Nicola Lawrence
Christchurch
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong foundation in communication, adept at building positive relationships with pupils, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrates understanding of the needs of children and young people with SEND, providing sensitive and calm support. Highly organised, effectively managing assessments, reports, and meetings across multiple settings. Flexibility and adaptability in diverse school environments, consistently collaborating to enhance pupil support.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
6048
6048
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Specialist Teacher
Coastal Learning Parnership
Bournemouth, Dorset
2023.10 - Current
- Identify the needs of children and young people through rigorous assessment and observation.
- Complete assessments and professional reports contributing to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Needs Assessments.
- Support schools to implement evidence-based interventions and practical strategies to improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.
- Work within the School Improvement Team with a focus on quality assurance of Resourced Provisions across the Trust.
- Work alongside colleagues at Linwood School to develop the curriculum for learners needing support in the Resourced Provisions.
- Work collaboratively with schools to build their capacity to support learners with additional needs.
- Deliver training to schools and professionals on specific learning difficulties and inclusive practice.
- Work with Teaching Assistants, Class Teachers, SENCos and Senior Leadership Teams to implement effective support for pupils.
- Develop strong professional relationships with schools across Bourneouth, Christchurch and Dorset.
Specialist Teacher
Dorset Council
Dorchester, Dorset
2014.04 - 2023.10
- Conduct assessments across a wide range of settings including mainstream schools, special schools, learning centres, and with home-educated pupils.
- Work closely with others Educational Psychologists to support children with special educational needs.
- Contribute to joint planning meetings and statutory work around pupils.
- Help facilitate a Dorset network of Specialist Teachers to ensure colleagues remain up to date with: educational developments, SASC standards and JCQ regulations.
- Deliver the accredited Elklan Speech and Language training, helping schools: improve speech and language support, raise awareness, reduce under-identification of language needs.
- Apply specialist training including the SCERTS® Model, supporting pupils with Autism
SENCO/ Inclusion Lead
Somerford Primary School
Christchurch , Dorset
2008.09 - 2014.04
- Identify and assess pupils with SEND to ensure their needs are understood and supported.
- Coordinate SEND provision and oversee the graduated approach (Assess–Plan–Do–Review).
- Support and advise teachers and support staff on inclusive strategies and effective interventions.
- Liaise with parents and external professionals to ensure coordinated support for pupils.
- Contribute to and monitor EHCPs, including reports and annual reviews.
- Track progress and evaluate interventions to improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.
SEND Teacher
Linwood School
Bournemouth , Dorset
2005.09 - 2008.09
- Plan and deliver structured, differentiated lessons that support the learning, communication and sensory needs of pupils with autism.
- Support the development of pupils’ social communication, emotional regulation and independence through appropriate strategies and routines.
- Work collaboratively with support staff, parents and other professionals to implement and review individual learning plans and ensure consistent support for pupils.
SEND Teacher
Netley Court Special School
Netley, Southampton , Hampshire
2002.09 - 2005.09
SEND Teacher
Bower Grove Special School
Maidstone , Kent
2001.09 - 2002.09
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Level 7 Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/ SpLD
Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR)
2001.04 - 2017.03
Diploma of Higher Education - Level 5 Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/ SpLD
Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR)
Higher National Diploma - National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination
University of Exeter
ExeterBachelor of Arts - BA (Qualified Teacher Status)
University of Kent
CanterburySkills
- Strong communication – able to explain information clearly and build positive relationships with pupils, families, school staff and other professionals
- Understanding the needs of children and young people with SEND and responding with sensitivity and calm support
- Organisation and time management – managing assessments, reports, meetings and school support across multiple settings effectively
- Collaboration and teamwork – working constructively with colleagues and multidisciplinary teams to support pupils
- Flexibility and adaptability – responding to different school environments, pupil needs and changing situations
Timeline
Specialist Teacher
Coastal Learning Parnership
2023.10 - Current
Specialist Teacher
Dorset Council
2014.04 - 2023.10
SENCO/ Inclusion Lead
Somerford Primary School
2008.09 - 2014.04
SEND Teacher
Linwood School
2005.09 - 2008.09
SEND Teacher
Netley Court Special School
2002.09 - 2005.09
SEND Teacher
Bower Grove Special School
2001.09 - 2002.09
Diploma of Higher Education - Level 7 Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/ SpLD
Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR)
2001.04 - 2017.03
Diploma of Higher Education - Level 5 Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/ SpLD
Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR)
Higher National Diploma - National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination
University of Exeter
Bachelor of Arts - BA (Qualified Teacher Status)
University of Kent