Susannah Brand
Southend,Essex
Summary
Passionate and energetic qualified primary school teacher, with nearly 20 years experience of teaching in Early Years Foundation Stage. Places high value on creating outstanding provision for young learners, with a focus on nurturing children as unique individuals. A naturally reflective practitioner, who has always taken every opportunity to develop knowledge or skills, whether that’s by reading, attending training, or learning from the expertise of colleagues. Develops strong relationships with parents and carers, to ensure the very best outcomes for children and families. Creates a nurturing and calm environment, instilling high expectations of behaviour in a positive way, using patience and humour.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Reception/Year One Teacher
Richmond Avenue Primary School
Southend-on-sea, Essex
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Taught mixed Reception and Year One class, with all children working within EYFS curriculum due to range of needs.
- Worked effectively and sensitively with colleagues, parents and other professionals to implement strategies to support children's individual needs.
- Managed classroom behaviour effectively for positive learning environment, in line with school's Therapeutic Behaviour Policy.
Supply Teacher
Strategy Education
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
01.2025 - 09.2025
- Taught Reception and Nursery classes in several different schools across Southend-on-Sea.
- Took on long-term supply Reception teacher role from mid January to July, taking on full responsibilities of Class Teacher.
- Adapted quickly to new settings and formed strong relationships with children, staff and parents, including in challenging circumstances.
- Worked as Early Years Practitioner in Day Nursery setting with 1-2 year olds, during Summer.
EYFS Lead/Nursery Teacher
MARLEIGH PRIMARY ACADEMY
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
02.2024 - 12.2024
- Led across EYFS, including some teaching in Reception to support children with transition from Nursery.
- Taught Nursery class of 60 children aged 3-4 years old and managed team of 8 staff members within Nursery setting.
- Developed provision across all of EYFS, working with team to identify areas of improvement, planning for change.
Pre-school Teacher/Reception Teacher
Compass Primary Academy
Kettering, Northamptonshire
09.2016 - 02.2024
- Taught Nursery class of 52 children aged 3-4 years old.
- In charge of opening new Pre-school setting 'Little Explorers'- involved in initial budgeting, designing of learning environment, promotion within community and organising open days.
- Led team of 3 Early Years Practitioners and 2 Apprentices within Pre-school and managed flexible sessions of up to 80 children with 15/30 hr funding.
- Taught Reception class for 3 1/2 years, continuing to work closely with Pre-school.
- Lead Computing across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
Teacher in Charge of Nursery/Reception Teacher
Ruskin Infant and Nursery School
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
09.2006 - 08.2016
- Initially Unqualified Nursery Teacher for 1 year
- Taught Reception class for 4 years and gained QTS
- Became Teacher in Charge of Nursery- led across two Nursery rooms with 84 children aged 2-4 years old.
- Acting Early Years Lead for 1 year to cover maternity leave,
- Led subjects across school, including Art, Music, DT and PSHE.
- Achieved gold accreditation of Targeted Mental Health in Schools.
Unqualified Nursery Teacher
Ludwick Nursery School
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
09.2005 - 08.2006
- Taught class of 40 children aged 3-4 years old in large Pre-school unit, working alongside another Pre-school class.
- Worked closely with large team of Nursery practitioners and was part of Senior Management Team.
- Gained experience of working in setting with High/Scope approach.
Education
Graduate Teacher Programme - With QTS
East Northamptonshire Initial Teacher Training College
Rushden 09.2008 - 04.2009
BEd - Educational Studies (Primary) with Art (non QTS)
University of Reading
Reading 09.2001 - 07.2005
Skills
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Current level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (valid until November 2028)
- Annual Certificates in Safeguarding, Prevent, GDPR, Health and Safety, Cyber Security (valid until September 2026)
- Passionate about Early Years care and education
- Experience of working as part of team in variety of early years settings
- Leadership experience as Early Years Lead in Primary Schools
- Understanding and experience of wide range of current pedagogical approaches
- Develops children’s knowledge and skills through play experiences and thoughtful interactions
- Experienced in phonics schemes- Read, Write Inc, Little Wandle (Revised Letters and Sounds) and Rocket Phonics
- Experience of using safeguarding platforms MyConcern and CPOMS
- Experience of using online learning journey tools including Class Dojo, Tapestry, 2 Simple, Seesaw
Personal Information
- Title: Mrs
- Date of birth: 07/31/83
- Moving to Greater London in January 2026
Timeline
Reception/Year One Teacher
Richmond Avenue Primary School
09.2025 - 12.2025
Supply Teacher
Strategy Education
01.2025 - 09.2025
EYFS Lead/Nursery Teacher
MARLEIGH PRIMARY ACADEMY
02.2024 - 12.2024
Pre-school Teacher/Reception Teacher
Compass Primary Academy
09.2016 - 02.2024
Graduate Teacher Programme - With QTS
East Northamptonshire Initial Teacher Training College
09.2008 - 04.2009
Teacher in Charge of Nursery/Reception Teacher
Ruskin Infant and Nursery School
09.2006 - 08.2016
Unqualified Nursery Teacher
Ludwick Nursery School
09.2005 - 08.2006
BEd - Educational Studies (Primary) with Art (non QTS)
University of Reading
09.2001 - 07.2005