reported these to class teacher.
  • Escorted and supervised pupils during educational visits and other off-site learning activities.
  • Supported class teacher in monitoring, assessing, and recording pupils’ progress.

Sales Assistant

Holland And Barrett
Wandsworth, South West London
03.2006 - 02.2007
  • Provided service with smile, offering courteous, helpful advice to best meet customer needs.
  • Enhanced visual merchandising by maintaining replenishment and presenting items according to style guides.
  • Provided excellent sales services by offering bespoke product advice to meet exact customers needs.
  • Received and processed product returns.
  • Worked energetically to maintain efficient operations during peak trading hours.

Integrated Science Teacher

Eghemo Educatiomnal Centre
Uzebba, Owan West LGA Edo State Nigeria
09.2002 - 04.2004
  • Evaluate student performance on tasks using observation, performance-based tasks and standard test practices.
  • Wrote suitable assessments and delivered helpful feedback to students.
  • Made classrooms safe environments for students to comfortably ask questions and voice concerns.
  • Utilised expert classroom management to maintain well-structured, smooth-running lessons in line with student development objectives.
  • Differentiated lessons when necessary to give all students access to curriculum regardless of disability, English proficiency or instructional level.
  • Provided extra resources, support and interventions to help struggling students catch up.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

Education

Master of Arts - Special and Inclusive Education

University College London
London
09.2023 -

Bachelor of Arts - Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practice

Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames
09.2022 - 07.2023

Foundation Degree in Arts - Early Years

Kingston University
Kingston-upon-Thames
09.2020 - 06.2022

PGCE - Education - Learning & Leadership

University College London
London
09.2025 - 07.2026

Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technical Education

University of Nigeria Nsukka
Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria
09.1998 - 02.2002

Skills

  • Individual Education Plan (IEP) implementation and support
  • Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice
  • Positive behaviour for learning strategies
  • Classroom management support
  • Special educational needs (SEN) support
  • Record keeping and documentation
  • Active listening and communication skills
  • Collaborative team working

Languages

English
Fluent
Igbo
Beginner

Gaps in Employment

2005 - 2006: I used this period to settle.

2007 - 2016:  During this time, I was looking after my children

Timeline

PGCE - Education - Learning & Leadership

University College London
09.2025 - 07.2026

Teaching assistant

Merton Park Primary School
11.2024 - 07.2025

Master of Arts - Special and Inclusive Education

University College London
09.2023 -

Bachelor of Arts - Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practice

Kingston University
09.2022 - 07.2023

Foundation Degree in Arts - Early Years

Kingston University
09.2020 - 06.2022

Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs

Perseid School
02.2017 - 07.2024

Sales Assistant

Holland And Barrett
03.2006 - 02.2007

Integrated Science Teacher

Eghemo Educatiomnal Centre
09.2002 - 04.2004

Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technical Education

University of Nigeria Nsukka
09.1998 - 02.2002
Ifeoma Pauline Iheanacho