Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tane Hersey

Crawley,West Sussex

Summary

I am a compassionate, experienced, and highly motivated SEN Teaching Assistant with over 30 years of experience in education and childcare. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and young adults with a wide range of special educational needs, including PMLD, ASD, high medical needs, and complex behavioural challenges. I bring not only professional expertise but also a genuine passion for helping every student reach their full potential in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

My journey in education began as a volunteer in an SEN school while raising my first child. Since then, I have held long-term roles supporting students in class-based and 1:1 settings across all age groups, including FE. I am confident using PECS, Makaton, and other visual communication systems, and I hold extensive training in medical care, physiotherapy, and personal support for students with significant physical needs.

In my most recent role as a Grade 5 Teaching Assistant, I regularly took on responsibilities at Grade 6 level, including leading class sessions and covering teacher absences. I have also run after-school dance clubs, provided personal assistance to vulnerable families, and supported students through transitional phases. My commitment to my role is unwavering—I am known for my excellent attendance, adaptability, teamwork, and consistent ability to form strong, trusting relationships with both students and colleagues.

After taking a short break to prioritise my health and family, I am now looking for a new and rewarding role where I can continue to apply my extensive experience, strong values, and hands-on knowledge to support students with SEN. I take pride in my work and am always ready to go above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing and development of every child in my care.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

SEN Teaching Assistant

Manor Green College
Crawley, West Sussex
08.2010 - 07.2025

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Learning & Academic Development Behaviour & Emotional Support Parental & Team Collaboration Operational & Administrative Support

  • Delivered 1:1 and small-group support to SEN students, including those with autism, ADHD , and anxiety, promoting academic and social development.
  • Designed and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals.
  • Adapted lesson materials and teaching methods (e.g., visual aids, Makaton, PECS) to support diverse learning styles and communication needs.
  • Created sensory-friendly environments to reduce anxiety and improve focus for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • Fostered independence and self-confidence in students through personalised attention and structured activities.
  • Delivered tailored literacy and numeracy interventions to improve foundational skills.
  • Used differentiated instruction and adaptive materials to enhance comprehension and engagement.
  • Supported lesson planning and curriculum delivery, preparing learning resources and technologies to optimise teaching outcomes.
  • Monitored student progress, modifying strategies to support individual achievement and academic growth.
  • Applied positive reinforcement and behaviour management strategies to maintain a safe, respectful learning environment.
  • Provided emotional support during challenging situations, helping students build resilience and emotional regulation.
  • Identified and addressed signs of distress, escalating concerns appropriately and contributing to safeguarding procedures.
  • Encouraged inclusive play and peer interaction, supporting students to reach social development milestones.
  • Maintained regular communication with parents and carers, fostering strong home-school partnerships.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary meetings to share insights, raise concerns, and recommend support actions.
  • Liaised with external professionals to support students in care programmes or with complex needs.
  • Assisted classroom management through lesson preparation, student supervision, and assessment support.
  • Supervised students during break times, school trips, and extracurricular activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
  • Marked student work, recorded progress data, and maintained classroom supplies.
  • Helped with personal care routines for younger students, promoting autonomy and self-care skills.
  • Kept class records current with attendance information and student grades.
  • Applied student assessment information to personalise support for students struggling with assignments.
  • Gave students papers related to assignments and collected finished work.

Hospitality

Khalidiah Palace
, Abu Dhabi
01.1996 - 08.1996

Hospitality Experience

  • Delivered high-quality hospitality training, enhancing team skills and service standards.
  • Organised and managed VIP hospitality areas at major sporting events, ensuring premium guest experiences.
  • Provided consistently excellent service, contributing to high levels of guest satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional hospitality teams to deliver seamless, memorable guest interactions.
  • Stayed up to date with industry trends and best practices to continuously improve service delivery.
  • Proactively pursued professional development by attending hospitality workshops and training sessions.

Promotions Agent

Dubai Airport
Dubai, UAE
03.1995 - 08.1996

I worked at Dubai Airport for a short while on the raffle stand.

Marketing promotions manager

Spinneys
Dubai
02.1994 - 08.1996
  • Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to drive brand growth.
  • Ensured consistent messaging across all promotional channels, reinforcing brand identity.
  • Strengthened partnerships with suppliers; led to improved terms and support during major promotions.
  • Increased market share by identifying and capitalising on unique selling propositions.

Education

GCSEs - Art

Thomas Bennett Community College
United Kingdom
09.1990 - 09.1994

NVQ Level 1 - Design and technology

Thomas Bennett Community College
United Kingdom
09.1994 - 09.1995

Skills

Key Skills & Expertise in Special Education SEN & Inclusive Education Communication & Support Tools Behaviour & Emotional Support Care & Safety Collaboration & Engagement

  • Extensive knowledge of SEN strategies including EHCPs, SEND compliance, and bespoke lesson planning
  • Skilled in supporting students with autism, ADHD, GDD, SEMH, SLD, and visual impairments
  • Proficient in 1:1 and small group support across KS2, KS3, KS4, FE, and young adult education
  • Developed and delivered tailored interventions in literacy, numeracy, and social skills
  • Expertise in SEN lesson planning, learning plan development, and inclusive classroom setup
  • Proficient in Makaton and PECS for non-verbal communication
  • Experienced with visual timetables, social stories, and lightbox tools to aid understanding
  • Supported auditory and visual content development, including large-print and digital resources
  • Trained in behaviour management strategies, including positive reinforcement and crisis intervention
  • Applied ADHD classroom strategies and autism-specific approaches to promote engagement
  • Delivered holistic support through CBT-informed techniques and nurturing, patient interactions
  • Experienced in managing challenging behaviours and promoting resilience and perseverance
  • Certified in Children’s First Aid and Epilepsy Awareness/First Aid
  • Skilled in personal care, hoisting, feeding support, and mobility assistance
  • Actively monitored health, safety, and safeguarding procedures in classroom and off-site settings
  • Helped to coordinate intervention groups, social activity programs, and worked along side the coach for county events such as, Special Olympics Specifically chosen for this role because of my unique approach and my relationship with the students due to my enthusiastic nature
  • Worked collaboratively with SENCOs, teaching staff, therapists, and parents to support learning goals
  • Organised field trips and supported classroom management to enhance experiential learning

Timeline

SEN Teaching Assistant

Manor Green College
08.2010 - 07.2025

Hospitality

Khalidiah Palace
01.1996 - 08.1996

Promotions Agent

Dubai Airport
03.1995 - 08.1996

NVQ Level 1 - Design and technology

Thomas Bennett Community College
09.1994 - 09.1995

Marketing promotions manager

Spinneys
02.1994 - 08.1996

GCSEs - Art

Thomas Bennett Community College
09.1990 - 09.1994
Tane Hersey