Rosemary Anne (Annie) Smith
Crewe,Cheshire
Summary
Trainee counsellor with experience in supporting children, young people, and families in educational and caregiving roles. Utilises person-centred approaches to build trust, advocate for needs, and collaborate across services. Committed to promoting well-being and positive outcomes for individuals facing emotional challenges.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Full-time Carer
Career Break
Crewe, Cheshire
12.2015 - Current
- Providing full-time care for a child with autism, BPD, and CRPS, advocating for their needs across education, healthcare, and mental health services.
- Developed strong resilience, advocacy, communication, and organisational skills while supporting them through significant emotional and physical challenges.
- Inspired interest in counselling and support work, leading to the pursuit of formal qualifications in counselling.
Nursery and Pre-School Assistant
Little Owls Pre-School and Nursery
Northwich, Cheshire
09.2013 - 12.2015
- Key worker planning age-appropriate activities to support children's development.
- Supervised play, routines, and outings, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
- Supported early literacy, phonics, and social-emotional development.
- Maintained accurate records and communicated effectively with parents and colleagues.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant
Rudheath Primary Academy
Northwich, Cheshire
11.2010 - 09.2013
- Held two SEN roles during this period, providing one-to-one support for a pupil with physical disabilities, ensuring safety, accessibility, and inclusion across the school environment. Supporting another pupil to access Literacy and Numeracy, helping them to achieve their full potential.
- Collaborated with the PE teacher to modify physical activities in accordance with the pupils' physical capabilities, ensuring all adaptations adhered to guidance from medical professionals and were informed by ongoing communication with parents.
- Cooperated with a Speech and Language Therapist to deliver targeted speech and language interventions, including auditory development tasks.
- Liaised weekly with the dyslexia specialist to review progress, share observations, and discuss effective learning strategies.
- Worked closely with the class teacher and SENCO to support both pupils' academic, social, and emotional development.
Special Needs Assistant
St. Wilfrid's R.C. Primary School
Northwich, Cheshire
02.2009 - 07.2010
- Provided one-to-one support to a pupil with Down's Syndrome, enabling full access to the curriculum and promoting independence and engagement.
- Monitored and recorded the pupil's progress, achievements, and development, reporting regularly to the class teacher.
- Supported the pupil during PE sessions and swimming lessons, ensuring safety, inclusion, and participation.
- Maintained close communication with the pupil's parent, responding sensitively to physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Teaching Assistant (Volunteer NVQ CCLD3 Placement)
St. Wilfrid's R.C. Primary School
Northwich, Cheshire
09.2007 - 02.2009
- Supported learning activities in a Year 5 classroom alongside the class teacher, contributing to a positive and engaging learning environment.
- Assisted with planning and maintaining individual pupils' progress as part of the NVQ Level 3 placement requirements.
- Recorded pupil information accurately in line with school and teacher expectations.
- Helped prepare and maintain learning resources and supported classroom displays showcasing pupils' work.
Nursery Assistant (Volunteer NVQ CCLD2 Placement)
Acorn Childcare Nursery
Northwich, Cheshire
09.2006 - 07.2007
- Supervised children aged 3-5, ensuring their safety, well-being, and engagement in daily play and learning activities.
- Interacted with children to support their developmental needs and carried out observational assessments as required for NVQ Level 2 placement evidence.
- Supported children during mealtimes and assisted with personal care and hygiene in line with safeguarding and nursery standards.
Administrative and Customer Service Experience
Vale Royal Borough Council (VRBC)
Winsford/Northwich, Cheshire
04.1998 - 12.2001
- Held a series of administrative and frontline customer service roles, supporting public enquiries, managing sensitive information, and ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Housing Receptionist - Northwich Information Centre (July 2000 - Dec 2001) - Managed housing, rent, and benefit enquiries; coordinated repairs with contractors; provided administrative support to Housing Officers; processed travel passes; conducted weekly fire alarm tests in accordance with health and safety procedures; general office duties.
- Repairs Telephonist - Wyvern House (Apr 1998 - July 2000) - Managed over fifty calls per day; liaised with contractors; arranged annual gas safety checks; maintained accurate records; general office duties.
- Recovery Assistant - Wyvern House (Apr 1997 - Apr 1998) - Supported recovery of outstanding Community Charge payments; negotiated payment plans both in person and over the telephone; liaised with bailiffs; general office duties.
Administrative and Customer Service Experience
Employment Service Job Centre (ESJC)
Winsford/Crewe, Cheshire
07.1995 - 03.1997
- Front-Line Assistant - Crewe (Aug 1996 - Mar 1997) - Supporting clients with job vacancy enquiries and assisting with sign-on processes; liaising with the Benefits Agency/Back To Work Team to ensure coordinated support for clients; issuing giros, maintaining job vacancy displays and computer records accurately; general office duties.
- Front-Line Assistant - Winsford (Summer Job July - Sep 1995) - Developed proficiency in practical experience in customer service and public-facing role following a work experience placement; assisting front-line staff with public job vacancy and benefit enquiries; general office duties, including photocopying and filing.
Cashier/Cash Supervisor
Iceland Frozen Foods PLC
Winsford, Cheshire
05.1994 - 08.1996
- Worked as a cashier and assisted with stock replenishment on the shop floor.
- Trained to act as the Cash Supervisor during absences, including cashing up tills, balancing registers, managing floats, and transferring monies securely.
- Assisted with stock takes and general floor organisation.
- Developed strong customer service, cash handling, and organisational skills whilst completing my A-Levels.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Counselling
Wrexham Glyndwr University
Wrexham, Wales 09.2024 -
NCFE CACHE Level 3 - Counselling Skills and Theory
Cheshire College South and West (CCSW)
Crewe, Cheshire 01.2024 - 06.2024
NCFE CACHE Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Cheshire College South and West (CCSW)
Crewe, Cheshire 09.2023 - 01.2024
NVQ Level 3 - Childcare, Learning and Development (CCLD)
Mid Cheshire College
Hartford, Cheshire 09.2007 - 06.2009
NVQ Level 2 - Childcare, Learning and Development (CCLD)
Mid Cheshire College
Hartford, Cheshire 09.2006 - 06.2007
NVQ Level 2 - Customer Services
Vale Royal Borough Council (VRBC)
Winsford, Cheshire 09.1998 - 04.1999
A-Levels - English Literature, French, General Studies, History
Winsford Sixth Form
Winsford, Cheshire 09.1994 - 07.1996
GCSEs - Double Science, English Literature, English Language, Food Studies, French, German, History, Maths
Verdin High School
Winsford, Cheshire 09.1989 - 07.1994
Skills
- Warm and approachable manner
- Strong communication skills
- Advocacy skills
- Emotional resilience
- Conflict resolution
- Professional boundaries
- Safeguarding awareness
- Organisational abilities
Affiliations
- Music, reading, cooking and spending quality time with friends and family.
Timeline
Diploma of Higher Education - Counselling
Wrexham Glyndwr University
09.2024 -
NCFE CACHE Level 3 - Counselling Skills and Theory
Cheshire College South and West (CCSW)
01.2024 - 06.2024
NCFE CACHE Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Cheshire College South and West (CCSW)
09.2023 - 01.2024
Full-time Carer
Career Break
12.2015 - Current
Nursery and Pre-School Assistant
Little Owls Pre-School and Nursery
09.2013 - 12.2015
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant
Rudheath Primary Academy
11.2010 - 09.2013
Special Needs Assistant
St. Wilfrid's R.C. Primary School
02.2009 - 07.2010
Teaching Assistant (Volunteer NVQ CCLD3 Placement)
St. Wilfrid's R.C. Primary School
09.2007 - 02.2009
NVQ Level 3 - Childcare, Learning and Development (CCLD)
Mid Cheshire College
09.2007 - 06.2009
Nursery Assistant (Volunteer NVQ CCLD2 Placement)
Acorn Childcare Nursery
09.2006 - 07.2007
NVQ Level 2 - Childcare, Learning and Development (CCLD)
Mid Cheshire College
09.2006 - 06.2007
NVQ Level 2 - Customer Services
Vale Royal Borough Council (VRBC)
09.1998 - 04.1999
Administrative and Customer Service Experience
Vale Royal Borough Council (VRBC)
04.1998 - 12.2001
Administrative and Customer Service Experience
Employment Service Job Centre (ESJC)
07.1995 - 03.1997
A-Levels - English Literature, French, General Studies, History
Winsford Sixth Form
09.1994 - 07.1996
Cashier/Cash Supervisor
Iceland Frozen Foods PLC
05.1994 - 08.1996
GCSEs - Double Science, English Literature, English Language, Food Studies, French, German, History, Maths
Verdin High School
09.1989 - 07.1994