Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Volunteering
Timeline
Generic

Nicola (Nicky) Zielinski

Leeds,United Kingdom

Summary

Dedicated and enthusiastic professional with 22 years of expertise in primary school education, specialising in leadership and management, pedagogical knowledge, and special educational needs. Proven track record in implementing teaching standards, conducting SEND staff recruitment, training across the whole school team, performance reviews, and managing child protection protocols. Adept at strategic planning and development, stakeholder engagement, and fostering collaboration and teamwork. Committed to raising awareness and advocating for SEND through policy implementation and review. Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and calmness under pressure while ensuring quality assurance across all educational practices. Expert in implementing diversity initiatives and accessibility solutions for educational environments. Proven track record in enhancing pupil progress monitoring systems. Committed to creating inclusive strategies that support students, parents, and staff. Strong focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

Secures team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organisation. Facilitates sharing of SEND knowledge and effective practices to meet needs and enhance results.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
17
17
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Assistant Headteacher with SENDCo

Co-op Academy Nightingale
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2022 - 04.2024
  • Exhibited outstanding teaching skills and functioned as a significant role model throughout the Academy.
  • Collaborated within the Senior Leadership Team to enhance strategic school leadership.
  • Supported development and monitoring of academy improvement plans.
  • Contributed to human resource processes and procedures within the Senior Leadership Team.
  • Monitored and improved learning strategies collaboratively.
  • Exhibited confidence and capacity to execute management and organisational decisions, ensuring equity, access, and entitlement to learning.
  • Accountable to the Headteacher and Deputy and deputised as required.
  • Led SEND provision, engaging with external agencies and stakeholders.
  • Ensured compliance with SEND code of practice for comprehensive pupil support.
  • Trained staff effectively to uphold SEND standards.


Additional roles:

Designated Safeguarding Officer and Looked After Teacher


Departed from teaching role due to developing a chronic illness and disabilities.
Dedicated time to acceptance and adaptation processes.
Acquired new skills while pursuing personal development goals.

Senior Leader for Inclusion (SENDCo)

Co-op Academy Nightingale
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2019 - 04.2024
  • Executed daily responsibilities with precision and efficiency.
  • Rapidly acquired and utilised new skills, enhancing productivity.
  • Participated in Cluster meetings with fellow SENDCos to share successful strategies.
  • Delivered tasks swiftly under tight deadlines, including writing individualized plans (EHCPs) and securing funding (FFI).
  • Coordinated effectively with local authorities, healthcare, and disability services.
  • Led meetings to align strategies for individual needs and acted as a central point of contact.
  • Managed SEND budget, utilising all resources

effectively to address children's needs.

  • Conducted regular reviews of pupil progress and provision, including establishing or maintaining interventions.
  • Carried out lesson observations, learning walks, book scrutiny’s and provided feedback to staff, including subject leads.

Additional roles:

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Implemented and maintained safeguarding policies whilst training staff on Keeping Children Safe in Education. Assessed and referred concerns to authorities. Worked closely with social work services and police to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. Kept confidential records of incidents.

Designated Looked After Teacher

Acted as a central point of contact for the educational and emotional needs of looked after and previously looked after children. Collaborated with staff and Social Workers to write and review personal education plans monitoring attendance, progress, SEND. Supported transitions, tackled barriers to education and guided staff on working effectively with these children.



Middle Leader (Various Roles) and Class Teacher

Co-op Academy Nightingale
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2016 - 09.2019
  • Acted as Class Teacher covering Reception through Year 3 Planned and organised classrooms, fostering positive learning experiences. Adapted teaching methods and resources to address diverse student needs. Coordinated with special education professionals on individualised education plans.
  • Championed Literacy programmes fostering literacy development across the whole school.
  • Managed all Key Stage 1 activities promoting collaborative learning environments. Collected and analysed data on pupil progress to inform instruction.
  • Directed English as a Second Language initiative across the school catering to varied language proficiencies.
  • Organised enriching year group trips across the school, enhancing curriculum delivery.
  • Led Early Years strategy focusing on developmental milestones. Implemented innovative strategies to enhance pupil engagement. Modelled good practice with other schools.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress and behaviour across specific year groups.
  • Inspired and motivated teams to achieve common objectives.
  • Worked collaboratively and listened to staff. Conveyed ideas, coached effectively, and built positive relationships.
  • Demonstrated decisive actions and implemented effective solutions to challenges.
  • Maintained the confidentiality of pupil records and information consistently. Modelled to staff, as GDPR Ambassador.
  • Designed innovative teaching techniques that earned positive feedback by school management.
  • Committed to writing and following policies and procedures, demonstrating the school values and improving staff performance


Primary Class Teacher

Lapage Primary School and Nursery
Bradford, West Yorkshire
09.2008 - 12.2016
  • Delivered high-quality education as Class Teacher across Nursery, Reception, and Year 1.
  • Facilitated intervention booster sessions for Key Stage 1 pupils to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Worked closely with colleagues for collaborative planning and resource sharing.
  • Fostered an inclusive learning environment by implementing differentiated teaching methods.
  • Integrated technology into lessons to enhance educational experience.
  • Incorporated creative arts into daily lesson plans, boosting pupil creativity and interest in subjects taught.
  • Assisted pupils in booster groups through tailored tutoring sessions, improving overall performance.
  • Collaborated with staff to organise interventions in a shared area working space for children with SEND.
  • Collaborated with staff to organise school-wide events, promoting community engagement.
  • Participated actively in continuous professional development courses for enhanced teaching skills.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.

Primary Class Teacher

Barkerend Primary
Bradford, West Yorkshire
09.2002 - 07.2008

Worked in Reception and Year 2 to 4.

Coordinated Art and achieved the Artsmark accreditation for school.

Coordinated Gifted and Talented and More Able.


  • Contributed to developing the school curriculum, ensuring alignment with national education standards.
  • Evaluated pupils' academic progress regularly, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Facilitated parent-teacher meetings for improved communication about pupil development.
  • Upheld high standards of professional conduct whilst respecting diversity amongst pupils and staff alike.
  • Prioritised safety in the classroom, adhering strictly to school regulations and guidelines.
  • Fostered an inclusive learning environment by implementing differentiated teaching methods.
  • Enhanced pupil understanding with provision of practical examples and interactive activities.
  • Led after-school clubs fostering extra-curricular interests among pupils.
  • Implemented strategies to manage classroom behaviour effectively, maintaining a focused learning atmosphere.
  • Supervised and mentored teaching assistants to build confidence and cultivate effective classroom environments.
  • Established strong, supportive relationships with families, encouraging parental involvement to boost children's achievement.
  • Evaluated own teaching critically to identify weak areas and make improvements.
  • Adapted teaching styles for varying pupil capabilities and requirements.
  • Planned and presented lessons catering to varying needs and abilities.
  • Marked and provided constructive feedback on homework tasks and class projects.
  • Prepared and delivered creative curriculum for pupils in subjects including maths and English.


Nursery Nurse

Bright Skies Day Nursery
Leeds , West Yorkshire
08.1995 - 08.1998

Nursery Officer in charge of various rooms -Babies-Toddlers-Pre-school.

  • Coordinated creative learning activities to enhance cognitive abilities in young children.
  • Maintained comprehensive records of each child's progress; noted developments at regular intervals.
  • Liaised effectively with colleagues during shift changes; guaranteed seamless continuity of care for all children.
  • Implemented nursery policies consistently; maintained standards expected by management team.
  • Supported individual learning needs of each child by implementing personalised strategies and plans.
  • Organised stimulating outdoor activities that encouraged motor skill development in a fun manner.
  • Delivered high-quality childcare by maintaining a safe, clean and nurturing environment.
  • Improved language skills in toddlers using interactive storytelling sessions and song routines.

Education

National Award for Special Educational Needs Coord - SENCo

Edge Hill University
Ormskirk
03.2019 - 03.2020

Master of - Education

Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds
09.2004 - 03.2007

Certificate in Advanced Professional Practice - Education-Teaching and learning for Able/Gifted Pupils

Oxford Brookes University
Oxford
09.2004 - 06.2006

Bachelor of Education with Honours - Education-Theology and Religious Studies

Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool
09.1998 - 06.2006

Higher National Certificate - Early Childhood Studies

Thomas Danby College
Leeds
09.1996 - 07.1998

BTEC: National Diploma - Caring Services: Nursery Nursing

Thomas Danby College
Leeds
09.1993 - 07.1995

Skills


  • Leadership and management
  • Special educational needs expertise
  • Diversity initiatives
    Accessibility solutions
  • Policy implementation and review
  • Strategic planning and development
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Awareness raising
    Guidance and feedback
  • Initiative and resourcefulness
  • Time management
  • Communication and Listening Skills
  • Problem solving
  • Quality assurance
  • Professional demeanor

Volunteering

Teacher Governor -Governor Meetings/Strategy Days   January 2020-July 2021

Chair of a Nursery Committee -September 2012-December 2013

Early Years Advisory Board member for a Children's Centre -as a parent with EYFS experience - January 2012-December 2013

Science and Art Advisory Board member for Bradford Museums and Galleries  -as a Teacher (volunteer), followed by paid work to help carry out school holiday workshops. (2005-2006)

 

Timeline

Assistant Headteacher with SENDCo

Co-op Academy Nightingale
09.2022 - 04.2024

Senior Leader for Inclusion (SENDCo)

Co-op Academy Nightingale
09.2019 - 04.2024

National Award for Special Educational Needs Coord - SENCo

Edge Hill University
03.2019 - 03.2020

Middle Leader (Various Roles) and Class Teacher

Co-op Academy Nightingale
01.2016 - 09.2019

Primary Class Teacher

Lapage Primary School and Nursery
09.2008 - 12.2016

Master of - Education

Leeds Metropolitan University
09.2004 - 03.2007

Certificate in Advanced Professional Practice - Education-Teaching and learning for Able/Gifted Pupils

Oxford Brookes University
09.2004 - 06.2006

Primary Class Teacher

Barkerend Primary
09.2002 - 07.2008

Bachelor of Education with Honours - Education-Theology and Religious Studies

Liverpool Hope University
09.1998 - 06.2006

Higher National Certificate - Early Childhood Studies

Thomas Danby College
09.1996 - 07.1998

Nursery Nurse

Bright Skies Day Nursery
08.1995 - 08.1998

BTEC: National Diploma - Caring Services: Nursery Nursing

Thomas Danby College
09.1993 - 07.1995
Nicola (Nicky) Zielinski