Michelle Kelly
Ossett,United Kingdom
Summary
I am a dedicated professional with significant experience collaborating with schools, Local Authorities, and Multi-Academy Trusts to enhance educational outcomes. I use evidence-informed research to build and grow partnerships and to make improvements to existing systems and processes. I have a strong understanding of school budget cycles and decision-making processes, coupled with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Known for developing and maintaining positive relationships with senior leaders, delivering impactful presentations, and setting key performance indicators. Passionate about improving school engagement and supporting leaders through a solution-focused approach. Committed to continuous professional development, showcasing resilience under pressure while being self-motivated, enthusiastic, and passionate about educational advancement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
School Partnerships Manager
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2023.09 - Current
- Strengthened relationships with external partners through regular communication and through partnership leadership groups.
- Fostered positive relationships between internal teams and external partners for seamless collaboration.
- Managed all contractual agreements, ensuring compliance with the DfE and beneficial terms for both parties.
- Communicated with partnership schools to assess needs and suggest proposed strategies.
- Addressed and resolved school partnership issues, utilising proactive communication to mitigate challenges.
- Maintained accurate, updated and secure records, masterfully safeguarding school and student data in CRM system.
- Manage a team of advisors and administrators to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Manage and oversee the school partnerships budget.
Assistant Director
Exchange Teaching Hub
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2022.10 - 2023.08
- Led on the Early Career Framework for the Exchange Teaching Hub.
- Managed a team of Primary and Secondary facilitators who delivered ECT sessions.
- Statutory reporting to University College of London and DfE to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Identified areas of improvement in processes and facilitation techniques, leading to enhanced productivity and increased outcomes.
- Improved staff performance through regular feedback and coaching sessions.
- Prepared comprehensive reports to provide insights into organisational operations.
Principal
United Learning - Worsbrough Bank End Primary
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
2018.09 - 2022.08
- Managed budgeting process effectively; making difficult decisions where appropriate.
- Conducted performance evaluations of teachers; provided constructive feedback for growth improvement.
- Led staff development programmes to improve overall quality of education in line with the school improvement plan aim and objectives.
- Ensured compliance with educational laws and standards through regular audits and reviews.
- Successfully led the school through Ofsted in September 2021.
- Liaised with governing bodies regularly; maintained transparency in decision-making processes.
- Implemented effective behaviour management strategies, introduced revised behaviour policy and the Thrive approach.
- Established strong relationships with local community organisations, promoting positive public image of the school.
- Upheld high ethical standards whilst dealing with staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders.
- Introduced innovative teaching methods to enhance students' learning experiences - Rosenshine Principles.
- Managed all administrative tasks, ensuring smooth daily operations within the school.
Deputy Headteacher
Barnsley MBC - Hunningley Primary
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
2014.09 - 2018.08
- Attendance and Safeguarding Lead.
- EYFS and KS1 Lead.
- Evaluated teachers' performance for quality assurance and improvement.
- Liaised with governing bodies, strengthening school's external relations.
- Fostered positive learning environment, resulting in increased student motivation and outcomes.
- Collaborated with parents for enhanced student progress.
Early Years Consultant
St Mary's Academy Trust
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
2013.09 - 2014.08
- EYFS Teacher and consultant for the trust.
- EYFSP Moderator for the trust.
- Identified areas for improvement in within EYFS provisions in schools within the trust, enhancing overall efficiency and student outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting thorough audits and reviews.
- Devised detailed action plans with clear milestones, encouraging team focus and direction.
- Delivered bespoke training programmes to improve skills and knowledge.
Early Years Consultant
Barnsley MBC
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
2009.04 - 2013.08
- EYFS consultant within a locality, visiting all EYFS provisions in the private and maintained sector to improve outcomes.
- EYFSP Moderator for the Local Authority.
- Identified areas for improvement within EYFS provisions in schools within the Local Authority, enhancing overall efficiency and outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting thorough audits and reviews.
- Devised detailed action plans with clear milestones, encouraging team focus and direction.
- Delivered bespoke training programmes to improve skills and knowledge.
- Devised a LA wide transition plan for all new starters to schools.
Early Years Mentor
Worcestershire County Council
Worcester, Worcestershire
2007.09 - 2009.04
- Shared personal experiences and insights to offer areas for improvement within EYFS settings and schools.
- Provided constructive feedback and guidance, helping schools and settings to overcome challenges, learn from mistakes and develop resilience.
- Cultivated strong and trusting rapport with schools and settings, building safe and inclusive environments.
- Provided constructive feedback and guidance, challenging EYFS practitioners to expand perspectives and reach full potential.
- Established reputation as trusted advisor for practitioners throughout the introduction of the EYFS statutory framework.
- Delivered speeches and discussions to Headteachers, governors and practitioners within schools.
- Delivered bespoke training to the sector.
- Participated in preparing and delivering conferences to the sector.
Early Years Leader
Wakefield MDC - Horbury Bridge Primary
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2004.01 - 2007.08
- EYFS Leader responsible for Nursery and Reception within the school and a nursery nurse.
- Developed concise action plans in line with the school improvement plan to increase outcomes.
- EYFS profile moderator for the Local Authority.
- Planning & Delivery: Designing well-structured lessons that follow the curriculum and meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Assessment & Feedback: Monitoring, recording, and reporting on student performance through marking work and setting targets.
- Classroom Management: Creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment by implementing school behaviour policies.
- Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: Ensuring the welfare of students, following safeguarding procedures, and providing emotional support.
- Professional Development: Continuously upgrading skills through training and collaborating with colleagues.
- Communication: Meeting with parents to discuss progress and collaborating with other professionals, such as social workers or psychologists.
Early Years Leader
Wakefield MDC - Townville Infants
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2001.09 - 2003.12
- Planning & Delivery: Designing well-structured lessons that follow the curriculum and meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Assessment & Feedback: Monitoring, recording, and reporting on student performance through marking work and setting targets.
- Classroom Management: Creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment by implementing school behaviour policies.
- Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: Ensuring the welfare of students, following safeguarding procedures, and providing emotional support.
- Professional Development: Continuously upgrading skills through training and collaborating with colleagues.
- Communication: Meeting with parents to discuss progress and collaborating with other professionals, such as social workers or psychologists.
Teacher
Wakefield MDC - Newlands First School
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2000.09 - 2001.08
- Planning & Delivery: Designing well-structured lessons that follow the curriculum and meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Assessment & Feedback: Monitoring, recording, and reporting on student performance through marking work and setting targets.
- Classroom Management: Creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment by implementing school behaviour policies.
- Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: Ensuring the welfare of students, following safeguarding procedures, and providing emotional support.
- Professional Development: Continuously upgrading skills through training and collaborating with colleagues.
- Communication: Meeting with parents to discuss progress and collaborating with other professionals, such as social workers or psychologists.
- Nursery Teacher responsible for a 52 place nursery and 2 nursery nurses.
Teacher
Barnsley MBC - Littleworth Infants
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
1995.09 - 2000.08
- Planning & Delivery: Designing well-structured lessons that follow the curriculum and meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Assessment & Feedback: Monitoring, recording, and reporting on student performance through marking work and setting targets.
- Classroom Management: Creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment by implementing school behaviour policies.
- Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: Ensuring the welfare of students, following safeguarding procedures, and providing emotional support.
- Professional Development: Continuously upgrading skills through training and collaborating with colleagues.
- Communication: Meeting with parents to discuss progress and collaborating with other professionals, such as social workers or psychologists.
- Teacher responsible for a Y2 class and a teaching assistant.
- Delivered KS1 statutory assessments - SATS.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Hon) with QTS - Primary Education
Charlotte Mason College
Ambleside, Cumbria 1991.09 - 1995.08
National Professional Qualification of Headship - Primary Education
University College of London
London 2018.10 - 2019.10
Early Years Professional Status - Early Years
Best Practice Network
Leeds 2010.01 - 2010.06
Skills
- Significant experience working closely with schools, Local Authorities and Multi-Academy Trusts
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with Local Authority schools, Multi-Academy trusts and senior leaders within these partnerships
- Experience presenting to senior leaders, delivering presentations and public speaking
- Strong understanding of school budget cycles and decision making
- Excellent verbal and written skills
- Solution focussed approach
- Passion for improving school engagement and supporting leaders
- Committed to Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Resilience under pressure
- Key performance indicator setting and meeting
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and passionate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Partnerships Manager
Leeds Trinity University
2023.09 - Current
Assistant Director
Exchange Teaching Hub
2022.10 - 2023.08
National Professional Qualification of Headship - Primary Education
University College of London
2018.10 - 2019.10
Principal
United Learning - Worsbrough Bank End Primary
2018.09 - 2022.08
Deputy Headteacher
Barnsley MBC - Hunningley Primary
2014.09 - 2018.08
Early Years Consultant
St Mary's Academy Trust
2013.09 - 2014.08
Early Years Professional Status - Early Years
Best Practice Network
2010.01 - 2010.06
Early Years Consultant
Barnsley MBC
2009.04 - 2013.08
Early Years Mentor
Worcestershire County Council
2007.09 - 2009.04
Early Years Leader
Wakefield MDC - Horbury Bridge Primary
2004.01 - 2007.08
Early Years Leader
Wakefield MDC - Townville Infants
2001.09 - 2003.12
Teacher
Wakefield MDC - Newlands First School
2000.09 - 2001.08
Teacher
Barnsley MBC - Littleworth Infants
1995.09 - 2000.08
Bachelor of Arts (Hon) with QTS - Primary Education
Charlotte Mason College
1991.09 - 1995.08