Kerry Larkin
Sutton Coldfield,West Midlands
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated professional with experience supporting children and families through inclusive, child-centered practice across early years, education, and community settings. Skilled in early intervention, family engagement, and delivering targeted support to promote positive developmental outcomes for children. Experienced in working collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to provide effective and holistic support. Strong ability to build trusting relationships, communicate empathetically, and encourage engagement, development, and inclusion. Organised, adaptable, and calm under pressure, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and improving outcomes for children and families.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work history
School Ready Engagement Officer
Walsall Council
Walsall, West Midlands
07 2025 - 05.2026
- Engaged with families and young children to promote school readiness, early learning, and positive developmental outcomes.
- Managed and maintained accurate case notes, and records, in line with safeguarding, confidentiality, and local authority procedures.
- Worked directly with families through targeted 4–6 week interventions to support parenting, child development, routines, behaviour, and engagement with services.
- Planned and delivered weekly Stay and Play sessions for children aged 0–5, promoting early learning, social development, and school readiness.
- Worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team alongside health professionals, early years providers, schools, and support services to coordinate effective family support.
- Built positive and professional relationships with parents and carers to encourage sustained family engagement and positive outcomes for children.
Swimming Instructor
Wyndley Leisure Centre
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
10 2024 - 05.2026
- Tailored lessons to suit children's developmental stages and abilities, ensuring each child could learn at their own pace.
- Communicated children's progress and challenges to parents or guardians in a clear and constructive manner.
- Promoted water safety and maintained a supportive, motivating environment.
- Demonstrated leadership and time management skills when managing multiple classes.
Receptionist
Wyndley Leisure Centre
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
08 2023 - 05.2026
- Maintained accurate records of customer attendance and bookings.
- Addressed customer queries in person and via telephone.
- Greeted customers in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring a positive experience.
- Effectively handled customer complaints to resolve issues promptly.
Lifeguard
Wyndley Leisure Centre
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
01 2019 - 05.2026
- Administered lifesaving techniques and first aid in emergencies, ensuring swift action and immediate assistance when required.
- Monitored pools for safety risks and emergency situations, providing quick responses to incidents.
- Enforced safety policies and rules to guests, preventing accidents and ensuring a safe environment.
- Maintained composure and remained calm in high-pressure situations and when interacting with difficult individuals.
- Collaborated with other lifeguards and staff, strengthening teamwork and communication.
Nursery Practitioner
Busy Bees in Sale
Sale, Trafford
01 2022 - 04 2024
- Maintained records on individual children, documenting daily observations, activities, meals served, and medications administered.
- Supported personnel management duties through supervision, training, and scheduling to promote operational efficiency.
- Assisted in planning and facilitating activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage to enhance children's development.
- Communicated with parents and guardians, providing updates on daily activities, behaviours, and progress.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability by assisting in various Busy Bees nurseries as required.
- Prioritised support for children's development by offering guidance, encouragement, and a nurturing environment.
Voluntary Experience
Priestly Smith Specialist School
Birmingham
02 2025 - 07 2025
- Supported pupils aged two to nineteen, with visual impairments and additional learning needs in classroom and daily activities.
- Worked closely with teachers and support staff to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Supported the delivery of individualised learning activities designed to meet diverse educational and sensory needs.
- Adapted resources and approaches to enable effective participation for pupils with varying levels of ability and need.
- Developed professional understanding of SEND practices, inclusive education, and child-centred support approaches.
Voluntary Experience
Birchfield's Primary School
Fallowfield, Manchester
01 2022 - 03 2022
- Supported teachers in delivering engaging and inclusive learning activities.
- Provided one-to-one and small group support to pupils with varying learning abilities and needs.
- Assisted with classroom preparation, learning resources, and daily school routines.
- Maintained professionalism and safeguarding awareness while working with children in an educational setting.
- Developed valuable skills in teamwork, organisation, adaptability, and child-centred support.
Education
BA (Hons) - Early Years and Childhood Studies
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2021 - 07.2024
A Levels -
Bishop Walsh Catholic School Sixth Form
09/2019 - 08.2021
GCSE -
Bishop Walsh Catholic School
09/2014 - 08.2019
Skills
- Strong communication and relationship building skills
- Multi-agency and team working
- Caseload management and excellent organisation
- Leadership
- Behaviour management techniques
- First Aid trained
- Problem-solving skills
- Confidentiality and secure record keeping
- Active listening and empathetic communication
- Calm under pressure
Timeline
School Ready Engagement Officer
Walsall Council
07 2025 - 05.2026
Swimming Instructor
Wyndley Leisure Centre
10 2024 - 05.2026
Receptionist
Wyndley Leisure Centre
08 2023 - 05.2026
Lifeguard
Wyndley Leisure Centre
01 2019 - 05.2026
Nursery Practitioner
Busy Bees in Sale
01 2022 - 04 2024
Voluntary Experience
Priestly Smith Specialist School
02 2025 - 07 2025
Voluntary Experience
Birchfield's Primary School
01 2022 - 03 2022
BA (Hons) - Early Years and Childhood Studies
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2021 - 07.2024
A Levels -
Bishop Walsh Catholic School Sixth Form
09/2019 - 08.2021
GCSE -
Bishop Walsh Catholic School
09/2014 - 08.2019