Kathleen Croke
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Experienced Early Years Practitioner with nurturing approach, skilled at creating engaging, educational environments. Developed and implemented creative learning activities that improved children's social and academic skills. Recognised for fostering strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues, leading to cohesive and supportive learning community.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work history
Early Years Practitioner
Bright Horizons
Southampton, Hampshire
05.2023 - Current
- Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework knowledge to drive curriculum attainment.
- Managed challenging behaviour effectively, minimising disruption to daily routine and maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Provided emotional support to distressed children, ensuring a comforting environment.
- Integrated new starters to smoothly reducing separation anxiety.
- Cultivated strong parent-child relationships through consistent communication on progress and addressing concerns.
- Tailored session delivery for SEN and EAL students, enhancing individual learning experiences and promoting inclusion.
- Functioned as a Key Person.
- Responded quickly during emergencies or accidents, guaranteeing safety at all times.
Cafe assistant
Batchelors Patisserie
Margate, Kent
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Prepped ingredients daily.
- Followed health safety regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management tasks for efficient stock control in the café.
- Managed cash register accurately.
- Assisted chefs in food preparation.
- Facilitated swift service by promptly cleaning and resetting tables after use.
- Prepared hot beverages to meet individual customer preferences.
- Processed food orders, communicating customer needs with kitchen staff to meet exact requirements.
- Delivered excellent customer service with thorough product knowledge.
- Washed cutlery and crockery using industrial dishwashers and manual methods.
Retail volunteer
Pilgrims Hospice
Margate, Kent
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Contributed towards maintaining an orderly back-stock area aiding easier access to merchandise.
- Handled customer complaints to ensure satisfaction.
- Processed cash transactions, ensuring accurate handling of payment.
- Improved store appearance with regular cleaning tasks.
- Attached price tags and stickers to products in an organised manner.
- Prepared orders for customers with wrapped, bagged and boxed items.
- Designed visually pleasing in-store and window displays to increase footfall.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Southampton
Southampton 10.2022 - 05.2025
IB Diploma -
Dane Court Grammar School
Broadstairs, Kent 09.2020 - 05.2022
GCSEs -
Dane Court Grammar School
Broadstairs, Kent 09.2015 - 06.2020
NVQ Level 3 - Early Years Childcare
Southampton City College
Southampton 01.2026 -
Skills
- Childcare regulations knowledge
- Patience persistence
- EYFS understanding
- Paediatric health monitoring
- Special educational needs experience
Languages
German
Elementary
Timeline
NVQ Level 3 - Early Years Childcare
Southampton City College
01.2026 -
Early Years Practitioner
Bright Horizons
05.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Southampton
10.2022 - 05.2025
Cafe assistant
Batchelors Patisserie
08.2021 - 03.2022
IB Diploma -
Dane Court Grammar School
09.2020 - 05.2022
Retail volunteer
Pilgrims Hospice
10.2019 - 08.2021
GCSEs -
Dane Court Grammar School
09.2015 - 06.2020