Karen Puddefoot
Dunstable ,Bedfordshire
Summary
Energetic , enthusiastic and empathetic professional with good communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to cultivate a positive work environment and motivate diverse teams. Experienced in building strong relationships with individuals across various backgrounds. Keen to inspire and be inspired.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teacher
Hillborough Nursery and Infant School
Luton, Central Bedfordshire
2025.09 - 2026.01
- Used observations / assessments to plan activities to meet individual student needs and interests , fostering an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.
- Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for individual needs
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Contributed to whole school development
- Engaged with parents and carers to form meaningful and beneficial relationships.
- Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Planned and organised classrooms that promoted positive learning experiences.
- Collected, analysed and tracked data on student progress, using this data for future planning.
- Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in the field.
Reception teacher and Head of Early Years
Watling Lower School
Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire
2016.09 - 2025.08
- Developed action plans for improvement while modelling best practices in Early Years.
- Implemented strategies for peer observations and conducted staff appraisals effectively.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance staff performance across all levels.
- Utilised a range of assessment strategies to track student progress.
- Adapted a range of teaching strategies to support diverse student requirements.
- Enhanced children's interest in learning by creating innovative and engaging lesson plans.
- Kept abreast of current educational trends and methodologies.
- Engaged with parents and carers to form meaningful and beneficial relationships.
Teacher responsible for teaching and Learning
Westfield Nursery School
Dunstable , Bedfordshire
2002.09 - 2016.08
- Oversaw teaching and learning, utilising data analysis to inform planning and improvement.
- Conducted peer observations and facilitated staff training to enhance instructional practices.
- Authored and reviewed action plans to drive educational improvement initiatives.
- Managed funding for disadvantaged students through needs identification and strategy implementation.
- Ensured safeguarding compliance by adhering to guidelines and maintaining confidentiality.
- Collaborated with professionals to address safeguarding concerns effectively throughout the school.
- Championed equality initiatives by developing plans and analysing data for disparities.
- Engaged parents and carers to foster meaningful relationships that support student success.
Ethnic Minority Achievement Strategy coordinator
Chantry Primary School
Luton , Luton
1997.09 - 2005.09
- Promoted equality initiatives to foster an inclusive school environment.
- Identified children requiring EMAS-funded intervention and developed tailored programmes with class teachers.
- Implemented and reviewed intervention programmes, enhancing overall student outcomes.
- Organised parent and carer workshops to strengthen home-school partnerships.
Teacher and English coordinator
Thornhill Lower School
Houghton Regis , Bedfordshire
1994.03 - 1997.08
- As English coordinator I utilised data analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement, creating, implementing and reviewing action plans.
- Adjusted teaching methods to address individual student needs, promoting an inclusive learning environment.
- Established a supportive classroom atmosphere, ensuring all students felt accepted and valued.
- Engaged in professional development sessions to remain current with teaching methodologies.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with parents and carers to enhance student support.
Class teacher
Beech Hill Junior School
Luton , Luton
1991.09 - 1994.03
- Utilised assessments to inform planning that addressed children's needs
- Promoted inclusion in classroom settings, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners, including those with SEND and English as an additional language.
- Managed library resources to enhance support for educational activities.
- Contributed to whole school initiatives to improve the educational environment.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding students' progress and behaviour issues.
- Encouraged a love of learning in students of varying abilities, enhancing positive educational experiences.
Education
MA - Education
University of Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire 2018.10 - 2019.10
National Award for Special Needs Coordinators - Special Educational Needs
University of Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire 2010.11 - 2011.11
B. Ed ( Hons) - Education
Bretton Hall College of Higher Education
Leeds 1988.09 - 1991.07
Skills
- Interpersonal skills with diverse groups
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Calm and methodical approach
- Positive attitude
- Psychological insight
- Behavior management
- First aid administration
- Time management
- Creative learning strategies
- Empathetic educator
- Collaboration with parents
- Active listening
Affiliations
- running, yoga, swimming, cycling, canoeing, cooking, music, art.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher
Hillborough Nursery and Infant School
2025.09 - 2026.01
MA - Education
University of Bedfordshire
2018.10 - 2019.10
Reception teacher and Head of Early Years
Watling Lower School
2016.09 - 2025.08
National Award for Special Needs Coordinators - Special Educational Needs
University of Bedfordshire
2010.11 - 2011.11
Teacher responsible for teaching and Learning
Westfield Nursery School
2002.09 - 2016.08
Ethnic Minority Achievement Strategy coordinator
Chantry Primary School
1997.09 - 2005.09
Teacher and English coordinator
Thornhill Lower School
1994.03 - 1997.08
Class teacher
Beech Hill Junior School
1991.09 - 1994.03
B. Ed ( Hons) - Education
Bretton Hall College of Higher Education
1988.09 - 1991.07