SOPHIE DAWKINS
Sittingbourne,Kent
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in deadline management, printing press operation, and equipment maintenance. Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, ensuring reliability and efficiency in all tasks. Proficient in the use of design software and committed to maintaining safe environments. Experienced in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) assistance, with a solid understanding of safeguarding policy knowledge and classroom management. A team player known for patience, tolerance, and effective behaviour management strategies. Career goals include advancing within the educational sector while continuing to support diverse learning needs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Small Business Owner
Thunder Lizard
Iwade Sittingbourne, Kent
2020.03 - 2026.03
- Use design software (Ink scape, Affinity, Cricut) to create or edit artwork.
- Prepare files for cutting or printing, ensuring correct sizing and alignment.
- Select appropriate garments (T-shirts, hoodies, etc.) based on order requirements.
- Weed vinyl or prep transfer sheets as needed for heat application.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are fully functional before using, following health and safety guidelines.
- Pre-press garments to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Accurately position the design on garments using guides.
- Apply heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or sublimation using a heat press with correct time, temperature, and pressure settings.
- Check for misalignment, peeling, or transfer issues after pressing.
- Inspect garments for damage, marks, or defects before dispatch.
- Package items neatly and securely, often with thank-you notes or branding.
- Print and attach shipping labels.
- Drop off parcels or schedule collections with couriers.
- Respond to queries on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Thunderlizard.co.uk
- Process custom requests, revisions, and refunds when needed.
- Monitor inventory.
- Reorder supplies like HTV, packaging, or consumables when running low.
- Photograph finished items for product listings and social media.
- Write and update SEO-optimised product descriptions and titles.
- Promote products through social media, email marketing, or ad campaigns.
- Clean and maintain theheat press regularly (check for residue or loose parts).
- Organise tools, vinyl rolls, and garments to keep theworkspace efficient.
- Calibrate cutting machines or printers when needed.
SEN Teaching Assistant
Iwade School
Iwade Sittingbourne, Kent
2017.09 - 2022.03
- Provide one-to-one or small group support for pupils with special educational needs, tailored to their specific learning plans (EHCPs or IEPs).
- Help deliver lessons and activities under the guidance of the class teacher, adapting resources and tasks as needed for SEN pupils.
- Encourage pupils with SEN to participate fully in all school activities, promoting social inclusion and emotional well-being.
- Track and report on pupils’ behaviour, engagement, and academic progress, providing feedback to teachers, SENCOs, and parents.
- Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and parents/carers to ensure consistent support and communication regarding pupil needs and progress.
- Managed behavioural challenges effectively, maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Provided emotional support during challenging situations; instilled resilience in pupils.
- Worked with SENCO to ensure effective planning and delivery of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Supervised students during break times, lunchtimes and after school clubs.
- Took part in school training activities to advance knowledge in working with students with specific learning difficulties.
- Supported teachers in managing challenging student behaviour, contributing to progress meetings to provide feedback, raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
- Marked students' work following directions from the class teacher.
- Improved classroom behaviour with the implementation of positive reinforcement strategies.
Teaching Assistant Volunteer
Iwade School
Iwade Sittingbourne, Kent
2012.09 - 2017.09
- Supported pupils in the classroom with reading and literacy activities, helping to build their confidence and comprehension skills.
- Worked one-to-one and in small groups under the direction of the class teacher to reinforce learning objectives.
- Assisted in maintaining a calm and inclusive learning environment, encouraging positive behaviour and engagement.
Communications Officer
Kent Police
Maidstone, Kent
2004.03 - 2010.09
- Answered emergency (999) and non-emergency (101) calls, providing calm, clear, and professional support to members of the public in distressing or high-pressure situations.
- Assessed and prioritised incidents, using sound judgement to determine the appropriate level of police response.
- Dispatched officers to incidents using real-time information, ensuring the safety of the public and operational efficiency.
- Maintained constant radio communication with officers on patrol, providing critical updates, location details, and incident intelligence.
- Handled a wide range of calls including domestic violence, road traffic collisions, missing persons, and major incidents.
- Managed calls from the motorway network, coordinating responses and liaising with Highways England and emergency services.
- Logged accurate and detailed information into police systems, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural standards.
- Worked effectively as part of a high-performing control room team, often under pressure and to strict timeframes.
- Used multiple systems simultaneously to record, update, and retrieve incident and officer deployment information.
- Delivered a high standard of public service, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.
Insurance Sales Consultant
Halifax
Chatham, Kent
2001.09 - 2004.09
- Advised Halifax customers on suitable household insurance products, tailoring solutions to meet their individual needs and circumstances.
- Conducted in-depth consultations to explain policy options, benefits, and exclusions in a clear and professional manner.
- Processed insurance applications accurately, ensuring all documentation complied with regulatory and internal requirements.
- Delivered a high standard of customer service over the phone, building trust and long-term relationships with clients.
- Consistently met and exceeded personal and team sales targets, contributing to overall branch performance.
- Carried out general administrative duties including data entry, updating customer records, filing, and appointment scheduling.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of financial products, services, and compliance standards through regular training and development.
- Resolved customer queries and concerns efficiently, demonstrating product knowledge and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Checkout Operator/Supervisor
Sainsburys
Chatham, Kent
1999.09 - 2001.09
- Operated tills efficiently, handling cash, card, and voucher transactions with accuracy and a friendly manner.
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving queries, processing refunds, and ensuring a smooth checkout experience.
- Promoted to Student Supervisor, overseeing front-of-store operations, supporting colleagues during busy periods, and ensuring high service standards were maintained.
- Trained and supported new staff on checkout procedures, customer service expectations, and store protocols.
- Managed kiosk duties including tobacco and lottery sales, adhering strictly to age-verification procedures and compliance regulations.
- Performed stock taking and inventory checks to support replenishment planning and reduce shrinkage.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation across the checkout and kiosk areas, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Worked collaboratively with other departments to support overall store performance and deliver an efficient customer journey.
Education
GSCE -
Chatham South Secondary
Chatham 2001.04 - /1999
GNVQ - Business Studies
Mid Kent College
Rochester, Medway /1999 - /2020
Skills
- Deadline management
- Printing press operation
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Equipment maintenance
- Reliability
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Enthusiastic
- Reliable
- Use of design software
- Patience and tolerance
- SEN knowledge
- Worksheet preparation
- National curriculum familiarity
- Child protection awareness
- Phonics knowledge
- Team player
- Maintaining safe environments
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) assistance
- Safeguarding policy knowledge
- Classroom management
- Activity planning
- Behaviour modelling
- Classroom support
- Challenging behaviour management
- Behaviour management
Websites
Affiliations
- Creative Design & Crafting, I enjoy designing artwork for products such as t‑shirts, mugs, and personalised gifts, as well as creating handmade jewellery and small crafts.
- Continuous Learning, I’m passionate about developing new skills and thrive in structured, coursework‑style learning environments.
- Walking & the Outdoors, I like staying active through regular walks, which helps me unwind and stay motivated.
- Socialising & Community, I value spending time with friends and connecting with others through shared activities and interests
Certification
August 2018
OCR Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
March 2019
Prevent Traning Course
June 2020
Certificate of Achievement: Recognising and Preventing FGM
August 2021
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
November 2022
Positive Behaviour Management - Level 1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Thunder Lizard
2020.03 - 2026.03
SEN Teaching Assistant
Iwade School
2017.09 - 2022.03
Teaching Assistant Volunteer
Iwade School
2012.09 - 2017.09
Communications Officer
Kent Police
2004.03 - 2010.09
Insurance Sales Consultant
Halifax
2001.09 - 2004.09
GSCE -
Chatham South Secondary
2001.04 - /1999
Checkout Operator/Supervisor
Sainsburys
1999.09 - 2001.09
GNVQ - Business Studies
Mid Kent College
/1999 - /2020