Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Lorraine Barrett

Exeter,Devon

Summary

Supported children across various age groups, from early years to teenagers, in multiple educational roles. Transitioned from mainstream education to specializing in complex and medical needs. Demonstrated adaptability and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.

Compassionate professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills, combined with adeptness in conflict resolution and emotional support. Demonstrates high level of patience and understanding.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Residential home children care worker

Willows
Cullompton, Devon
2025.10 - 2026.02
  • Administered first aid when necessary, ensuring quick response to emergencies.
  • Collaborated with other staff members for efficient operation of the home.
  • Assisted children in personal hygiene tasks to foster independence.
  • Conducted risk assessments to prevent accidents or injuries within the residential home.
  • Encouraged self-care habits amongst residents, fostering independence and confidence.
  • Created a nurturing environment through showing empathy and understanding towards each resident's unique circumstances.

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Vranch House
Exeter, Devon
2021.06 - 2025.10
  • Provided a safe, positive learning environment for students with varying disabilities.
  • Helped children with eating, dressing and other aspects of personal care while encouraging independence.
  • Observed children to identify changes in behaviour and reported such changes to classroom teacher.
  • Prepared additional learning resources and aids to promote inclusivity in learning.
  • Worked with students in care programmes with help from relevant professionals on specific needs.
  • Attended to younger children's basic physical needs and assisted in development of personal skills.
  • Engaged students in various group activities that fostered teamwork and cooperation.

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Ellen Tinkham School
Exeter, Devon
2007.11 - 2021.06
  • Used assistive technology tools effectively for facilitating easier communication for non-verbal students.
  • Assisted in managing classroom behaviour by implementing effective discipline strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Offered emotional support during challenging situations whilst respecting student's personal space and emotions.
  • Adapted teaching methods based on individual learning styles leading to enhanced comprehension.
  • Provided a safe, positive learning environment for students with varying disabilities.
  • Identified signs of distress in students, resolving behavioural and emotional issues.

Play worker

Hollow Lane Club
Exeter, Devon
2014.07 - 2018.08
  • Developed strong rapport with children by actively engaging in creative play and learning activities.
  • Tailored activities to individual needs, ensuring inclusive participation from all members of the group.
  • Improved social skills amongst the group with collaborative games and team-building exercises.
  • Managed challenging behaviour effectively, fostering a supportive atmosphere within the playgroup setting.
  • Conducted non-verbal, verbal and written forms of communication depending on child requirements.

Cleaner

Shoobridge Funeral Services
Honiton, Devon
2013.05 - 2013.09
  • Took on additional responsibilities during staff shortages demonstrating flexibility and commitment.
  • Worked quickly to complete cleaning within allotted timeframes.
  • Dusted countertops, ceilings and furniture for pristine environment.
  • Kept communal areas tidy and well-organised for optimal functionality.

Chaperone

Self Employed
Exeter, Devon
2010.07 - 2012.10
  • Facilitated punctual train journeys to the West End, ensuring timely arrivals at each destination.
  • Oversaw strict adherence to travel schedules for daytime and overnight trips.

Learning support assistant

Stoke Hill Federation
Exeter, Devon
2007.02 - 2007.11
  • Assisted in creating lesson materials, improving educational effectiveness.
  • Assisted teacher in maintaining a clean and organised classroom environment for optimal learning conditions.
  • Improved student engagement by providing one-on-one support and guidance.
  • Monitored pupil progress closely, providing timely feedback to teachers and parents.

Teaching assistant

Countess Wear Primary School
Exeter, Devon
2005.11 - 2006.12
  • Facilitated active learning environments with engaging teaching aids and resources.
  • Improved student engagement by utilising interactive learning techniques.
  • Encouraged pupil autonomy through guided independent study initiatives.
  • Prepared classroom materials to facilitate efficient lessons.

Playworker

Stoke Hill After School Club
Exeter, Devon
2004.09 - 2005.11
  • Improved social skills amongst the group with collaborative games and team-building exercises.
  • Implemented creative arts and crafts projects to encourage self-expression and creativity in children.
  • Prepared nutritious snacks for healthy eating habits promotion amongst the children.
  • Fostered positive relationships with parents to ensure consistent communication regarding child's progress and behaviour.

Teaching assistant

Stoke Hill First School
Exeter, Devon
2004.01 - 2005.01
  • Offered one-on-one guidance to struggling students for improved academic performance.
  • Assisted in conducting assessments to determine student understanding of subjects.
  • Improved student engagement by utilising interactive learning techniques.
  • Assisted children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.

Dinner sales administrator

Devon Direct Services
Exeter, Devon
2004.01 - 2005.01
  • Processed school dinner ticket sales efficiently.
  • Managed payment transactions accurately as cashier.
  • Assisted customers with queries regarding ticket purchases.

Sessional creche worker

NCH Surestart
Exeter, Devon
2003.01 - 2004.01

Facilitated engaging activities for two-year-olds to foster early development and social skills.

Site sales negotiator

Fulfords Estate Agent
Exeter, Devon
2001.01 - 2003.01
  • Assisted clients in viewing properties on a new site.
  • Facilitated choices for internal specifications to enhance client satisfaction.
  • Supported the sales process by providing detailed property information.

International traffic clerk

TNT Express
Exeter, Devon
2001.01 - 2002.01
  • Input data for parcel delivery labels.
  • Assist in labelling parcels within warehouse operations.
  • Support accurate documentation for shipping processes.

Cafe worker

Tesco Cafe, Insurance group, Sure Start
Exeter, Devon
1998.01 - 2001.01

Various positions during this time.

  • Tesco cafe assistant
  • The Insurance Group, selling insurance products
  • Sure Start parent forum volunteer
  • Also includes a break as started a family

Insurance sales clerk

Automobile Association
Exeter, Devon
1990.01 - 1998.01
  • Collaborated with team members to reach sales targets.
  • Built rapport with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Helped resolve any customer disputes or issues swiftly and amicably.
  • Conducted end-of-day till reconciliation accurately.
  • Provided product knowledge to customers, promoting informed purchasing decisions.

Education

CPD online college
2025.08 - 2026.01

cache
/2019 -

The Open University
/2017 -

The Open University
/2012 -

GCSEs -

Sidmouth College
Sidmouth, Devon
1981.09 - 1987.07

Affiliations

  • knitting, crafts, word games, reading

Timeline

Residential home children care worker

Willows
2025.10 - 2026.02

CPD online college
2025.08 - 2026.01

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Vranch House
2021.06 - 2025.10

Play worker

Hollow Lane Club
2014.07 - 2018.08

Cleaner

Shoobridge Funeral Services
2013.05 - 2013.09

Chaperone

Self Employed
2010.07 - 2012.10

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Ellen Tinkham School
2007.11 - 2021.06

Learning support assistant

Stoke Hill Federation
2007.02 - 2007.11

Teaching assistant

Countess Wear Primary School
2005.11 - 2006.12

Playworker

Stoke Hill After School Club
2004.09 - 2005.11

Teaching assistant

Stoke Hill First School
2004.01 - 2005.01

Dinner sales administrator

Devon Direct Services
2004.01 - 2005.01

Sessional creche worker

NCH Surestart
2003.01 - 2004.01

Site sales negotiator

Fulfords Estate Agent
2001.01 - 2003.01

International traffic clerk

TNT Express
2001.01 - 2002.01

Cafe worker

Tesco Cafe, Insurance group, Sure Start
1998.01 - 2001.01

Insurance sales clerk

Automobile Association
1990.01 - 1998.01

GCSEs -

Sidmouth College
1981.09 - 1987.07

cache
/2019 -

The Open University
/2017 -

The Open University
/2012 -
Lorraine Barrett