Samantha Holmes
Reading
Summary
Dependable professional with a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. Holds BTEC in IT, seeking apprenticeship opportunities in the IT sector. Experienced in fast-paced environments, consistently maintaining high standards under pressure. Background in care and education enhances interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills, with active involvement in community and volunteer work.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Funeral Service Crew
Co-Op Funercalcare
01.2026 - Current
- Prepare the deceased in our care for viewings and the funeral
- Bear coffins on the day of the funeral and drive funeral vehicles
- Collected deceased from various locations and scenarios, ensuring professionalism and empathy in all interactions
- Safely lifted, carried, and moved coffins using appropriate handling aids and techniques, adhering to health and safety guidelines to prevent injuries
- Prepare coffins and engrave name plates
- Maintain the cleanliness of equipment and facilities, including vehicles
- Maintain client management applications, inputting detailed and timely information to ensure accurate and up-to-date records
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Oak Tree School
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Collaborated with teachers, speech and language therapists, and specialists to develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that addressed individual student needs.
- Assisted students with diverse needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and sensory or speech impairments through tailored one-on-one or small group support.
- Supported lesson preparation, adapted teaching materials, and facilitated student engagement during lessons to enhance understanding of the content.
- Implemented strategies to manage classroom behaviour, promoted positive interactions, and supported students' emotional well-being.
- Ensured the safety and well-being of students, adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
- Adhered to the organisation’s policies and procedures, ensuring a consistent and professional approach to supporting students and staff.
Care Assistant
Thames Care
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided compassionate care and support to clients with diverse needs, including learning disabilities, dementia, hearing impairments, autism, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease.
- Prepared nutritious meals customised to individual dietary needs, promoting health and well-being.
- Offered companionship through meaningful conversations and outdoor walks, promoting emotional well-being and social engagement.
- Supported clients with grocery shopping and unpacking, enhancing their independence and access to essential items.
- Maintained clean and comfortable living environments through light housekeeping duties, including dusting, vacuuming, changing bed linens, and managing laundry.
Barista
Coffee#1 - Woodley
01.2019 - 02.2022
- Delivered excellent customer service by taking orders, handling payments, and ensuring a positive experience for every guest.
- Prepared a wide range of hot and cold beverages, including espresso-based drinks, with consistency and attention to customer preferences.
- Processed customer transactions at the till, efficiently handling cash and card payments to ensure a smooth checkout experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards by clearing tables, washing equipment, and creating a tidy, welcoming environment for customers.
- Restocked supplies and monitored inventory levels throughout shifts, contributing to seamless operations and product availability.
- Conducted monthly stock counts to support inventory management and ensure product availability.
- Entrusted with store keys; responsible for opening and closing procedures, including balancing tills, securing the premises, and day end administration.
- Closed the store efficiently by sweeping, mopping, cleaning behind the counter, and setting up the workspace for the next day.
Keyworker Assistant
Ambleside Children’s Centre
Reading
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Planned and facilitated engaging activities that supported each child’s individual needs, interests, and developmental goals.
- Monitored and documented children’s developmental progress, regularly updating parents and providing tailored support to enhance each child's growth.
- Encouraged learning through free play, fostering creativity, independence, and social interaction in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Assisted with children’s personal care needs, including changing nappies and reinforcing good hygiene practices to promote health and wellbeing.
- Prepared nutritious snacks and meals according to dietary needs and hygiene standards, ensuring children received balanced nutrition.
Barista
Costa
Woodley
12.2015 - 03.2017
- Delivered friendly and efficient customer service, taking orders, answering queries, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
- Prepared diverse hot and cold beverages, ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction with every order.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards by sanitising workstations and customer areas, contributing to a safe and pleasant environment.
- Managed opening and closing duties, including till reconciliation and restocking, facilitating smooth daily operations.
Education
Level 2 functional skills - Maths ,English and IT
Training Express
Online01-2025
NVQ Level 2 - Children and Young People’s Learning and Development
Chiltern Training
Reading01-2013
GCSE -
Waingels College
READING01-2012
Skills
- First Aid
- Customer service
- Manual handling
- Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
- Food Allergen Awareness
- Barista skills
Hobbies and Interests
- Performing songs and skits in Emmanuel’s puppet group (Wide-mouth and stringless puppets)
- Volunteer at Emmanuel Church Woodley with their IT equipment during the service
- Volunteer at SHARE Wokingham to redistribute food to the local community
- Kickboxing training instructor leading self-defense classes for ladies and juniors (up to age 13)
- Mental health wellbeing group facilitator (volunteer) – Kintsugi Hope – Emmanuel Church
- Youth Service Volunteer at Kingdom Seekers, Reading
- Rebuild South Africa (2014) – built homes and supported orphanage for women and children with HIV/AIDS on an 11 day trip
Activities and Interests
- Performing songs and skits in Emmanuel’s puppet group (Wide-mouth and stringless puppets)
- Volunteer at Emmanuel CHurch Woodley with their IT equipment during the service
- Volunteer at SHARE Wokingham to redistribute food to the local communi
Timeline
Funeral Service Crew
Co-Op Funercalcare
01.2026 - Current
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Oak Tree School
09.2024 - 05.2025
Care Assistant
Thames Care
02.2022 - 05.2023
Barista
Coffee#1 - Woodley
01.2019 - 02.2022
Keyworker Assistant
Ambleside Children’s Centre
03.2017 - 11.2019
Barista
Costa
12.2015 - 03.2017
Level 2 functional skills - Maths ,English and IT
Training Express
NVQ Level 2 - Children and Young People’s Learning and Development
Chiltern Training
GCSE -
Waingels College