Sara Ridgway
St. Helens,Merseyside
Summary
Passionate Primary School Teacher with 25 years of experience in promoting inclusive environments and student-centred learning. Focused on working with students, parents, colleagues and external agencies alike to teach and motivate all students. Skilled in adapting teaching style to suit varied learning needs, promoting student engagement and boosting academic achievements. Highly organised with exceptional time management skills. Committed to safeguarding children and fostering their development regardless of background. Skilled in adapting teaching style to suit varied learning needs, promoting student engagement and boosting academic achievements.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teacher - Early Years Leader
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
St Helens, Merseyside
04.2017 - 05.2025
- Work in partnership with parents, staff from other agencies and my own team in role as Early Years leader.
- Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Coordinated school trips, broadened the pupils' cultural Led transition from Nursery to Primary school - meeting parents, students, nursery practitioners and other agencies involved with the children.
- Fostered strong relationships with students and parents.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies, most recently completing the Dfe Early Years Child Development Training. I hold a paediatric First Aid Certificate
- Regularly assessed children, completing statutory and non-statutory assessments and adjusting planning and learning accordingly.
- Worked with learners of all abilities including children with high level SEND, contributing to EHCPs and writing targeted plans.
- Mentored Teaching and T-level students working within our Early Years setting.
- Led the school to become and Elklan Friendly School (communication friendly setting).
Teacher - Part Time
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
St Helens, St. Helens
04.2010 - 04.2017
- Worked collaboratively with other staff in various job share roles and PPA cover roles.
- Worked flexibly and in a highly organised manner moving around classrooms, subjects and age ranges of children.
- Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
- Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
Teacher - ICT subject Leader
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
St Helens, Merseyside
04.2005 - 04.2025
- Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing.
- Utilised ICT tools, enhanced interactive learning experience in classrooms.
- Delivered ICT training to staff through workshops and 1:1 tailored learning.
- Introduced new ICT equipment into the school, worked closely with ICT technicians and trained staff on use of new equipment.
- Taught lessons across the school to coach staff on use of various technologies.
Teacher
Sutton Manor Primary School
St. Helens, Merseyside
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
- Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Utilised ICT tools, enhanced interactive learning experience in classrooms.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Worked with other teachers to further develop my own teaching styles.
Volunteer, swimming coach
Rainhill Swimming Club
Rainhill, Merseyside
01.1993 - 05.2025
- Qualifications - STA level 2 award in Swimming Teaching, STA level 2 certificate in Swimming Teaching.
- Vice-chair of the Rainhill Swimming Club (since 2020)
- Conducted regular assessments for tracking progress of each swimmer. Kept records of certificates achieved by each swimmer.
- Ensured swimmers' safety by adhering to strict pool regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborated with other coaches for expanding coaching resources and strategies.
- Observed swimmers abilities and gave tips on improving technique.
- Planned and facilitated regular sessions using evidence-based practices to improve performance.
Education
Bsc (Hons) - Eduactional and Professional (Primary) Studies with Mathematics
St. Martins College
Lancaster, Lancashire 09.1995 - 06.1999
AS-level - Psychology (A)
St. Helens College
St. Helens 09.2021 - 06.2022
A-Levels - Maths (B), History (D), General Studies (D), German (N)
Rainford High Sixth Form College
St. Helens 09.1993 - 07.1995
GCSE’s - English language (A), English literature (A), Maths (A), History (A), Music (A), German (B), Religio
Rainford High School
St. Helens 09.1988 - 07.1993
Skills
- Highly Organised
- Good time management skills
- Effectively work with parents outside agencies
- Promoting inclusive environment
- Pediatric first aid certified
- Differentiated learning techniques
- Kind and empathetic educator
- Student-centred learning
- EYFS observation and assessment analysis
- Child safeguarding
Affiliations
- Swimming, going to the gym, walking the dog, reading, spending time with my family and friends.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
AS-level - Psychology (A)
St. Helens College
09.2021 - 06.2022
Teacher - Early Years Leader
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
04.2017 - 05.2025
Teacher - Part Time
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
04.2010 - 04.2017
Teacher - ICT subject Leader
Nutgrove Methodist Primary School
04.2005 - 04.2025
Teacher
Sutton Manor Primary School
01.1999 - 01.2004
Bsc (Hons) - Eduactional and Professional (Primary) Studies with Mathematics
St. Martins College
09.1995 - 06.1999
A-Levels - Maths (B), History (D), General Studies (D), German (N)
Rainford High Sixth Form College
09.1993 - 07.1995
Volunteer, swimming coach
Rainhill Swimming Club
01.1993 - 05.2025
GCSE’s - English language (A), English literature (A), Maths (A), History (A), Music (A), German (B), Religio
Rainford High School
09.1988 - 07.1993
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