Rachel Hesketh
Burntwood,West Midlands
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in safeguarding and child protection, supporting children with SEN and additional needs, and implementing emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies. Committed to inclusive, child-centred practice, with a proven ability to plan and deliver structured learning activities that foster strong, trusting relationships with children. Demonstrates collaborative working skills with staff and parents/carers, alongside strong communication and organisation abilities. Known for a calm, resilient approach in high-pressure environments, complemented by proficiency in First Aid, emergency response, and fire safety.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work history
Volunteer English Teacher
GVI
South Africa
- Planned and delivered engaging English lessons, adapting activities to ability and confidence levels
- Used positive behaviour approaches to promote participation, focus and respect
- Built rapport quickly with learners from different backgrounds and supported confidence in speaking and writing
- Worked collaboratively with local staff and volunteers to support learning outcomes
- Maintained a consistent, supportive classroom presence
- International Volunteer Programme
Volunteer Counsellor
NSPCC
- Provided structured emotional support to children and families within safeguarding frameworks
- Recognised and escalated safeguarding concerns in line with policy
- Used active listening and reassurance to support emotional wellbeing
- Maintained confidentiality and clear professional boundaries
Learning Facilitator
Son-Rise Programme
- Delivered child-led, play-based activities to support communication, engagement and interaction
- Supported children with ASD to develop attention, social communication and emotional regulation
- Adapted activities to individual needs and developmental stages
- Reinforced positive behaviours and encouraged independence and confidence
- Autism Support
Support Worker
NHS Children’s Hospital
- Supported children and families in high-pressure environments with sensitivity and care
- Provided reassurance for distressed children and families
- Worked alongside multidisciplinary professionals to support holistic care
- Demonstrated empathy, resilience and calmness in challenging situations
- PICU
Youth Worker
Investing in Children
- Planned and delivered structured group activities to promote social skills and positive behaviour
- Supported young people to build confidence, self-esteem and communication skills
- Maintained safe, inclusive environments and clear professional boundaries
Cabin Crew
- Fully trained in First Aid, emergency procedures and fire safety
- Responsible for wellbeing of children and vulnerable individuals
- Maintained calm authority and clear communication during incidents
- Applied de-escalation techniques and reassurance in challenging situations
- Strong awareness of safety, policy compliance and duty of care
- Safety-Critical Role
Sales Manager
Northern UK & Ireland
- Developed strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
- Built positive professional relationships through clear, consistent communication
- Managed multiple priorities with professionalism and accountability
- Confident presenting information clearly to varied audiences
Education
BSc (Hons) - Psychology
Birmingham City University
A Levels -
Durham Sixth Form
GCSEs & GNVQ -
Stanley School of Technology
Skills
- Safeguarding and child protection awareness
- Supporting children with SEND and additional needs
- Emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies
- Inclusive, child-centred practice
- Planning and delivering structured learning activities
- Building strong, trusting relationships with children
- Collaborative working with staff and parents/carers
- Strong communication and organisation
- Calm, resilient approach in high-pressure environments
- Children's book literature familiarity
- Providing constructive feedback
- Advanced ICT
- Experience with interactive whiteboards
- Lesson planning
TRAINING & KNOWLEDGE
- First Aid and emergency response
- Fire safety and evacuation procedures
- Understanding ADHD
- Exploring Anxiety
- Childhood in Crisis?
- Childhood in the Digital Age
Certification
Current Enhanced DBS Certificate
Certificate in Safeguarding for Staff
Certificate in Prevent Duty
Certificate in Understanding FGM
Accomplishments
Great North Run
Abseil St Jame's Park for Newcastle United Children's foundation
Timeline
Volunteer Counsellor
NSPCC
Learning Facilitator
Son-Rise Programme
Support Worker
NHS Children’s Hospital
Youth Worker
Investing in Children
Cabin Crew
Sales Manager
Northern UK & Ireland
Volunteer English Teacher
GVI
BSc (Hons) - Psychology
Birmingham City University
A Levels -
Durham Sixth Form
GCSEs & GNVQ -
Stanley School of Technology