Rachel Thompson
SHEFFIELD,South Yorkshire
Summary
Experienced Special Needs Teaching Assistant with a strong background supporting children with a variety of additional needs within mainstream school settings. Proven ability to deliver differentiated support, implement EHCP targets, and foster inclusive classroom environments that promote both academic progress and emotional well-being. Skilled in working collaboratively with teaching staff, SENCOs, and families to provide consistent home/school support. Assisted in the use of a wide range of communication strategies and assistive tools (e.g. visual timetables, assistive technology, core vocabulary, attention autism, curiosity approach) to support pupils with Autism, ADHD, and other complex needs.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
SEN Teaching Assistant
Sharrow Primary School
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
04.2022 - Current
- Managed an internal provision supporting children with special educational needs within a mainstream school setting.
- Organised and maintained daily communication books that documented evidence of progress, tracked targets, and highlighted both achievements and areas requiring additional support.
- Consistently monitored the quality of support and tasks provided for children, ensuring they met individual needs, while also implementing strategies to assist parents in enhancing both home and school experiences
- Implemented communication technology within a hub to enhance communication that supported children with special educational needs.
- Provided one-to-one support to students, promoting self-confidence and independence.
- Created sensory stimuli for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder; eased anxiety levels.
- Worked with SENCO to ensure effective planning and delivery of Individual Education Health Care Plans (EHCP).
- Improved classroom behaviour with implementation of positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered inclusivity within the school community; promoted acceptance and respect for all pupils.
Supply Teaching Assistant
CER Education Recruitment Agency
SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Maintained child safety, security and good behaviour during classroom and outdoor activities.
- Communicated positively and professionally with all staff and pupils, upholding school values.
- Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.
- Supported teachers managing a classroom of pupils.
Level 3 Nursery Practitioner
ONCE UPON A TIME DAY-CARE
SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire
06.2019 - 09.2021
- Supported children's development with learning-through-play activities, aiding social, emotional and educational growth.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, promoting open communication about their child's needs and progress.
- Safeguarded children in line with company's code of conduct.
- Developed understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and its application.
- Created caring bonds with children for comfort and safety within nursery.
- Worked within established policies and procedures to ensure high standards of care.
- Updated parents and carers on children's activities, progress and any difficulties.
- Communicated daily observations with guardians, maintaining detailed development records.
Fine dining server
Fischer's Baslow Hall
Baslow, Derbyshire
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Mastered fine dining etiquette, resulting in elevated level of service provided to guests.
- Created an inviting dining atmosphere through professional presentation skills; ensured all table settings were perfect down to smallest details.
- Rolled silverware, set up tables and polished glassware and silverware.
- Listened to guest complaints and worked with kitchen staff or management to promptly resolve issues.
WAITRESS
RAFTERS RESTAURANT, SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Assisted in training new servers, sharing best practices for exceptional customer service provision in a fast-paced environment.
- Provided exemplary customer service by promptly and efficiently fulfilling food and drink orders.
- Ensured smooth operation during peak hours by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Dealt professionally with complaints, working swiftly towards resolution for improved guest experience.
Education
NVQ Level 1 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
Sheffield 09.2016 - 07.2017
Level 3 - Early Years Educator
Parenta
Sheffield 09.2019 - 01.2021
Hospitality and Event Management Level 3 - Hospitality and Events
SHEFFIELD CITY COLLEGE
Sheffield 09.2018 - 07.2019
MATHS (GCSE) - Maths
SHEFFIELD CITY COLLEGE
Sheffield 09.2018 - 06.2019
GCSEs - GCSE
KING ECGBERTS SCHOOL
Sheffield 09.2011 - 08.2016
Skills
- Sensory integration support
- Implementing communication technology
- Home/school communication resource organisation
- Autism spectrum understanding
- ADHD support strategies
- Communication techniques
- Familiarity with EHCPs
- 1:1 student support
- Nurturing attitude
- Resourceful thinking
Certification
Paediatric First Aid Training
Affiliations
- Wild Swimming
- Dancing and Yoga
- Cooking
- Mountaineering and Camping
- Reading
- Travelling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
SEN Teaching Assistant
Sharrow Primary School
04.2022 - Current
Supply Teaching Assistant
CER Education Recruitment Agency
10.2021 - 03.2022
Level 3 - Early Years Educator
Parenta
09.2019 - 01.2021
Level 3 Nursery Practitioner
ONCE UPON A TIME DAY-CARE
06.2019 - 09.2021
Fine dining server
Fischer's Baslow Hall
11.2018 - 05.2019
Hospitality and Event Management Level 3 - Hospitality and Events
SHEFFIELD CITY COLLEGE
09.2018 - 07.2019
MATHS (GCSE) - Maths
SHEFFIELD CITY COLLEGE
09.2018 - 06.2019
WAITRESS
RAFTERS RESTAURANT, SHEFFIELD
05.2017 - 11.2018
NVQ Level 1 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
09.2016 - 07.2017
GCSEs - GCSE
KING ECGBERTS SCHOOL
09.2011 - 08.2016
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