Sonya Mallal
Leeds
Summary
Experienced educational leader with over 21 years in diverse educational settings, including mainstream, SEND, and international environments. Expertise in safeguarding, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing, complemented by an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Proven ability to develop effective support strategies and foster relationships with children, families, and professionals. Aiming to leverage skills within an Educational Psychology Service to enhance outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
SLT & KS3/KS4 Lead
Al Haadiyah Supplementary School
01.2024 - Current
- Mentored young people aged 11–16, providing pastoral care and emotional wellbeing support to enhance their development.
- Support adolescents facing challenges relating to identity, self-esteem, friendships, relationships, resilience and motivation.
- Deliver workshops and assemblies on mental health, social media, wellbeing, aspirations and personal development.
- Work closely with families to support positive outcomes and engagement.
- Developed curriculum resources that promote character education, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, enhancing student engagement.
- Provide early intervention and support for vulnerable young people experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Developed and implemented school policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with educational regulations.
- Provided teaching staff with resources and opportunities for further professional development with curriculum training courses.
- Cultivated strong relationships with pupils and parents to resolve issues, positively influencing behaviour and academic performance.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behaviour and instructional strategies.
- Created behaviour management strategies conducive to productive learning environment.
- Cultivated meaningful connections with students by acknowledging their accomplishments and celebrating their milestones.
- Established positive working relationships with colleagues to enhance collaboration.
- Maintained trusting student relationships by providing both educational and emotional support to students.
- Planned and implemented lessons utilising a variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Monitored and recorded student attendance, punctuality, and behaviour, addressing issues in accordance with school policies.
- Facilitated a positive learning environment by applying classroom management techniques effectively, fostering student respect and cooperation.
- Designed presentations, visual aids and worksheets to enhance the learning experience.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing expertise and strategies for effective teaching and classroom management.
Primary & SEND Supply Teacher
Various Leeds Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Worked across EYFS, KS1, KS2 and SEND settings.
- Supported pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH and additional learning needs.
- Implemented behaviour support and intervention strategies.
- Worked closely with SENCOs, pastoral teams and families.
- Adapted quickly to new school environments, establishing rapport with pupils and staff to ensure a smooth transition.
- Established purposeful learning environment to help young people feel secure and confident.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet changing needs of classes and individuals.
- Used safeguarding principles to provide pastoral support and identify students requiring further support.
- Managed pupil behaviour through appropriate discipline and positive reinforcement.
- Maintained accurate records of pupil attendance, behaviour, and academic achievement, utilising school management systems.
- Managed small and large class student behaviour for happy and healthy learning environment.
- Motivated students by assigning tailored targets and learning objectives.
- Delivered engaging lessons across various subjects, adapting teaching styles to cater for diverse learning needs.
- Engaged with parents and guardians during meetings to discuss pupil progress and address any concerns.
Year 2 Teacher
Pudsey Primary School
Pudsey
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Worked closely with SENCO and referred pupils requiring additional support.
- Delivered PSHE, RE and Maths while promoting pupil wellbeing and inclusion.
Youth Club Leader
Seeds of Faith
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Designed and delivered programmes promoting resilience, confidence, wellbeing and positive identity.
- Created safe spaces for young people to discuss personal, social and emotional challenges.
- Provided mentoring and support to improve wellbeing and self-confidence.
- Created, designed and implemented new projects and activities for youth.
- Discussed dangers of drugs, smoke and excess to prevent substance abuse among youth.
- Adapted activities and strategies to meet changing needs and interests of young people, maintaining programme relevance.
- Helped young people overcome personal difficulties by providing helpful and supportive environments and attentively listening to concerns.
- Maintained excellent relationships with children and teenagers by proactively helping them through personal difficulties.
- Assisted in the planning and management of enjoyable projects, games and activities for teenagers.
- Planned, created and organised fun activities to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Deputy Headteacher | Acting Headteacher | Designated Safeguarding Lead | Wellbeing Lead
Cardiff Muslim Primary School
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Acted as Headteacher four days per week and supported strategic leadership of the school.
- Led safeguarding, child protection and multi-agency working with external agencies.
- Worked extensively with vulnerable pupils and families.
- Led wellbeing, PSE and RSE provision and staff training.
- Managed approximately 25 teaching and support staff.
- Implemented initiatives to improve pupil wellbeing, engagement and outcomes.
- Developed and implemented school policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with educational regulations.
- Oversaw management of educational facilities, arranging necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Provided teaching staff with resources and opportunities for further professional development with curriculum training courses.
- Ensured personal development by attending training, setting goals, reviewing performance, proactively seeking advice and support.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behaviour and instructional strategies.
- Coordinated with other senior leaders to develop and implement the school's strategic vision, driving continuous improvement.
- Coordinated staff training sessions on safeguarding policies, promoting a safe educational environment.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioural and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Coordinated school inspections and audits, achieving outstanding results in external evaluations.
- Mentored newly qualified teachers, providing guidance and support to ease their transition into the profession.
- Analysed data and benchmarks to monitor student progress and address challenges.
RSE Curriculum Developer
Association of Muslim Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Contributed to the development of a national RSE curriculum framework for Muslim schools.
- Worked with educational professionals in assessing and curating curricula to fulfil learning objectives.
- Devised digital and physical learning plans to provide comprehensive content coverage, extensive practical exposure and positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented strategies for differentiated instruction within curriculum plans to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles.
School Governor
Swillington Primary School
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supported initiatives to improve attendance, pupil welfare and school performance.
- Identified issues, analysed information and implemented solutions to enhance school operations.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Assisted team by taking on additional responsibilities to drive project success.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
MSc - Psychology of Mental Health & Wellbeing
University of Wolverhampton
Birmingham, BIR01-2026
PGCE - Education
London Metropolitan University
London, ENG01-2005
BA (Hons) - Playwork
Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds, LDS01-2004
A Levels - Geography, Law & English Language
Garforth Academy
Leeds01-2001
Skills
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- SEND (ASD, ADHD, SEMH)
- Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
- Behaviour intervention
- Early intervention
- Educational Psychology & Child Development
- Multi-Agency Working
- Youth mentoring
- School leadership
- Staff Training & Coaching
- Research practice
- Family consultation
Timeline
Year 2 Teacher
Pudsey Primary School
01.2026 - 05.2026
SLT & KS3/KS4 Lead
Al Haadiyah Supplementary School
01.2024 - Current
Primary & SEND Supply Teacher
Various Leeds Schools
01.2024 - Current
RSE Curriculum Developer
Association of Muslim Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
Youth Club Leader
Seeds of Faith
01.2019 - 01.2024
Deputy Headteacher | Acting Headteacher | Designated Safeguarding Lead | Wellbeing Lead
Cardiff Muslim Primary School
01.2017 - 01.2024
School Governor
Swillington Primary School
01.2013 - 01.2015
MSc - Psychology of Mental Health & Wellbeing
University of Wolverhampton
PGCE - Education
London Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) - Playwork
Leeds Metropolitan University
A Levels - Geography, Law & English Language
Garforth Academy