Sarah Dunkley
Horsforth, Leeds,West Yorkshire
Summary
Dedicated, passionate and experienced teacher and leader with over 20 years in EYFS and KS1 education, with expertise in curriculum planning and development, child development, and classroom management. Proven track record in safeguarding and child protection, inclusive teaching and support, and fostering parent and staff engagement. Skilled in data assessment for learning with leadership experience in EYFS/KS1 and Read Write Inc. Phonics. Committed to enhancing educational outcomes through innovative strategies and collaborative approaches.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of EYFS/KS1, Year 2 Class Teacher
Fulneck School
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2000 - Current
- Created, led and Implemented an innovative curriculum based on the updated EYFS framework, ensuring it was tailored to the needs of individual children.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with the national curriculum.
- Spearheaded Read Write Inc phonics curriculum development across school levels PS - Y3, resulting in significant improvements evidenced by detailed assessments and observations.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Promoted perseverance and determination as key components of student success.
- Introduced technology-based teaching tools to enhance the learning experience.
- Organised assessments to evaluate students' understanding of topics taught.
- Provided detailed assessments and reports to parents, ensuring they are well-informed about their child's progress and areas of growth.
- Ensured that all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), received the support they needed through tailored interventions and inclusive practices.
- Collaborated with SENDCo to develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), providing targeted support and adaptations to meet each child's unique needs.
- Monitored curriculum effectiveness and supported staff to further develop their practice through CPD sessions, modelling, coaching and supervision meetings.
- Consistently analysed pupil performance data to identify trends, address weaknesses, and implement targeted interventions.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to plan school events and projects.
- Mentored newly appointed teachers to ensure alignment with school vision and mission.
- Point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensured timely and appropriate responses recorded via CPOMs
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
Gymnastic Coach
Aireborough Gymnastics Club
Leeds, West yorkshire
09.1993 - 07.2000
- Fostered team spirit with group activities and bonding sessions.
- Ensured safe equipment usage, minimising risk of accidents during practice sessions.
- Created a nurturing environment at the gymnasium which fostered self-confidence and resilience amongst all trainees.
- Improved gymnast flexibility by implementing new stretching exercises.
- Led thorough warm-ups ahead of practice sessions and competitions.
- Set up and safe proofed gym area before sessions.
- Coordinated local gymnastics tournaments to increase competition experience.
- Conducted regular skills assessment tests to track gymnasts' progress over time.
Education
PGCE - Education
Ripon and York St John
York 09.1999 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Sports Science
Luton University
Luton 09.1997 - 07.1999
Higher National Diploma - Sports Fitness Science
Stamford College
Stamford 09.1995 - 07.1997
A-Levels - PE, Home Economics
Benton Park School
Leeds 09.1993 - 07.1995
GCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, French, PE, Child Development, Geography
Benton Park School
Leeds 09.1992 - 07.1993
Skills
- Curriculum Planning and Development
- Child Development
- Classroom Management
- Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Inclusive Teaching and Support
- Parent and Staff Engagement
- Data assessment for Learning
- EYFS/KS1 Leadership
- Read Write Inc Phonics Leadership
- Promoting positive behaviour
Affiliations
- Gymnastics Coaching
- Netball
Certification
12/3/2025 Established Designated Staff in Child Protection – 1-day update - Leeds for Learning
22/1/2024 Fire Safety in Education
19/1/2024 How to be an Effective fire Warden or Fire Marshall
17/3/2023 ADHD Awareness
3/9/2023 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 Part 1 Questionnaire
3/9/2023 Child Protection Refresher
1/9/2022 Preventing Bullying
1/9/2022 The Prevent Dut26/4/2022 A Guide to UK Data Protection- Education
2/12/2019 Online Safety
15/9/2015 3 Day Designated Safeguarding Lead Person Training - Leeds For Learning
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of EYFS/KS1, Year 2 Class Teacher
Fulneck School
09.2000 - Current
PGCE - Education
Ripon and York St John
09.1999 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Sports Science
Luton University
09.1997 - 07.1999
Higher National Diploma - Sports Fitness Science
Stamford College
09.1995 - 07.1997
Gymnastic Coach
Aireborough Gymnastics Club
09.1993 - 07.2000
A-Levels - PE, Home Economics
Benton Park School
09.1993 - 07.1995
GCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, French, PE, Child Development, Geography
Benton Park School
09.1992 - 07.1993
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