Lisa Smith
Leeds,West Yorkshire
Summary
Dedicated professional with experience in person-centred skills, active listening, and empathy. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in safeguarding and child protection, reflective practice, and self-awareness. Strong leadership and communication skills. Proven ability to build therapeutic relationships and support emotional wellbeing for children, families, and vulnerable individuals. Skilled in trauma-informed care with a commitment to enhancing mental health outcomes. Career goal: to continue advancing therapeutic skills
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Pastoral Support Manager
Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2012.10 - Current
- Line manager for pastoral and lunchtime teams supporting pupils and families
- Work alongside senior leadership to implement behaviour and attendance policies
- Safeguarded pupils by conducting behaviour and attendance audits.
- Provide emotional and practical support to children and families
- Delivered basic child protection training to new staff, enhancing awareness and preparedness
- Line manager for the school Safeguarding Team
Lead Professional – Behaviour and Attendance
Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2007.09 - 2012.10
- Lead implementation of the school Behaviour and Attendance Policy
- Supported staff in upholding high behaviour and attendance standards, fostering a positive school environment
- Designated as Child Protection Officer to ensure effective safeguarding protocols
Learning Mentor
Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2005.10 - 2007.09
- Coordinated parent-teacher meetings to monitor and enhance student progress.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop tailored lesson plans, enhancing learner engagement.
- Provided individual and small group support for pupils
- Executed behaviour management strategies and personalised support plans for pupils.
- Provided personalised support to students, improving their academic performance.
- Reinforced positive behaviour strategies in classrooms, promoting a respectful and disciplined learning environment.
Learning Support Assistant
Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
1994.09 - 2005.09
- Monitored pupil progress closely, providing timely feedback to teachers and parents.
- Collaborated with teachers for development of effective learning plans.
- Helped organise after-school clubs, enriching extracurricular offering of the school.
- Adapted teaching approach according to pupils' unique needs, achieving better comprehension.
- Improved pupil engagement by providing one-on-one support and guidance.
- Provided behavioural management strategies to maintain disciplined atmosphere.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Leeds University
Leeds 2008.09 - 2012.07
Foundation Degree - Professional Studies in Family Support
University of Leeds
Leeds 2006.09 - 2008.07
NVQ Level 3 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
Leeds City College
Leeds 2024.09 - 2025.07
Diploma of Higher Education - Therapeutic Counselling
Leeds City College
Leeds 2025.09 -
Skills
- Person-centred counselling skills
- Active listening and empathy
- Safeguarding and child protection knowledge
- Reflective practice and self-awareness
- Building therapeutic relationships
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
- Working with children, families and vulnerable individuals
- Trauma-informed care
Affiliations
- Reading, socialising and travelling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Diploma of Higher Education - Therapeutic Counselling
Leeds City College
2025.09 -
NVQ Level 3 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
Leeds City College
2024.09 - 2025.07
Pastoral Support Manager
Leeds City Council
2012.10 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Leeds University
2008.09 - 2012.07
Lead Professional – Behaviour and Attendance
Leeds City Council
2007.09 - 2012.10
Foundation Degree - Professional Studies in Family Support
University of Leeds
2006.09 - 2008.07
Learning Mentor
Leeds City Council
2005.10 - 2007.09
Learning Support Assistant
Leeds City Council
1994.09 - 2005.09