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
Excellent communication skills
Work independently and as a team
References
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