Jennifer Thompson
Carrickfergus,Co. Antrim
Summary
Versatile educator with a BA (QTS) Hons. in Social Studies, experienced in creating inclusive learning environments. Expertise in supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN) and newcomer children, tailoring lessons to diverse needs. Skilled in restorative practices to foster positive relationships and resolve conflicts. Teaching experience from Nursery to KS5 and Special Education facilitates adaptability across various settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Needs Co-ordinator / Business Manager
Rutledge Training Ltd
Carrickfergus, County Antrim
07.2024 - Current
- Covered tutor absence for NVQ Level 3 in health and social care, childcare, business administration, customer service, and essential skills (English, maths, digital skills) from entry level to level 2, ensuring continuity of learning.
- Internal Verifier for Vocational Skills, Employability, and Personal and Social Skills qualifications. Deliver classes when required.
- Centre Co-ordinator for the following vocational areas: Construction, Business Administration, Team Leading, Health and Social Care and Children's Care, Learning and Development (CCLD).
- Supported External Quality Assurance visits from awarding bodies, contributing to compliance and quality standards.
- Implement strategies for learners with SEN across 14 training sites.
- Manage the development and implementation of Individual Learning Plans.
- Evaluated Special Educational Needs (SEN) processes through audits to ensure standards met organisational requirements. at branch and company level.
- Educate staff on differentiated teaching strategies, reasonable adjustments, and inclusive practice.
Essential Skills Tutor
Rutledge Training Ltd
Carrickfergus
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Provided high-quality, learner-focused education to students in ICT, Numeracy, and Literacy from Entry Level to Level 2.
- Designed and delivered differentiated lessons.
- Conducted progress reviews, developing Personal Learning Plans to tailor educational approaches for individual student needs.
- Analysed student progress, providing targeted feedback to enhance test results and overall learning outcomes.
- Implemented diagnostic assessments.
- Requested reasonable adjustments for formative and summative assessments.
- Assessed ICT portfolios and Entry Level End Tasks for numeracy and literacy.
- Utilised technology in sessions to create engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles.
Private Tutor
Awaken Potential (Self-employed)
06.2018 - 06.2023
- Tailored academic tuition in Numeracy, Literacy, Geography, History, and RE (Year 3 to Year 11).
- Administered assessments to evaluate and monitor student learning outcomes, adapting strategies based on results.
- Utilised diverse educational resources to create interactive and engaging learning experiences for students.
- Implemented mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to enhance student wellbeing and focus during lessons.
SEN Teacher
Seaview Primary School
Belfast
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Taught Year 7 SPiMS class for children with complex academic, social, emotional, and specific learning needs, enhancing their engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated tailored lessons aligned with KS2 curriculum, addressing individual student needs to improve understanding and retention.
- Collaborated with SENCo, pastoral care lead, and external agencies.
- Participated in, and supported, annual reviews.
- Finalised post-primary transition reports and conducted looked-after children reviews.
- Facilitated after-school clubs focusing on mindfulness and archery, promoting student well-being and resilience.
Substitute Teacher
Education Authority
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Exhibited proficiency across nursery, key stage 1, key stage 2, and special schools to support diverse learning needs.
- Compiled detailed reports for full-time teachers highlighting student progress and achievements during teacher absences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honours - with Qualified Teaching Status
Edge Hill University
Ormskirk1996
Master of Education - Pastoral Care
Stranmillis University College
BelfastSkills
- Vocational qualifications delivery
- Internal Quality Assurer - Vocational Studies
- SEN specialist
- SPiMS experience
- Inclusive practices
- Safeguarding, pastoral care
- Nursery to KS5
- Restorative Practice
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Continual Professional Development
- Learning styles adaptability
- Interactive teaching/learning
- Verbal communication
Qualifications and CPD
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training - Start360 (March 2026)
- Adversity, Trauma & Resilience Awareness Training SBNI (January 2026)
- School Based Anxiety - Strive NI (September 2025)
- OCN NI Vocational Assessment Training (July 2025)
- Level 1 Attention Autism (July 2025)
- Operation Encompass - Key Adult Briefing (July 2025)
- Safeguarding in Education - Smart Horizons (July 2025)
- Attention Autism: RSE and The Secondary Curriculum (June 2025)
- Microsoft Accessibility Fundamentals (June 2025)
- OCN NI Internal Verifier (August 2024)
- Emergency First Aid at Work (May 2024)
- Understanding Trauma - Solihull Approach (March 2023)
- Working with Newcomer and Traveller Pupils (Part 1 & 2) - Queens University (January 2023)
- Makaton NI - Foundation Level (September 2019)
- Story Massage Instructor (June 2019)
- Connected Kids Tutor - Professional Level (June 2019)
- Relax Kids Coach (June 2019)
- Diploma in Mindfulness for Children - Centre for Excellence (July 2018)
Timeline
Learning Needs Co-ordinator / Business Manager
Rutledge Training Ltd
07.2024 - Current
Essential Skills Tutor
Rutledge Training Ltd
05.2023 - 07.2024
SEN Teacher
Seaview Primary School
02.2022 - 05.2023
Substitute Teacher
Education Authority
09.2021 - 02.2022
Private Tutor
Awaken Potential (Self-employed)
06.2018 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts Honours - with Qualified Teaching Status
Edge Hill University
Master of Education - Pastoral Care
Stranmillis University College