Nicola Whitford
Education Advisor at Staffordshire Virtual School
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Summary
Driven and aspirational professional with strong background in special education and guidance. Skilled in keeping appropriate records and analysing reports. Demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Committed to working with young people and their families to get the best educational outcome.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Education advisor
Staffordshire County Council
Newcastle and Moorlands, Staffordshire
06.2023 - Current
- Liaise with other agencies and partnerships where required to ensure effective co-ordination of support services where they relate to the education of looked after children.
- Contribute to maintaining effective monitoring and tracking systems for Looked After Children’s educational attainment
- Contribute to the development and delivery of training packages that promote educational attainment of Looked After Children for key stakeholders.
- Attend and contribute to Personal Education Plans for C&YP and ensure SMART aspirational target setting for looked after pupils.
- Write EHCNA and support schools for submission.
- Attend termly foster carer support groups giving advice and support.
SEN teacher and PSD lead
Shaw Education Trust
Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire
09.2004 - 04.2023
- Plan and teach lessons, working with small groups and individual students.
- Prepare teaching materials, take registers and write reports
- Help students develop confidence, independence and encourage them to learn
- Manage behaviour, mark work and talk to parents and carers about their children's progress.
- Led training sessions for fellow educators on SEN teaching techniques, enhancing overall educational delivery.
- Assessed SEN student abilities and crafted individual teaching plans.
- Evaluate, record and lead Annual Reviews of EHCP's.
SEN teacher and Team Leader
Stoke on Trent College
Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire
09.2001 - 08.2004
- Creating and implementing individualised learning plans.
- Maintained comprehensive records of each child's academic progression and behavioural patterns.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback on areas for improvement.
- Trained all new staff to achieve AQA qualification in teaching Assistants for SEN
Sen Teacher - Autism
Cricklade College
Andover , Hamphire
09.1997 - 08.2001
- Collaborated with parents for effective home-school communication, fostering better student support.
- Write and develop an appropriate curriculum in preparation for a new Autism unit
- Led training sessions for fellow educators on SEN teaching techniques, enhancing overall educational delivery.
- Created a safe and inclusive classroom setting, encouraging open dialogue among students.
Education
Certificate of Education - Further and Adult Education
City and Guilds
UK 09.1998 - 07.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Learning Disability/Difficulty
University of Manchester
Manchester 09.1996 - 05.1998
Skills
Special education knowledge
undefinedReferences
References available upon request.
Timeline
Education advisor
Staffordshire County Council
06.2023 - Current
SEN teacher and PSD lead
Shaw Education Trust
09.2004 - 04.2023
SEN teacher and Team Leader
Stoke on Trent College
09.2001 - 08.2004
Certificate of Education - Further and Adult Education
City and Guilds
09.1998 - 07.1999
Sen Teacher - Autism
Cricklade College
09.1997 - 08.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Learning Disability/Difficulty
University of Manchester
09.1996 - 05.1998
Similar Profiles
SAMUEL AdebayoSAMUEL Adebayo
360 degree excavator operator and First Aider at Staffordshire County Council360 degree excavator operator and First Aider at Staffordshire County Council
Emma HanrahanEmma Hanrahan
Learning support assistant at Staffordshire County CouncilLearning support assistant at Staffordshire County Council
Ann HaycockAnn Haycock
Teacher at Staffordshire County CouncilTeacher at Staffordshire County Council
Ryan FigginsRyan Figgins
Digital Retail Trading at Self-EmployedDigital Retail Trading at Self-Employed
Eljin Keeling-johnsonEljin Keeling-johnson
Counselling and Life coach at Connection Wellbeing services and Connection CoachCounselling and Life coach at Connection Wellbeing services and Connection Coach