Laura Lightfoot
Leeds,United Kingdom
Summary
Educator with nineteen years of experience specialising in strategic planning and leadership, collaborating with Headteachers to enhance school performance across the trust. Supported settings in developing an early years curriculum, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning for all. Worked alongside Ambition Institute and Early Excellence with research projects to enhance daily practice in early years settings. Expertise in inclusion strategies and early reading, with over twelve years of experience in EYFS and Key Stage 1. Proven leader in special educational needs, fostering an inclusive environment and mentoring teams to achieve excellence while adhering to Ofsted and DFE statutory guidelines.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
RKLT Trust Early Reading Lead
Red Kite Learning Trust
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2023 - Current
- Continue to support Early Reading Leaders in implementing Little Wandle and Read, Write, Inc.
- Conduct regular termly observations, learning walks, coaching, and mentoring across nine primary schools.
- Organise advice sessions and resources to enhance leadership and management of early reading.
- Maintain consistency through regular meetings with the Director of Primary Education.
- Document and record school visits using Perspective Observatory for tracking progress.
Assistant Headteacher
Red Kite Learning Trust
Leeds, West Yorkshire
04.2021 - Current
- Assistant Headteacher at Templenewsam Halton Primary School.
- Develop and support the leadership and direction of school improvement under the direction of the Headteacher.
- Lead on whole school initiatives and strategies where inclusion is central.
- Various roles include day to day responsibilities of supporting the Headteacher as her Assistant, leading teaching and learning in EYFS and KS1, coaching, monitoring, self-evaluation of school and staff, SEND, inclusion of all pupils and Designated Safeguarding lead.
- Designated teacher for Looked after children and pupil premium.
- ECT mentor and a Trust Early reading lead supporting over 9 primary schools in delivering and improving their synthetic phonics programme (Little Wandle or RWI).
EYFS Lead and SENDCo
Brigshaw Learning Trust
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2013 - 04.2021
- Led strategic initiatives for SEND as part of the senior leadership team.
- Completed National Qualification for SEND in 2017.
- Served as EYFS lead and Year 1/2 class teacher.
- Undertook school self-evaluation and supported the Headteacher to drive improvement in SEND and inclusion.
- Attended diverse training, including Early Excellence on effective practice within EYFS.
- Lead and managed a small team which included mentoring ECT teachers and also developing ITT students in all stages of their teacher training programme.
Reception Teacher
Westgate Primary School
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2007 - 08.2013
- Worked as part of a small team in an EYFS unit consisting of 30 Reception children and 25 Nursery children.
- Worked under the direction of the EYFS lead to plan, teach and manage a class of 30 children.
- Led whole school DT and sustainability projects for all children.
- Shadowed and supported the school SENDCo in leading SEND and inclusion.
Supply Teacher
Hays Education
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2006 - 08.2007
- Worked as a supply teacher for one year which included a two term fixed position as a Year 2 teacher.
- Covered and taught a range of classes from Reception to Year 6 in the absence of the teacher.
- Planned, taught and managed a Year 2 class of 30 children.
- Assessment and implementation of Year 2 SATs.
Education
National Qualification (Special Educational Needs) - Education
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 09.2016 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education - Education
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 09.2002 - 07.2006
A-Levels - Education
Neston High School
Wirral 09.2000 - 08.2002
GCSEs - Education
Neston High School
Wirral 09.1998 - 08.2000
Skills
- Strategic planning working alongside the Headteacher
- Leadership of several teams
- Inclusion strategies
- 12 years subject specialism- EYFS and Key Stage 1
- Early reading knowledge and experience
- 8 years Special educational needs experience
- ECT mentor and coach
- Knowledge of Ofsted and DFE statutory guidelines
Affiliations
- Running, going to the gym and baking.
Timeline
RKLT Trust Early Reading Lead
Red Kite Learning Trust
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Headteacher
Red Kite Learning Trust
04.2021 - Current
National Qualification (Special Educational Needs) - Education
Leeds Beckett University
09.2016 - 09.2017
EYFS Lead and SENDCo
Brigshaw Learning Trust
09.2013 - 04.2021
Reception Teacher
Westgate Primary School
09.2007 - 08.2013
Supply Teacher
Hays Education
09.2006 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education - Education
Leeds Beckett University
09.2002 - 07.2006
A-Levels - Education
Neston High School
09.2000 - 08.2002
GCSEs - Education
Neston High School
09.1998 - 08.2000