- Creative art projects, crochet, meditation, reading for pleasure, & independent study expanding my knowledge of a wide range of subjects I enjoy travelling and embracing new cultural experiences to broaden my perspectives
Jan Follows
Orpington,
Summary
Passionate and dedicated SEMH teacher with extensive experience across mainstream primary, secondary, and alternative provision settings. Skilled in delivering personalised learning pathways, trauma-informed practice, and positive behaviour support to improve outcomes for vulnerable learners. Committed to building strong relationships with pupils, families, and multi-agency professionals to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
SEMH secondary Teacher - Yr 7 to 11
Bromley Trust Academy
Bromley, kent
09.2023 - Current
- Improved outcomes for pupils by planning and delivering differentiated lessons tailored needs.
- Build trusting relationships with pupils to promote engagement, emotional regulation, well-being.
- Develop and implement behaviour support plans and restorative approaches consistently.
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers, therapists, and multi-agency professionals.
- Monitor progress via formative assessment and personalised target-setting processes.
- Support pupils with reintegration into mainstream education or alternative settings.
- Create safe, nurturing environment supporting wellbeing, resilience, and positive self-esteem.
- Led interventions targeting barriers to learning, attendance and engagement improvements.
- Maintain accurate records and safeguard documentation aligned with statutory requirements.
- Planned and implemented lessons utilising variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
Mainstream Primary Teacher, Reception to Year 6
Tkat
Orpington, Kent
09.2017 - 08.2023
- Designed and implemented individual learning pathways tailored to pupils' academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
- Planned and prepared creative teaching materials to motivate and engage students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan and coordinate school events, enhancing the overall educational experience.
- Reinforced reading, writing, grammar and phonics using children's literature.
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, promoting positive behaviour and respect among pupils.
- Effectively managing class behaviour by implementing appropriate expectations and using effective behaviour management techniques.
- Coordinated after-school clubs and activities that extended learning opportunities and supported pupil interests.
- Assessed pupils' learning needs, progress and achievements to inform curriculum development and study plans.
- Organised and led educational field trips, broadening pupil understanding of curriculum topics through real-world experiences.
- Utilised formative and summative assessment tools to evaluate and report on pupil achievement to school management.
- Assessed student classwork to monitor progress & support reporting purposes.
- Coordinated with special educational needs SEN specialists to adapt lessons for pupils with specific learning requirements.
- Set clear targets for future improvements using students' prior levels of attainment.
- Attended regular professional development programmes to stay updated on best teaching practices and educational techniques.
- Presented subject matter using different teaching methods, and illustrated concepts to reinforce comprehension and understanding.
Lead Nurture class Practitioner
Harris Academy
Orpington, Kent
02.2013 - 08.2017
- Planned and delivered targeted nurture interventions to support emotional regulation, resilience, and positive relationships.
- Created personalised learning pathways and individual support plans based on Boxall assessment outcomes.
- Monitored pupil progress through regular Boxall reviews, adapting strategies and interventions to maximise impact.
- Fostered a safe, predictable, and nurturing classroom environment that promoted belonging, trust, and self-esteem.
- Worked collaboratively with families, SENCOs, therapists, and external agencies to provide holistic support for pupils.
- Integrated the principles of nurture into daily practice to improve engagement, behaviour, and readiness for learning.
- Supported successful transitions back into mainstream classes through gradual reintegration plans, ongoing monitoring, and support.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Ba Hons (Open) ( Psychology/Childhood and Youth Studies)
The Open University
Brighton 2017
PGCE
Brighton University
Brighton 2017
The Theory & Practice of the Boxall Profile
Nurture Class Teacher Accreditation
Edgehill University2014
GCSEs - GCSE
St Saviours and St Olaves Grammer School for Girls
London1994
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Papyrus - ASIST
LondonP4C
Saphere
LondonCounselling skills Level 1
Southwark College
LondonSkills
- Trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice
- Positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques
- Building trusting relationships with vulnerable young people
- Emotional regulation and resilience interventions
- Individualised learning pathways and personalised curriculum design
- SEMH, SEND, and alternative provision expertise
- Boxall Profile assessment and nurture group practice
- Restorative approaches and conflict resolution
- EHCP implementation, target setting, and annual reviews
- Safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Mental health awareness and wellbeing support
- Multi-agency working with families, therapists, and external professionals
- Behaviour analysis, monitoring, and management
- Inclusive classroom management and adaptive teaching strategies
- Reintegration and transition planning for pupils returning to mainstream or alternative settings
- Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Resilience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- Developing and implementing Person-Centred Plans (PCPs) with young people and their families
Interests
Timeline
SEMH secondary Teacher - Yr 7 to 11
Bromley Trust Academy
09.2023 - Current
Mainstream Primary Teacher, Reception to Year 6
Tkat
09.2017 - 08.2023
Lead Nurture class Practitioner
Harris Academy
02.2013 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Ba Hons (Open) ( Psychology/Childhood and Youth Studies)
The Open University
PGCE
Brighton University
The Theory & Practice of the Boxall Profile
Nurture Class Teacher Accreditation
GCSEs - GCSE
St Saviours and St Olaves Grammer School for Girls
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Papyrus - ASIST
P4C
Saphere
Counselling skills Level 1
Southwark College