Melanie Harris
Newport,
Summary
Teaching Assistant with over 30 years of experience in diverse educational environments, including playgroups, nurseries and primary schools. Former primary school teacher skilled in anticipating and providing necessary support to enhance classroom effectiveness. Proficient in supporting students from reception to Year 6 while fostering a collaborative team atmosphere. Passionate about making children feel valued and safe by providing an environment that supports their well-being and learning.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teaching Assistant Level 1-Level 3
Ponthir CiW School, Tofaen County Borough Council
01.2015 - 01.2026
- Supported pupil learning by assisting teachers with lesson planning, resource preparation, behaviour management, assessment and marking.
- Covered class during teacher absence, effectively following given planning or planning own lessons.
- Supported supply staff to ensure smooth running of classroom.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to effectively support pupils experiencing challenges related to diverse conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, ADHD, autism, diabetes, and behavioural issues.
- Boosted academic achievement, confidence and independence of special needs students through compassionate, individual and small group teaching.
- Delivered small group phonic sessions.
- Ran successful dance club, choreographing and teaching dances for competitions and theatre performances,
Teaching Assistant Level 2
Henllys CiW School, Torfaen County Borough Council
09.2012 - 11.2014
- Supported all children in school who had Individual Education Plans by planning, implementing and recording regular 1:1 and small group intervention sessions.
- Observed and documented student progress, providing valuable feedback to teaching staff.
Education
PGCE - Primary Education
University of Wolverhampton
Redditch 09.1994 - 07.1995
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Chemistry
University of Surrey
Guildford 09.1987 - 06.1991
Skills
- Curriculum for Wales familiarity
- In-depth subject knowledge in literacy, mathematics and science
- Special needs support
- Intervention delivery
- Patience and empathy
- Phonics knowledge
- Classroom management
Timeline
Teaching Assistant Level 1-Level 3
Ponthir CiW School, Tofaen County Borough Council
01.2015 - 01.2026
Teaching Assistant Level 2
Henllys CiW School, Torfaen County Borough Council
09.2012 - 11.2014
PGCE - Primary Education
University of Wolverhampton
09.1994 - 07.1995
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Chemistry
University of Surrey
09.1987 - 06.1991