Julie O'Brien
Wolverhampton,West Midlands
Summary
Compassionate individual with extensive experience working with children in early years setting.
Develops and maintains strong partnerships with parents and carers to facilitate day-to-day caring of children. Committed to making positive impact on young people's lives.
Qualified Swimming Teacher with experience in coaching the whole school with appropriate lesson plans.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Head Cake-a-tier Team Leader
Berry Brook Farm, Greene King
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2019.09 - 2023.04
- Responsible for the day to day planning, preparation and delivery of an extensive range of specialists cakes & desserts
- Member of the Pub Leadership Team
- Wellbeing Mentor for the business
- Special Events/Occasions Designer
- Provided leadership and direction for employees, supervising activities to drive productivity and efficiency.
- Resolved employee relations issues and navigated disciplinary proceedings.
- Fostered positive employee relationships through communication, training and coaching.
- Led performance reviews and tailored employee feedback to facilitate professional development.
- Participated in safety and risk assessments and suggested hazard reduction strategies.
- Maintained up-to-date data, records and receipts for audits and reconciliation.
- Implemented safe working methods and practices by conducting regular audits and workplace inspections.
- Influenced business change and success through collaborations with different stakeholders
- Set and monitored weekly targets for operational team to increase product sales and revenue.
- Promoted professionalism and effective communication among staff to develop productive relationships.
- Reported all accidents, near miss incidents and work-related ill health conditions to supervisor.
- Followed opening, closing and shift changeover procedures for seamless operations.
SEN Swimming Teacher - STA
Broadmeadow Special School, Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2013.01 - 2019.09
- Awarded STA Level 2 in Teaching Swimming 17th August 2018.
- Awarded "Outstanding" by Head Teacher during Swimming Class Assessment/Appraisal 9th May 2017
- Supervised and mentored new team members to build competent and confident teaching team.
- Implemented pre-lesson safety briefings to explain the safe use of swimming equipment.
- Maximised individual swimmer achievement, delivering personalised one-on-one coaching to boost progress.
- Prepared lesson plans and comprehensive work schemes in alignment with Learn to Swim Programme requirements.
- Developed specialised classes for swimmers with disabilities.
- Established and maintained excellent customer relationships, putting pupils at ease with confident, can-do attitude.
- Utilised practised teaching techniques to build student confidence and enjoyment.
- Upheld compliance in safety and health-related areas, following established procedures and legislation.
- Followed all child safety measures related to pool and water hazards.
- Delivered fun, practical swimming programmes to meet class objectives.
- Established swimming assessments and developed lessons tailored to individual ability to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Suggested safety initiatives and methods of poolside hazard prevention to safeguard all guests.
SEN Teaching Assistant Level 3
Broadmeadow Special School, Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2011.11 - 2019.09
- Offered support to special needs students, guaranteeing safety and access to equitable learning.
- Developed and maintained positive, impactful relationships with students, facilitating improved learning outcomes.
- Managed pupil behaviour to cultivate focused and productive classes.
- Invigilated tests and exams with excellent planning and procedural knowledge.
- Supervised pupils during lunchtimes and educational visits.
- Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.
- Assisted with planning and preparing lessons, evaluating and adjusting teachings to suit student age and capability.
- Maximised class teacher productivity by preparing work and activities in advance of lessons.
- Provided friendly, enthusiastic support to pupils in individual and group support settings.
- Created and distributed instructional materials for group and one-on-one use.
- Monitored special group events and off-site field trips, guaranteeing pupil safety.
- Managed challenging child behaviour, running interventions to raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
- Acted as superb role model, consistently promoting school mission and values.
- Supported development of appropriate resources, working with teachers to guarantee provision met learning needs.
- Observed pupils closely in classroom environment to foster engagement.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays for daily lessons.
- Built trusting, respectful relationships with pupils through attentive listening and communication abilities.
- Utilised expert behaviour management techniques to carefully manage disruptive classroom conduct.
- Aided improvements in educational, emotional and social development.
- Minimised distraction by creating and maintaining clean, safe and organised classroom.
Early Years Practitioner Level 3
Ashmore Park Nursery/The Parks Children Centre
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2006.05 - 2011.11
- Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework knowledge to drive curriculum attainment.
- Early Years Practitioner SEN
- Established rapport with families and delivered comprehensive progress reports.
- Gave direct instructions to manage behaviour, maintaining positive learning environments.
- Used phonics to build reading and writing skills.
- Implemented Safeguarding Procedures to monitor and protect children.
- Thoroughly cleaned and disinfected play areas to control health risks.
- Discussed behavioural issues with parents offering practical solutions for improved child development.
- Created safe and stimulating outdoor learning environments.
- Communicated daily observations with guardians, maintaining detailed development records.
- Tracked and assessed learning journeys using Nursery Management Software.
- Managed and administered medications and minor first aid treatments, prioritising child safety and wellbeing.
- Monitored interactions within group settings, encouraging sharing and cooperation to facilitate positive socialisation.
- Adapted activities to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils.
- Supported children's development with learning-through-play activities, aiding social, emotional and educational growth.
- Coordinated age-appropriate activities to enhance learning development, including art, music and physical pursuits.
- Conducted risk assessments for activities to uphold Health and Safety.
- Helped children learn numeracy skills using counting games.
Catering Assistant
West Park Rehabilitation Hospital
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2008.05 - 2009.06
- Maintained skills across various kitchen roles, providing support in alternative positions during staff absences.
- Applied highest standards of food safety, consistently maintaining hygiene ratings of 5*.
- Addressed patient questions and concerns with knowledge of menu items, ingredients and allergens.
- Ensured cleanliness and usability of crockery, cutlery and utensils for smooth-running, high-functioning kitchen operations.
- Upheld outstanding levels of cleanliness through methodical clean-as-you-go approach.
- Maintained high standards of food hygiene through regular checks of fridge and freezer temperatures.
Chef
Spread Eagle Pub, Marstons
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2001.09 - 2006.02
- Maintained strict food health, hygiene and safety standards for ongoing kitchen compliance.
- Monitored line work processes to ensure consistency in quality, quantity and presentation.
- Oversaw kitchen operations for in-house dining and outside catering events, maintaining reliable, quality food service.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator temperatures regularly, maintaining produce quality and safety.
- Prevented allergen cross-contamination through meticulous food preparation, cooking and plating.
- Utilised proper cleaning techniques to sanitise counters and utensils, enabling safe preparation of raw produce.
Education
SEN Disability Training - SEN Disabilities
City of Wolverhampton College
Wolverhampton 2009.05 - 2009.05
Level 3 NVQ - Children's Care, Learning and Development
City & Guilds of London Institute
Wolverhampton 2009.06 - 2009.06
Pass - Awareness of Child Abuse & Neglect - Core V4
Safe Guarding Children e-ACADEMY
Wolverhampton 2010.09 - 2010.09
Pass - Safe Guarding Children with Disabilities
Safe Guarding Children e-ACADEMY
Wolverhampton 2010.09 - 2010.09
Certificate of Competence - 2 Day Paediatric First Aid
First Response(First Aid) LTD
Wolverhampton 2011.04 - 2011.04
Pass - National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches
Royal Life Saving Society
Wolverhampton 2014.03 - 2014.03
Pass - 2 Day Rebound Therapy Course - Trainer Level 2
Rebound Therapy Org
Wolverhampton 2015.01 - 2015.01
Pass QA Level 3 - QA Level 3 - Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
Safeaid Services
Wolverhampton 2017.07 - 2017.07
Pass - STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
Safety Training Awards
Wolverhampton 2018.08 - 2018.08
Skills
- A Positive, Energetic and Experienced professional
- 13 Years experience as a Child Practitioner Level 3, predominately working with children with complex learning difficulties
- 6 Years experience as a SEN Swimming Teacher for the whole school Accredited STA Level 2
- Committed to promoting the welfare of children & young people
- An artistic individual with an ability to plan and co-ordinate activities and an eye for detail
Languages
English
Fluent
Interests
- Child Phycology
- Cake Baking & Decoration
- Flower Arranging
- Gardening
Hobbies
- Swimming
- Reading
- Enjoy walking our dogs, Alfie & Teddy
References
- Available on request
Timeline
Head Cake-a-tier Team Leader
Berry Brook Farm, Greene King
2019.09 - 2023.04
Pass - STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
Safety Training Awards
2018.08 - 2018.08
Pass QA Level 3 - QA Level 3 - Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
Safeaid Services
2017.07 - 2017.07
Pass - 2 Day Rebound Therapy Course - Trainer Level 2
Rebound Therapy Org
2015.01 - 2015.01
Pass - National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches
Royal Life Saving Society
2014.03 - 2014.03
SEN Swimming Teacher - STA
Broadmeadow Special School, Wolverhampton
2013.01 - 2019.09
SEN Teaching Assistant Level 3
Broadmeadow Special School, Wolverhampton
2011.11 - 2019.09
Certificate of Competence - 2 Day Paediatric First Aid
First Response(First Aid) LTD
2011.04 - 2011.04
Pass - Awareness of Child Abuse & Neglect - Core V4
Safe Guarding Children e-ACADEMY
2010.09 - 2010.09
Pass - Safe Guarding Children with Disabilities
Safe Guarding Children e-ACADEMY
2010.09 - 2010.09
Level 3 NVQ - Children's Care, Learning and Development
City & Guilds of London Institute
2009.06 - 2009.06
SEN Disability Training - SEN Disabilities
City of Wolverhampton College
2009.05 - 2009.05
Catering Assistant
West Park Rehabilitation Hospital
2008.05 - 2009.06
Early Years Practitioner Level 3
Ashmore Park Nursery/The Parks Children Centre
2006.05 - 2011.11
Chef
Spread Eagle Pub, Marstons
2001.09 - 2006.02