Lesley Thomas
Reading,Berkshire
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in instructional leadership and educational innovation, demonstrating a strong aptitude for conflict resolution and sensitivity to diversity. Skilled in influential communication, strategic planning, and public speaking, with a proven ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning styles. Committed to fostering inclusive environments through interactive teaching techniques and child protection training while advancing educational excellence.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Curriculum lead
Chalkhouse Nursery
Reading, Berkshire
2025.04 - Current
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by incorporating diverse cultural elements into the curriculum.
- Trained new teachers on school's teaching methodologies leading to quicker assimilation into their roles.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on current educational trends, integrating them into curriculum planning where relevant.
- Conducted regular meetings with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas of improvement.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop effective lesson plans and teaching resources.
- Worked closely with administrative staff to ensure smooth running of academic operations.
Primary school teacher with Music
St John's C of E Primary School
Reading, Berkshire
2024.09 - 2025.04
- Implemented school policies effectively, maintaining discipline within the class.
- Designed interactive activities for better understanding of complex concepts.
- Improved literacy levels by focusing on reading and writing skills.
- Adapted teaching style according to individual student needs, fostering inclusive education.
- Developed lesson plans to engage students in the learning process.
- Differentiated lesson delivery and class assessments to needs of various abilities, learning styles and educational needs.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Adapted teaching materials to meet needs of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students.
- Utilised diverse teaching aids, enhancing comprehension of subjects taught.
- Managed classroom effectively, ensuring a conducive space for learning.
Primary Teacher with Music Lead
Kidmore End C of E Primary School
Reading, South Oxfordshire
2014.02 - 2024.07
- Created engaging classroom atmosphere with interactive learning activities.
- Collaborated in curriculum development, keeping content relevant and engaging.
- Coordinated field trips which enriched the curriculum and broadened pupils' experiences.
- Utilised creative teaching methods for enhanced student engagement.
- Tailored teaching techniques to individual learner needs, ensuring inclusivity and differentiation.
- Mentored new teachers providing guidance on effective teaching practices.
- Provided support to SEN students, enhancing their academic journey.
Head of Preparatory Music
St Mary's Preparatory School
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
2014.02 - 2016.07
- Assisted in organising school-wide music events that enhanced community engagement and showcased pupil abilities.
- Tailored individual instruction for those needing additional support, ensuring progress in skill level.
- Nurtured young talent in school choirs to enhance their skills.
- Implemented strategies to encourage shy or under-confident students to participate actively in class activities and performances.
- Facilitated improvement in student performance through focused one-on-one sessions.
- Adapted lessons to suit different learning styles of pupils for better comprehension.
- Coordinated successful school concerts, showcasing student talents.
- Developed students' interest in music through innovative teaching methods.
- Maintained high standards of professionalism whilst handling parental concerns or queries regarding their child's progress.
- Fostered a sense of discipline and teamwork among students through group performances.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor pupil progress, providing constructive feedback where necessary.
- Enhanced student appreciation for music history by incorporating relevant historical context into lessons.
- Inspired creativity amongst pupils with engaging lesson plans.
Primary teacher with Music
St Joseph's College
Reading, Berkshire
1999.10 - 2014.02
- Conducted regular assessments of pupil progress towards educational goals.
- Managed classroom behaviour through consistent disciplinary guidelines, fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
- Provided tailored support to SEN students, enhancing academic journeys.
- Coordinated field trips that enriched the curriculum and broadened pupils' experiences.
- Prepared engaging lesson resources, including worksheets, presentations, and interactive games.
- Assisted in organising school-wide music events that showcased pupil abilities and strengthened community ties.
- Nurtured young talent in school choirs to develop singing skills.
- Cultivated a welcoming classroom environment that encouraged expression of thoughts and feelings.
- Utilised modern teaching aids for effective vocal training sessions.
- Introduced innovative warm-up routines to enhance vocal strength and flexibility.
- Guided students through repertoire selection suitable for their voice type and skill level.
- Fostered love of music amongst students, inspiring dedication and passion towards singing.
- Developed students' confidence for stage performances.
- Prepared students for various music examinations, resulting in high pass rates.
- Demonstrated correct posture and breathing techniques during lessons, leading to improved voice projection in students.
Customer service officer
Lloyds TSB
Wokingham, Berkshire
1998.09 - 1999.10
- Followed company guidelines to ensure consistent quality of service.
- Addressed customer queries, resulting in enhanced customer confidence.
- Met daily targets by efficiently managing workload within set timelines.
- Prioritised tasks as per urgency, ensuring completion of all tasks within shift.
- Liaised between customers and management for effective resolution of issues.
- Delivered high-quality service with attention to detail and professionalism.
Primary School Teacher
Finchampstead C of E Primary School
Finchampstead, Wokingham
1997.09 - 1998.07
- Implemented school policies effectively, maintaining discipline within the class.
- Managed classroom effectively, ensuring a conducive space for learning.
- Collaborated with parents for improvement in students' academic performance.
- Undertook parent-teacher meetings to provide feedback on student progress.
Dental nurse
J.K. McDarby
Plymouth, Devon
1988.03 - 1990.08
- Facilitated patient comfort with empathetic chair-side manner.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring meticulous documentation.
- Completed routine maintenance tasks on dental equipment, prolonging its lifespan.
- Operated x-ray equipment safely and accurately, producing high-quality images for diagnosis evaluation.
- Supported dentists during procedures, resulting in increased efficiency.
Dental nurse
T.J. Mialle
Plymouth, Devon
1988.01 - 1988.03
- Completed routine maintenance tasks on dental equipment, prolonging its lifespan.
- Assisted in complex dental procedures to ensure successful outcomes.
- Streamlined patient flow by efficiently scheduling appointments.
- Served as liaison between dentist and patient; improved communication and enhanced overall experience.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Science
University of Reading
Reading, England 1993.09 - 1997.07
Skills
- Influential communication
- Conflict resolution aptitude
- Educational innovation
- Instructional leadership
- Sensitivity to diversity
- Teaching expertise
- Child protection training
- Interactive teaching methods
- Learning styles adaptation
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal communication
- Strategic planning
Affiliations
- Singing and playing the piano
- Travelling the Islands of Britain
- Enjoy fine dining with good wine!
Certification
A level Music Grade A
Grade 8 Singing
Grade 8 Piano
Timeline
Curriculum lead
Chalkhouse Nursery
2025.04 - Current
Primary school teacher with Music
St John's C of E Primary School
2024.09 - 2025.04
Primary Teacher with Music Lead
Kidmore End C of E Primary School
2014.02 - 2024.07
Head of Preparatory Music
St Mary's Preparatory School
2014.02 - 2016.07
Primary teacher with Music
St Joseph's College
1999.10 - 2014.02
Customer service officer
Lloyds TSB
1998.09 - 1999.10
Primary School Teacher
Finchampstead C of E Primary School
1997.09 - 1998.07
Bachelor of Education - Science
University of Reading
1993.09 - 1997.07
Dental nurse
J.K. McDarby
1988.03 - 1990.08
Dental nurse
T.J. Mialle
1988.01 - 1988.03