Louise Atkinson

Vast experience in working for large organisations but can also work very well independently, having been self-employed and responsible for own company for 5 years.

Worked as a self-employed childminder, looking after a number of children aged from 8 months through to 8 years of age, responsible for ensuring the children under my care have varied, enabling and safe environments to learn and develop.

In depth understanding of the Characteristics of Effective Learning and can apply creative and imaginative methods to assist children in their learning within the prime and specific areas. Great level of appreciation for the fact that every child is unique and that they learn, play, explore and think in different ways, and that therefore lessons and activities might need to be adapted to better suits a child’s way of learning and developing.

Excellent communication skills, providing support to families of the children under my care, assisting with development concerns, general queries and a commitment to dealing with sensitive family matters with confidentiality and empathy. My role as a childminder means working closely with the families. Great knowledge and understanding around Inclusion, ensuring my setting provided a warm and welcoming environment to enable every child in the setting to feel valued, respected and supported.

Committed to continued learning, with multiple online development courses completed for most recent childcare role, regarding children in Early Years, EYFS revisions, SEND, safeguarding and partnership working. Completed full paediatric first aid training course in March 2024.

Excellent organisational skills as a result of self-employed childminder role; initiating own learning practices, policies, procedures and risk assessments for my setting, and development profiles and pathways for the children within the setting.

Strong team player, with great communicational skills following 14 years' service in the Metropolitan Police. Policing roles involved meeting people of all demographics, and so effective communication techniques were essential. Police detective role resulted in a vast knowledge in safeguarding matters, dealing with children and young people who were involved in or victims of crime and working in partnership with other agencies to provide the best possible future pathways for the individuals involved. Whilst in the Wildlife Crime Unit, delivered educational presentations to school children in London, to raise awareness of the types of wildlife crime that could take place within their city.

Friendly, good-natured, caring and compassionate to others, which is shown in both current role as a childminder and previously as a police detective; ensuring strong relationships with families, adults, children and partnership agencies were built and maintained.

Calm under pressure, with the enthusiasm to complete work to high standards, in an efficient and timely manner and have a willingness to undertake new challenges in the working environment. Although familiar with IT skills, I would be very keen to undertake additional training if required.

Throughout my working life, I have particularly enjoyed engaging with and supporting others and I am passionate in ensuring that children can thrive in their current learning pathways and their future goals.

• Sports and crafting

Two Borough Commander Commendations received whilst in the Metropolitan Police.