Shirley Stewart
Horsham,England
Summary
Compassionate NQSW skilled in case management and child protection. Demonstrates effective engagement with children and families to assess needs and develop supportive plans. Strong advocate for vulnerable individuals, prioritising safety and well-being. Committed to collaborative practice and maintaining professionalism in diverse environments.
Committed to meeting deadlines with a positive attitude, always ensuring the child's views, wishes, and feelings remain the top priority.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Class Cover
Horsham
05.2025 - 08.2026
- Supported children with special educational needs through tailored one-to-one sessions, improving their learning experiences and emotional well-being.
- Engage with families and professionals to assess needs and develop support plans, fostering positive outcomes for children.
- Created a safe and welcoming environment for children to express themselves, promoting emotional well-being through effective relationship building.
- Managed case loads efficiently, prioritising urgent needs and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
100-day placement at Surrey CC
Family safeguarding team
Reigate, Surrey
10.2025 - 02.2026
- Engaged with children, families, professionals, and non-statutory services to assess needs and create tailored support plans.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve positive outcomes for children, fostering environments to achieve their full potential.
- Attended CIN, CP, and core group meetings.
- Attended MARAC meeting to coordinate support for high-risk individuals.
- Developed and maintained effective working relationships to support collaborative efforts.
- Built and maintained effective working relationships.
- Handled PWLE's concerns and escalated major issues to the supervisor.
- Used supervision to reflect and learn.
70-day placement
Learning disability and Autism safeguarding team
Fairmount House, Leatherhead
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Prepared detailed reports, managing case load efficiently, prioritising higher risks and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Following guidance from the supervisor, identified issues, analysed information, and reported findings to CQC,
- Investigated suspected cases of abuse and neglect, protecting at-risk persons while advocating for individuals to enhance their quality of life.
TA/Senior TA in specialist school
St. Josephs catholic school
Cranleigh, Surrey
06.2017 - 03.2023
- Supported children during targeted one-to-one sessions, proactively addressing behavioural issues to support positive engagement.
- Managed classroom behaviour by implementing effective strategies and maintaining a respectful and positive environment.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents, sharing daily updates on students' achievements and areas for growth to strengthen home-school collaboration.
Childminder
self-employed
Horsham, West Sussex
08.2014 - 05.2017
- Fostered a happy, safe, and secure environment for children.
- Coordinated daily routines to maintain consistency.
- Maintained detailed records of children's progress, routines, and incidents to keep parents and regulatory bodies informed.
- Created an atmosphere that supported the development of social skills, in preparation for future educational and social settings.
- Maintained open and effective communication with parents, providing updates on children's wellbeing and progress.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social work BA (hons)
Kingston University
01-2026
Higher National Diploma - Access to higher education
Collyers college
01-2023
Diploma of Higher Education - Access to higher education level 3 English
Collyers college
01-2023
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Advocacy
- Child-centred approach
- Strength-based approach
- Child protection procedures
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural competence
- Case management
- Emotional intelligence
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Trauma-informed approach
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Acknowledged by management for quickly integrating as 'feeling like one of the team'.
- Built a positive connection with a PWLE who found it difficult to access social services.
- I received praise from staff and managers during my initial placement after presenting on the challenges faced by individuals with additional needs transitioning from children's to adult services.
- I received encouraging feedback from the families I worked with, including one who mentioned they would be glad to have me as their social worker.
- The staff I collaborated with at the school expressed positive feedback, stating their appreciation for my support.
Hobbies and Interests
- I value my hobbies for their role in supporting my well-being.
- I enjoy dot art, as it entails constant focus, leading to the mind switching off
- I enjoy reading academic books, as well as non-fiction and fiction.
- I also find enjoyment in nature.
Additional information
- Engaged in professional development sessions on trauma-informed practice, domestic abuse awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
- Participated in optional peer-group learning events.
- Dedicated to punctuality and the timely completion of administrative duties.
- Assisted children by volunteering at a local school
- Supported peers by volunteering as a student representative and attending mentor meetings.
- Stay informed about social work developments by actively following SWE, CCI, NSPCC weekly updates, and the Social Work Community updates.
Timeline
100-day placement at Surrey CC
Family safeguarding team
10.2025 - 02.2026
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Class Cover
05.2025 - 08.2026
70-day placement
Learning disability and Autism safeguarding team
10.2024 - 01.2025
TA/Senior TA in specialist school
St. Josephs catholic school
06.2017 - 03.2023
Childminder
self-employed
08.2014 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Social work BA (hons)
Kingston University
Higher National Diploma - Access to higher education
Collyers college
Diploma of Higher Education - Access to higher education level 3 English
Collyers college