Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Hobbies and Interests
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Bedford

Honiton,Devon

Summary

I am a compassionate and dedicated professional with extensive experience in pastoral care and special educational needs. I demonstrate a strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding, fostering an inclusive environment through effective behaviour management strategies. I am skilled in positive reinforcement, committed to supporting diverse student populations and enhancing their educational experiences. I have four adult children who are all in very good jobs and I believe that it is through spending time nurturing them, encouraging them to work hard and reach for their dreams, and to step out when they have felt unsure or anxious that they are where they are today. I want to use the skills I have to help other young people to reach their potential.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Learning Support Coach

Cornwall College Group
Bicton College, Budleigh Salterton, UK
11.2024 - Current

Provided one-to-one support to students aged 16 to 25 with complex needs.

Utilised de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour strategies for managing challenging situations.

Facilitated development of social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience among students.

Collaborated with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to ensure consistent support.

Promoted a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students.

  • Fostered rapport with students to encourage open communication regarding their needs.
  • Signposted students to additional agencies and online forums for out-of-hours support.

Assistant Manager

Devon Air Ambulance
Honiton, Devon
08.2018 - 08.2024
  • Assisted manager in daily operations to ensure smooth running of the shop floor.
  • Handled stock control duties diligently preventing overstocking or shortages - this included sorting through the numerous donations that came in daily of clothing, bric a brac, and soft furnishings.
  • Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and customer loyalty - a lot of our customers were lonely and needed to talk.
  • Provided support to manager during absence - I also covered lots of other Devon Air Ambulance shops in East Devon while managers were absent.
  • Managed cash registers accurately reducing discrepancies at end of day reconciliation.
  • Created a positive work environment, resulting in higher employee morale.
  • Handled customer complaints effectively, restoring trust in the charity.
  • Maintained high standards of store cleanliness, enhancing shopping experience for customers.

Retail Sales Advisor

Hospiscare
Seaton, Devon
02.2018 - 08.2018
  • This job was the same role as the one detailed above that I did at Devon Air Ambulance. I was Sales Advisor at Seaton for 2 days each week, and the remaining 3 days per week, I travelled around as a Roaming Manager, covering other Hospiscare charity shops in Devon.
  • My only reason for leaving was that I wanted to work in my own community and get to know the local people.

Playgroup Assistant

Hatherleigh Preschool
Hatherleigh, Devon
06.2014 - 07.2017
  • Supervised indoor and outdoor playtimes whilst maintaining safety standards consistently.
  • Helped children with their daily routines such as washing hands, eating meals and nap time.
  • Organised story-telling sessions that enhanced listening skills amongst young learners. I also led songs with actions, encouraging the children to participate.
  • Provided emotional support to distressed children, soothing them effectively.
  • Maintained accurate records of children's progress, addressing individual needs efficiently (we each had Key children that we were responsible for).
  • Responded quickly to accidents or illnesses, ensuring immediate medical intervention when required.
  • Engaged parents with regular updates on their child's progress and behaviour.
  • Set up play areas, materials and equipment to enhance activities and encourage physical health.
  • Engaged small groups of children in singing, crafts and other expressive arts activities.
  • Looked after upset or unwell children, providing emotional support.
  • Settled in new children, providing on-going support to help with integration in liaison with manager.

Play Worker

Barnardo's, Children's Centre
Hatherleigh, Devon
05.2012 - 06.2014
  • Organised daily activities schedule to provide structured routine for children.
  • Managed challenging behaviour effectively, fostering a supportive atmosphere within the setting.
  • Engaged groups of children and their parents in singing, crafts and other expressive arts activities.
  • Fostered positive relationships with parents, welcoming them to the session, learning their names, including them in the activities and signposting them to other professionals if they needed support.
  • Adhered to health and safety regulations and best practices regarding child safeguarding, escalating related concerns to Senior Play Worker.


Receptionist/Administrator

May Gurney Ltd
Hatherleigh, Devon
09.2008 - 12.2010
  • Welcomed visitors and accepted deliveries to maintain reception efficiency.
  • Answered and transferred incoming calls, addressing public complaints effectively.
  • Organised training courses and procured protective clothing for staff.
  • Maintained accurate training records for all personnel.
  • Ordered stationery and cleaning supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels.
  • Arranged accommodation and travel for staff attending off-site activities.
  • Checked invoices and delivery notes for accuracy, facilitating timely payments.

House Assistant

Farms for City Children
Iddesleigh, Devon
01.2002 - 09.2008
  • Supervised care for 50 children and adults weekly, ensuring safety and well-being.
  • Executed meal preparation and kitchen tasks, fostering engagement during mealtimes.
  • Conducted thorough weekly deep cleaning, maintaining a pristine living environment.
  • Prepared 50 beds for incoming children, ensuring comfort and readiness.
  • Disinfected toilets and surfaces, minimising infection risks throughout the Centre.

P.A. to local clergyman

Church of England
Hatherleigh, Devon
01.2001 - 01.2002
  • Organised Alpha courses and weekend retreats for church community.
  • Maintained accurate records of baptisms, deaths, and marriages.
  • Handled incoming calls professionally to deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Typed correspondence, designed posters, and managed filing systems.
  • Implemented strict file management systems to ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.

Stay-at-home mum

Myself
, Devon
01.1990 - 01.2000

Raised four children, preparing them for preschool and school.
Fostered creativity through models, drawing, and painting activities.
Engaged in outdoor activities such as building dens and riding bikes.
Promoted physical activity and teamwork through rounders games.
Instilled good manners and respect for elders to enhance social skills.
Developed confidence-building skills through supportive parenting practices.

Secretary to the Bank Manager

Nat. West Bank
Hatherleigh, Devon
01.1988 - 01.1990

Typed all outgoing correspondence from Manager.
Responded to incoming calls at the Bank, delivering efficient service.
Managed Enquiries Desk, resolving customer inquiries with professionalism.
Maintained inventory by ordering stationery and cleaning supplies regularly.
Kept leaflets and displays updated to enhance customer engagement.

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce - Early Learning & Childcare Pathway

Cache
09.2015 - 09.2015

Cache Level 2 Cert. in Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health

NCFE
Newcastle
02.2025 - 04.2025

Level 2 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce - Children & Young People

Exeter College
Exeter
09.2013 - 01.2014

Pastoral Care Course - Pastoral care

Isca Church
01.2010 - 12.2010

NVQ Level 3 - Secretarial studies/business

North Devon College
Barnstaple, Devon
09.1986 - 07.1988

GCSEs - Various

Great Torrington School
Torrington, Devon
09.1985 - 06.1986

Skills

  • Pastoral care
  • Special educational needs experience
  • Child protection/safeguarding understanding (Level 3)
  • Student advocacy
  • Patience and understanding
  • Empathetic communication
  • Fostering inclusive environment
  • Positive reinforcement usage
  • Behaviour management strategies
  • Teaching assistance experience
  • Exam rules enforcement
  • Childcare qualifications
  • Compassionate counselling
  • Autism spectrum understanding

Personal Information

  • Date of birth: 04/30/70
  • Marital status: Married

Hobbies and Interests

  • Entertaining
  • Family BBQs
  • Meeting with friends
  • Gardening
  • Decorating
  • Cycling
  • Walking on the beach
  • Active member of local church

Accomplishments

Business Studies Student of the Year 1988 - North Devon College, Barnstaple.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Cache Level 2 Cert. in Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health

NCFE
02.2025 - 04.2025

Learning Support Coach

Cornwall College Group
11.2024 - Current

Assistant Manager

Devon Air Ambulance
08.2018 - 08.2024

Retail Sales Advisor

Hospiscare
02.2018 - 08.2018

Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce - Early Learning & Childcare Pathway

Cache
09.2015 - 09.2015

Playgroup Assistant

Hatherleigh Preschool
06.2014 - 07.2017

Level 2 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce - Children & Young People

Exeter College
09.2013 - 01.2014

Play Worker

Barnardo's, Children's Centre
05.2012 - 06.2014

Pastoral Care Course - Pastoral care

Isca Church
01.2010 - 12.2010

Receptionist/Administrator

May Gurney Ltd
09.2008 - 12.2010

House Assistant

Farms for City Children
01.2002 - 09.2008

P.A. to local clergyman

Church of England
01.2001 - 01.2002

Stay-at-home mum

Myself
01.1990 - 01.2000

Secretary to the Bank Manager

Nat. West Bank
01.1988 - 01.1990

NVQ Level 3 - Secretarial studies/business

North Devon College
09.1986 - 07.1988

GCSEs - Various

Great Torrington School
09.1985 - 06.1986
Rachel Bedford