Karen Coulson
Seaton,Devon
Summary
Dedicated Senior Leader with many years expertise in school improvement, curriculum leadership, and inclusive education. Led development and implementation of school improvement plans, conducted staff evaluations, and ensure support is embedded for special educational needs. Strength in safeguarding, strategic leadership, inclusive philosophy, alongside policy writing and effective parent communication. Focused on fostering an inclusive school culture that values diversity and enhances student well-being.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Head and SENCO
Avishayes Primary School
Chard, Somerset
09.2014 - Current
- Worked alongside the headteacher for strong strageic leadership across teh primary school.
- Coordinated special educational needs across the school to support inclusive education and accessibility for all students.
- Collaborated with Headteacher, staff and governors to develop, implement and review impactful school improvement plans.
- Oversaw pastoral care initiatives, improving student well-being as Senior Mental Health Lead and supporting systems within the school environment.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student progress, outcomes and proactive approaches.
- Fostered an inclusive school culture by recognising and celebrating diversity, ensuring all students and staff felt valued and supported.
- Conducted performance appraisals for teaching and support staff, highlighting strengths and targeted development areas to enhance overall effectiveness.
- Performed lesson observations and monitoring cycles to ensure high quality teaching, inclusive teaching is embedded across the school.
- Led, developed and managed the curriculum in most subjects across year groups from year 1 to year 6.
- Supported induction of ECTs through mentorship and tutoring roles.
- Developed successful strategies and policies, meeting organisational needs and implementing improvements.
Key Stage 1 Leader
Lovelace Primary School, Chessington, Kingston LEA
Kingston- Upon- Thames , Surrey
09.2011 - 07.2014
- Planned and implemented lessons utilising a variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Used effective teaching methods to assist with student development, including collaborative learning, positive reinforcement, modelling and explicit instruction.
- Observed and assessed student performance to identify areas requiring improvement.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and school staff to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Engaged parents and guardians during meetings to collaboratively discuss student progress and address concerns.
- Worked with team members to achieve shared goals and enhance overall student outcomes.
Phase Leader and Primary teacher
Chandlers Field Primary School, West Molesey.
Molesey , Surrey
09.2004 - 07.2011
Teaching Assistant
Cranford Park Primary School
Cranford, Middlesex
05.2003 - 07.2004
Gym Manager
Ladies Own Gym chain
London, Westminster
10.2000 - 05.2003
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - National Award for SENCO Co-ordination
Plymouth University
Plymouth01-2020
PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate of Education
Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames01-2005
Bachelor of Science - BSc Sports Rehabilitation
University of Salford
Salford01-2000
A-Levels - A Levels
Rydens 6th Form
Walton on Thames01-1997
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- SEN coordination and Advocacy
- Leading inclusive education
- Curriculum development and planning
- School development planning
- Performance management
- Policy writing
- Child safeguarding legislation and policuies
- Coaching and mentorship
- School improvement planning
- Conflict resolution
- Strong comunication with all stake holders
- Governance
- Resilience
- Creative thinking
Certification
In addition to my other qualifications I hold an Advanced Child Protection Safeguarding certificate and have also completed Senior Mental Health Lead training.
Hobbies and interests
Being outside participating in activities including walking our dog , running regularly and playing golf are among a few of my hobbies. Keeping up a healthy lifestyle and spending time travelling to new cities and places also keep me busy outside of work.
Timeline
Assistant Head and SENCO
Avishayes Primary School
09.2014 - Current
Key Stage 1 Leader
Lovelace Primary School, Chessington, Kingston LEA
09.2011 - 07.2014
Phase Leader and Primary teacher
Chandlers Field Primary School, West Molesey.
09.2004 - 07.2011
Teaching Assistant
Cranford Park Primary School
05.2003 - 07.2004
Gym Manager
Ladies Own Gym chain
10.2000 - 05.2003
Certificate of Higher Education - National Award for SENCO Co-ordination
Plymouth University
PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate of Education
Kingston University
Bachelor of Science - BSc Sports Rehabilitation
University of Salford
A-Levels - A Levels
Rydens 6th Form