Laura Watts
Ashford,United Kingdom
Summary
A passionate leader who thrives on bringing out the best in a team to deliver high quality early years education. Have driven meaningful change by coaching staff, embedding a culture of continuous learning, and significantly raising educational outcomes. Naturally look at the bigger picture using data to identify where support is needed most, setting strategic targets, and collaborating with team to achieve them. Pride myself on ability to connect people. A confident communicator and natural relationship broker who builds trust with parents, multi-agency specialists, and the wider community.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
EYFS lead, Phonics lead, SLT
Beaver Green Primary School
Ashford, Kent
2015.10 - 2026.02
- Outstanding EYFS grading.
- Actively contribute to Senior Leadership Team, helping shape school's strategic direction, vision, and whole-school improvement plan.
- Accountable for driving high quality learning outcomes across EYFS, utilising data-driven action planning to ensure sustained progress for all cohorts.
- Initiate and deliver impactful CPD sessions, coaching staff on best practices in early years pedagogy and phonics.
- Expertly adapt learning environment to meet diverse needs of all learners.
- Lead school's phonics strategy, overseeing assessment, grouping, and interventions to ensure rapid progress and high attainment in reading.
- Cultivate strong relationships with families to foster collaborative approach to child's learning journey. This includes phonics workshops, craft sessions and Stay and Play sessions.
Headteacher of Preschool
ARROWTOWN PRESCHOOL Cotter
Queenstown, New Zealand
2010.04 - 2015.10
- Led teaching team to achieve 'Outstanding' ERO (Ofsted) report by implementing Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum and 'Outdoor Explorers' program. Acted as pedagogical provocateur to stimulate critical thinking and child-led inquiry.
Primary class teacher and PE lead
Rose Street Primary School
Sheerness, Kent
2005.09 - 2007.07
- Planned for and delivered physical education lessons across entire school.
- Supported lunch time and afterschool sporting clubs for student engagement.
- Assisted in organising workshops for skill development including speed stacking, skipping for fitness, and cycle proficiency.
- Implemented strategies to manage classroom behaviour effectively, maintaining focused learning atmosphere.
- Contributed to developing school curriculum, ensuring alignment with national education standards.
- Upheld high standards of professional conduct whilst respecting diversity amongst pupils and staff alike.
- Participated actively in continuous professional development courses for enhanced teaching skills.
Education
NPQEYL - Early Years Leadership
Teach First
London 2024.10 -
Bachelor of Teaching (Level 7) - Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
New Zealand Qualifications Authority | Mana Tohu MātaurangaAotearoa
Auckland 2008.09 - 2009.09
BEd in primary Education with Honours - PE specialism
University of Gloucestershire
Cheltenham 2002.09 - 2005.06
Skills
- Team Leadership & People Development: Forward thinking leader with a proven track record of raising standards, empowering staff, and enabling teams to realise their full potential
- Change Management & CPD: Initiated and developed a culture of CPD to develop knowledge and best practice, resulting in improved outcomes across EYFS
- Strategic Vision & Analytical Skills: Highly capable of utilising data to identify gaps, set strategic targets, and successfully roll out a shared vision across a wider team
- Communication: Strong ability to build professional relationships with outside agencies, parents and colleagues and wider community
- Organisation: Strategically design and maintain high-quality, inclusive environments tailored to diverse needs, underpinned by exceptional organizational and written presentation skills
Accomplishments
Achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburghs award in 2005.
Affiliations
- Skiing, Gym, hiking, spending time with my family
Timeline
NPQEYL - Early Years Leadership
Teach First
2024.10 -
EYFS lead, Phonics lead, SLT
Beaver Green Primary School
2015.10 - 2026.02
Headteacher of Preschool
ARROWTOWN PRESCHOOL Cotter
2010.04 - 2015.10
Bachelor of Teaching (Level 7) - Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
New Zealand Qualifications Authority | Mana Tohu MātaurangaAotearoa
2008.09 - 2009.09
Primary class teacher and PE lead
Rose Street Primary School
2005.09 - 2007.07
BEd in primary Education with Honours - PE specialism
University of Gloucestershire
2002.09 - 2005.06