Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Shelley Whitton

Rainham,Kent

Summary

I am currently a teaching assistant working within Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, specialising in autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities. I have learnt Makaton basics, positive reinforcement usage, and behavioural support techniques. I support teachers daily with coping mechanisms and have a strong understanding of child development and social emotional learning. Committed to enhancing educational experiences through resilience training techniques and play therapy, while ensuring SEND compliance. I am very passionate about working with children and young adults with additional needs and feel everybody deserves the right to learn and thrive. I have excellent communication and organisation skills and use innovative methods to help teach subjects with my team. Dedicated to motivating, encouraging and maximising full potential to achieve successful results.

I am excited to learn and train to achieve more knowledge within the sen field to allow me to support the children in their every day lives. I am very patient in handling challenging situations and behaviour and have taken many courses and training days to improve my skills and understanding of children and young adults with special needs. I Have built strong relationship's with many of the students and have gained their trust which allows me to teach them life skills and assist them in classroom activities and lessons.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Danecourt special School
Gillingham, Kent
03.2023 - Current
  • Assisted in developing and implementing individualised education plans for students with special educational needs.
  • Monitored children in spaces between classes, keeping disruptions to minimum.
  • Collaborated with parents and caregivers to address student needs and foster effective communication.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators to inform instructional strategies.
  • Facilitated inclusive classroom environments by adapting materials and resources for accessibility.
  • Organised and participated in training sessions focused on enhancing skills related to special educational needs.
  • Contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student development and intervention strategies.
  • Helped organise outdoor activities to boost physical health and social skills amongst the pupils.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members such as speech therapists or psychologists for holistic child development.
  • Engaged students in various group activities that fostered teamwork and cooperation.
  • Prepared visual aids for interactive lessons which increased engagement within the classroom.
  • Utilised specialised teaching techniques for improved academic performance among special needs students.
  • Participated in professional development training sessions to stay informed about the latest in special education teaching strategies.
  • Provided a safe, positive learning environment for students with varying disabilities.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of each pupil's progress, attendance, medical information and behavioural patterns.
  • Offered emotional support during challenging situations whilst respecting student's personal space and emotions.
  • Collaborated with special education teachers for better lesson planning and execution.
  • Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting empathy, acceptance and respect among peers.
  • Ensured adherence to school policies regarding safety standards when dealing with special needs children.
  • Used assistive technology tools effectively for facilitating easier communication for non-verbal students.
  • Assisted in managing classroom behaviour by implementing effective discipline strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Supported teachers in managing challenging student behaviour, contributing to progress meetings to provide feedback, raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
  • Identified signs of distress in students, resolving behavioural and emotional issues.
  • Worked with students in small groups and 1:1 to provide additional support with activities and lessons.
  • Assisted students with a range of learning differences, including ADD, ADHD, ASD and Medical needs to achieve their full potential for independence.
  • Assisted students to reach social development milestones.
  • Helped children with eating, dressing and other aspects of personal care while encouraging independence.
  • Observed children to identify changes in behaviour and reported such changes to classroom teacher.
  • Escorted and supervised students on educational visits and out-of-school activities.
  • Helped teachers with lesson plan development, class preparation and student mentoring, improving overall department attainment.

Administrator

Mlw Building Services ltd
Rainham, Kent
02.2015 - Current

Established and maintained filing systems to ensure efficient document retrieval.

  • Prepared VAT returns accurately and timely.
  • Responded to emails and telephone calls, addressing inquiries promptly.
  • Scheduled appointments for customers to receive quotes effectively.
  • Issued quotes and invoices to facilitate financial transactions.
  • Answered inbound phone calls, resulting in excellent customer service provided to clients.

Midday Meals supervisor

The Academy of woodlands
Gillingham, Kent
06.2018 - 02.2022
  • Supervised preparation and distribution of nutritious meals to students during midday service.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations throughout meal service activities.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to maintain proper food storage and handling
  • Monitored student behaviour during mealtime to foster a positive dining environment.
  • Collaborated with teachers to address dietary needs and preferences of students.
  • Organised cleaning and sanitising of dining areas to uphold hygiene standards.

Shop assistant

Drinks Cabin
Gillingham, Kent
01.2010 - 05.2011
  • Maintained store presentation by ensuring merchandise was organised and displays were visually appealing.
  • Managed stock levels on shop floor for continuous product availability.
  • Handled cash register efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions.
  • Processed transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems, ensuring accurate cash handling and customer receipts.
  • Collaborated with team members to restock shelves promptly, contributing to seamless store operations.

Care assistant

London Care
Gillingham, Kent
05.2004 - 07.2006
  • Assisted residents with daily living activities including personal hygiene and meal preparation.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for residents by following strict health and safety protocols.
  • Engaged residents in social and recreational activities to promote mental and emotional well-being.
  • Documented care provided and observations accurately in residents' records to ensure continuity of care.
  • Provided emotional support to residents and their families fostering a compassionate environment.
  • Participated in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in elder care and support services.
  • Encouraged independence among patients whilst assisting them with tasks.
  • Helped with personal care tasks, promoting hygiene and cleanliness amongst patients.
  • Administered medication to patients, ensuring proper health management.

Shop assistant

Shoe fayre
Gillingham, Kent
04.2003 - 07.2004
  • Assisted customers in selecting footwear that met their style preferences and needs.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organisation of sales floor to enhance shopping experience.
  • Processed transactions efficiently at point of sale, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with team members to restock merchandise and display new arrivals effectively.
  • Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly to maintain positive relationships.
  • Handled cash register efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions.

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - Teaching assistant

Learning college
united kingdom
01.2025 - 09.2025

Diploma of Higher Education - sen

The Learning college
united kingdom
01.2025 - /2025

NVQ Level 3 - Hairdressing

Mid Kent College
Gillingham, Kent
09.2001 - 09.2003

Skills

  • Tolerance and understanding
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Makaton basics
  • Autism spectrum understanding
  • Positive reinforcement usage
  • Experience with learning disabilities
  • Resilience training techniques
  • Coping mechanisms instruction
  • Patient and empathetic attitude
  • Social emotional learning
  • Pediatric healthcare understanding
  • Play therapy techniques
  • SEN specific pedagogy knowledge
  • Child development understanding
  • Behavioural support techniques
  • Supportive teaching strategies
  • Attention deficit disorder strategies
  • Epilepsy care
  • First aider and buccal trained
  • Behaviour management
  • 1-to-1 tutoring
  • Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) compliance
  • SEND support

Timeline

Diploma of Higher Education - Teaching assistant

Learning college
01.2025 - 09.2025

Diploma of Higher Education - sen

The Learning college
01.2025 - /2025

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Danecourt special School
03.2023 - Current

Midday Meals supervisor

The Academy of woodlands
06.2018 - 02.2022

Administrator

Mlw Building Services ltd
02.2015 - Current

Shop assistant

Drinks Cabin
01.2010 - 05.2011

Care assistant

London Care
05.2004 - 07.2006

Shop assistant

Shoe fayre
04.2003 - 07.2004

NVQ Level 3 - Hairdressing

Mid Kent College
09.2001 - 09.2003
Shelley Whitton