KATIE GROVES
Manchester
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Speech and Language Therapy Assistant with experience supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in a college setting. Proven ability to implement therapeutic strategies, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and build meaningful relationships with students to support their communication and functional goals. Now seeking to transition into an Occupational Therapy Assistant role to further contribute to student independence and well-being through a holistic therapeutic approach.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
LSA / SaLTA
Bridge College
Manchester
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Support the tutor to deliver person centred learning programmes based on their specific needs and aspirations.
- Support and lead sessions to students with a range of communication needs e.g. Communication Groups, Switches, Mindfulness and Relaxation, Sensory Communication
- Support and lead training sessions for staff and parents/carers, including delivering Makaton signing sessions with custom-made PowerPoints, and assisting the SaLT team in training on topics such as a Total Communication Approach, echolalia, and supporting the use of AAC
- Deliver lunch clubs to students e.g. Sing and Sign, Lego
- Created bespoke resources for student engagement, including visual scenes for work experience, and games for well-being events and collaborative learning activities
- Implement therapy plans designed by Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), adapting activities as needed
- Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Education staff, and other professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Monitor and record student progress through evidencing using EFL and writing clinical notes through the use of Cliniko and contributing to review meetings and reports
- Promote use of AAC, visual supports, and social communication strategies across college settings
- Assist with transitions, routines, and functional communication in everyday college activities
- Support sensory regulation strategies in line with OT and PBS input
- Actively participated in continuous professional development courses to stay well informed of latest industry practices and research findings
Senior Support Worker
Zeno Ltd.
Manchester
04.2015 - 04.2024
- Worked alongside Speech and Language Therapists to create Communication Passports, PECS and Social Stories.
- Support SPs through ASDAN college, planning, recording, and evidencing their progress and achievements.
- Created person centred Opportunity and Learning Plans for SPs.
- Co-ordinated all FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) events as well as individual person-centred activities.
- Written Risk Assessments and Situation Specific Support Plans.
- Carried out Capacity Assessments.
- Conduct shadow sleeps and provided training and mentoring to any staff seeking additional support.
- Ordering and booking in and out of all medication, liaising with outside Health officials.
- Complete Health and Safety checks.
- Complete Vital Information sheets ensuring all health appointments, PRNs, incidents etc. are recorded accurately.
Senior Sales Assistant / Keyholder
Americandy
Manchester
11.2012 - 03.2015
- Built strong customer relations through the opening of 3 new stores.
- Shared creative ideas with team to increase store growth.
- Responsible for stock rotation, replenishment, and re-merchandising.
- Responsible for opening, cash reconciliation, closing and monitoring of security.
Sales Supervisor / Back of House Operative
Factory Outlet
Manchester
04.2011 - 03.2015
- Regularly manage high volumes of deliveries (3000 units at a time).
- Initiate creative ideas for space planning and actioning, during a refit and re-branding of the store.
- Carried out all invoicing for stock and a proportion of the pricing.
- Performed daily planning for store targets and delegation of jobs.
- Risk assessor for Fire Safety.
Manufacturing Machine Operative
Nestle
York
10.2004 - 03.2011
- Trained to D grade operative.
- Responsible for running numerous machines, ensuring maximum output.
- Supervised and guided other packing assistants and operatives.
- Worked flexible hours to ensure smooth running of the business.
Education
Level 3 - Communication Support for 0-25s with Complex Needs
Elklan
On-line learning 05.2025 -
NVQ Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Greenheys Adult Learning Centre
Manchester 10.2023 - 04.2024
NVQ Level 3 - Positive Behavioural Support
Swansea Bay UHB
Manchester 09.2022 - 06.2023
NVQ Level 3 - Swedish Massage
PBT
York 09.2005 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts (Dance Specialism)
York St John University
York 09.1999 - 08.2002
A-Levels - Dance and Communication Studies
Holyrood Sixth Form College
Chard, Somerset 09.1997 - 08.1999
GCSEs - English - B Maths - C
Holyrood Community School
Chard, Somerset 09.1995 - 08.1997
Skills
- Knowledge of SEND and neurodiverse conditions (eg, ASD, ADHD, sensory processing disorders)
- Creating and implementing bespoke communication resources
- Experience implementing therapy programmes under professional supervision
- Strong understanding of communication, sensory, and motor development
- Collaborative and person-centred approach
- Familiar with EHCP targets and outcomes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Observational and clinical note taking accuracy for progress reporting
- Understanding of safeguarding and student support needs
- Personal Care
- Medication administration
- Care Plan Development
- Intervention techniques
- Safeguarding Knowledge
- First Aid
- Activities of daily living facilitation
- Action planning
- PBS
- Core Counselling
Timeline
Level 3 - Communication Support for 0-25s with Complex Needs
Elklan
05.2025 -
LSA / SaLTA
Bridge College
04.2024 - 05.2025
NVQ Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Greenheys Adult Learning Centre
10.2023 - 04.2024
NVQ Level 3 - Positive Behavioural Support
Swansea Bay UHB
09.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Support Worker
Zeno Ltd.
04.2015 - 04.2024
Senior Sales Assistant / Keyholder
Americandy
11.2012 - 03.2015
Sales Supervisor / Back of House Operative
Factory Outlet
04.2011 - 03.2015
NVQ Level 3 - Swedish Massage
PBT
09.2005 - 08.2006
Manufacturing Machine Operative
Nestle
10.2004 - 03.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts (Dance Specialism)
York St John University
09.1999 - 08.2002
A-Levels - Dance and Communication Studies
Holyrood Sixth Form College
09.1997 - 08.1999
GCSEs - English - B Maths - C
Holyrood Community School
09.1995 - 08.1997
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