Maria Sturgess
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Highly motivated and adaptable professional with exceptional IT skills and a strong track record in teamwork and problem solving. Demonstrates punctuality, empathy, and patience while delivering exceptional customer service. Thrives under pressure, takes initiative, and excels in dynamic environments. Committed to continuous improvement and achieving career goals through dedication and hard work.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Teaching assistant in primary school
Bitterne Manor Primary School
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Fostered positive relationships with parents and colleagues to create supportive educational atmosphere.
- Provided special attention to students with learning difficulties for better inclusion in class activities.
- Assisted with marking of pupils' work, providing constructive feedback where necessary.
- Maintained clean, safe classroom environment by performing regular organisation and cleaning tasks.
- Created visual aids for use during lessons that enhanced learner engagement and understanding of key concepts.
- Built trusting, respectful relationships with pupils through attentive listening and communication abilities.
- Supervised pupils during break times, lunchtimes and educational visits.
- Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.
- Managed challenging behaviour, running 5 intervention groups to raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
- Developed and maintained positive, impacting relationships with students, facilitating improved learning outcomes.
- Responded to changing needs of pupils and staff to provide maximum help and support.
- Observed pupils closely in classroom environment to foster engagement.
- Maintained child safety, security and good behaviour during classroom and outdoor activities.
- Encouraged students to work together to complete projects and solve problems.
- Assisted teacher with using support equipment and computers during lessons.
- Facilitated small group sessions reinforcing lesson content, leading to better comprehension among students.
- Adapted teaching to suit student abilities, providing continued encouragement and progress.
Teaching assistant in primary school
St Monica Primary School
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2013 - 08.2023
- Provided special attention to 6 students with learning difficulties for better inclusion in class activities.
- Fostered positive relationships with parents and colleagues to create supportive educational atmosphere.
- Assisted with marking of pupils' work, providing constructive feedback where necessary.
- Prepared classrooms for daily activities and tidied up afterwards, keeping surroundings neat and presentable at all times.
- Facilitated group activities for 6 children during lessons which promoted team-work among students.
- Participated actively in parent-teacher SEN review meetings, discussing individual student progress and areas of improvement thoroughly.
- Enhanced children's understanding of complex ideas by simplifying and explaining concepts in engaging ways.
- Aided in supervising children during break times further ensuring their safety while on school premises.
- Built trusting, respectful relationships with pupils through attentive listening and communication abilities.
- Supervised pupils during break times, lunchtimes and educational visits.
- Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.
- Offered support to special needs students, guaranteeing safety and access to equitable learning.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays for daily lessons.
- Developed and maintained positive, impactful relationships with students, facilitating improved learning outcomes.
- Responded to changing needs of pupils and staff to provide maximum help and support.
- Acted as superb role model, consistently promoting school mission and values.
- Maximised class teacher productivity by preparing work and activities in advance of lessons.
- Identified disruptions to learning and discretely addressed issues where possible.
- Maintained child safety, security and good behaviour during classroom and outdoor activities.
- Encouraged students to work together to complete projects and solve problems.
- Prepared necessary equipment and technology ahead of class.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to encourage pupils learning.
Claims Co-ordinator
Cunningham Lindsey
Whiteley, Hampshire
09.2003 - 11.2005
- Maintained detailed records of increased number of cases facilitating easy retrieval when needed.
- Handled sensitive information confidentially safeguarding clients' interests at all times.
- Filed documentation timely and accurately reducing backlog significantly.
- Managed insurance claims process, improving customer satisfaction.
- Built strong relationships with policyholders, ensuring trust and loyalty.
- Kept clients well-informed of claim updates and case progress.
- Recorded detailed, accurate claim particulars for reliable case notes.
- Handled initial claims with attention to first-class, personal service.
- Maintained detailed administration and office procedures to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Executed daily clerical tasks such as photocopying, scanning, faxing documents for smooth business operations.
- Utilised advanced software tools to expedite data entry processes.
- Maintained accurate data entry by diligently inputting information from various sources.
- Registered new customer account details in system.
- Photocopied, scanned and printed relevant data for manager.
- Improved communication with customers through timely response to emails and calls.
- Greeted visitors cordially upon arrival; offered welcoming environment.
- Filed documents accurately; ensured easy retrieval when needed.
- Updated database regularly for accurate record keeping.
Customer assistant
Tesco Superstore
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2001 - 09.2002
- Assisted customers with product selection to ensure satisfaction.
- Stocked shelves regularly for easy access to products by customers.
- Increased sales through suggestive selling techniques.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure repeat business.
- Maintained clean, organised workspace for efficient operation of checkout area.
- Improved customer relations by promptly addressing queries and concerns.
- Operated till systems smoothly, streamlining check-out process for customers.
- Handled cash and card payments with accuracy.
- Provided fast checkout service with high levels of customer care and transaction speed.
- Adhered strictly to policies and procedures for continued company compliance.
- Handled returns and exchanges efficiently maintaining high standards of service amidst challenging situations.
Education
GCSEs - Maths, English, Art, Science
Woodlands Community School
Southampton 09.1990 - 07.1994
Skills
- IT skills
- Highly motivated
- Punctual
- Teamwork
- Exceptional customer service
- Take initiative
- Work well under pressure
- Problem solving
- Adaptable
- Empathy and patience
Affiliations
- Baking and creating bespoke, beautiful cakes.
- Fitness.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teaching assistant in primary school
Bitterne Manor Primary School
09.2023 - 12.2024
Teaching assistant in primary school
St Monica Primary School
09.2013 - 08.2023
Claims Co-ordinator
Cunningham Lindsey
09.2003 - 11.2005
Customer assistant
Tesco Superstore
09.2001 - 09.2002
GCSEs - Maths, English, Art, Science
Woodlands Community School
09.1990 - 07.1994
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