Laura Louise Buffrey
Oswestry,Shropshire
Summary
Professional with expertise in special educational needs, specializing in behavioural management and positive reinforcement through restorative practices. Proven ability to adapt and deliver curriculum tailored to diverse student needs, enhancing engagement and growth. Strong commitment to inclusive education, improving learning outcomes for disadvantaged and SEND students. Extensive experience in both primary and secondary educational settings, informed by personal insights into the challenges faced by students with autism. Genuine understanding and empathy for pupils struggling to access education.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Higher level teaching assistant
St Chads Academy Trust, Holy Trinity primary.
Oswestry, Shropshire
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered pastoral care to students, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
- Aided development of Individual Education Plans for SEN children, enhancing personalised support.
- Reinforced positive behaviour through consistent classroom management techniques.
- Assisted in creating an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Led hub for small EYFS class, facilitating access to mainstream education.
- Planned and delivered bespoke reception curriculum with focus on literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
- Collaborated with parents to enhance student outcomes and engagement.
- Conducted whole-class teaching to cover PPA and staff absence.
Lead SEND mentor/Assistant SENCO
Lakelands Academy
Ellesmere, Shropshire
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Delivered targeted Maths and Literacy interventions for Years 7-10, focusing on SEND and disadvantaged pupils in collaboration with teaching staff.
- Assessed, monitored, and maintained accurate records of pupil progress to report termly to SLT.
- Promoted pupil independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion through tailored support initiatives.
- Provided 1:1 pastoral support to enhance student well-being.
- Timetabled and effectively deployed a team of 16 TAs to support teaching and learning across the academy.
- Organised and attended EHCP annual reviews to ensure compliance and support for individual needs.
- Liaised with local authority and external agencies to fulfil EHCP requirements, promoting pupil inclusion.
- Planned and delivered NVQ in Child Development for Year 10 and 11 students.
Higher level teaching assistant
Oswestry School
Oswestry, Shropshire
09.2019 - 04.2022
- Provided pastoral care to students, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
- Promoted academic achievement through individualised support for struggling pupils.
- Monitored student attendance to enhance punctuality across the school community.
- Facilitated small group sessions, encouraging peer interaction and collaborative learning.
- Delivered whole class instruction to cover staff absences.
- Led key worker provision during COVID-19 to support vulnerable students.
- Administered medical support for type 1 diabetic child, ensuring effective diabetes management in school.
- Delivered targeted interventions in speech and language, as well as phonics.
Education
Level 4 RQF certificate HLTA - Higher level teaching assistant
Learn Direct
Bournemouth 04.2021 - 01.2023
NCFE Cache level 3 certificate - Supporting teaching and learning in schools.
Brighter Learning
Sailsbury 02.2019 - 09.2019
NCFE Cache Level 3 diploma - Specialist support for teaching and learning in schools
Brighter Learning
Sailsbury 04.2021 - 10.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Politics and international studies
University of Hull
HullA- levels - English Literture, Politics, History
Wyke Sixth form college
Hull 09.2003 - 07.2005
GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, history, Expressive arts, ICT, French, RE
Newland School For Girls
HullSkills
- Level 4 certificate Higher level teaching assistant
- Special educational needs expertise
- Behavioural management strategies
- Positive reinforcement techniques- restorative practice
- Curriculum adaptation and delivery
Affiliations
- Avid reader, gym goer and vegitarian.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Higher level teaching assistant
St Chads Academy Trust, Holy Trinity primary.
01.2023 - Current
Lead SEND mentor/Assistant SENCO
Lakelands Academy
04.2022 - 12.2022
Level 4 RQF certificate HLTA - Higher level teaching assistant
Learn Direct
04.2021 - 01.2023
NCFE Cache Level 3 diploma - Specialist support for teaching and learning in schools
Brighter Learning
04.2021 - 10.2021
Higher level teaching assistant
Oswestry School
09.2019 - 04.2022
NCFE Cache level 3 certificate - Supporting teaching and learning in schools.
Brighter Learning
02.2019 - 09.2019
A- levels - English Literture, Politics, History
Wyke Sixth form college
09.2003 - 07.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Politics and international studies
University of Hull
GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, history, Expressive arts, ICT, French, RE
Newland School For Girls