Tara Thompson
Greenwich,London
Summary
Montessori Teacher with a focus on child-centred learning, fostering individual growth and independence. Expertise in designing engaging educational environments and customized lesson plans. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through innovative teaching methods and hands-on activities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2017
2017
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Montessori Teacher
The Village Montessori
London, City of London
02.2020 - 02.2025
- Created detailed progress reports for each student whilst maintaining open communication with parents.
- Assisted children in self-directed learning, contributing to their independence and self-confidence.
- Fostered a nurturing and inclusive learning environment by implementing Montessori teaching principles.
- Organised classroom layout according to Montessori principles for optimal learning atmosphere.
- Monitored and addressed behavioural and learning issues with parents and management.
- Established rapport and built lasting relationships with students based on trust.
- Used holistic teaching and caregiving methods to support child wellbeing.
Outdoor Teaching Manager
ADO Mini Explorers, Albany Park Baptist Church
Bexley
10.2018 - 02.2020
- Developed educational outdoor teaching programmes aligned with EYFS curriculum.
- Arranged and managed staff rotas to optimise efficiency.
- Ensured effective quality EYFS observations were executed by staff.
- Optimised resource allocation for increased profits.
- Conducted key worker 2-year checks and SENCO meetings as required.
- Supported operational accounting procedures and timesheet submissions.
- Led performance reviews, identified areas for improvement.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
Deputy Head Teacher
Dulwich Montessori Nursery School
Dulwich, London
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Organise the daily set up of the nursery ensuring it is of a high standard and Montessori materials are in order.
- Assist with the smooth running of the nursery.
- Follow the Montessori philosophy in all areas.
- Manage the nursery in the head teacher’s absence.
- Oversee planning and approve observations.
- Promote the nursery and ensure the numbers of children are maintained.
- Comply with all EYFS and Ofsted regulations.
- Promote the health and welfare of all children attending the nursery.
- Ensure the safeguarding of all children and parents.
- Arrange staff and planning meetings.
- Organise regular forest school sessions to the local woods on a weekly basis.
- Maternity leave cover
Montessori Teacher
Dulwich Oaks Montessori Nursery
London
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Promote the nursery’s vision, objectives and policies.
- Responsible for providing a Montessori setting that supports the individual needs of the children.
- Preparing an environment that is clear, organised, and attractive.
- Maintain inventory of materials and replenish when necessary.
- Establish positive relationships with parents and children.
- Attend and take notes at staff meetings.
- Complete and maintain records, reports, evaluations and inventories of student records.
Montessori Teaching Assistant
Dulwich Oaks Montessori Nursery School
London
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Developed appropriate lesson plans and assessment methods.
- Fostered student reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Performed regular coordination with families in support of student learning processes.
- Facilitated positive relationships between students and with other teachers and staff.
- Assessed learning outcomes in multiple aspects on a regular basis.
- Attended staff meetings
- Planned weekly cookery and other topic based activities.
Team Leader
Simply
Langstone, South Wales
06.1997 - 08.2003
- Ensured smooth operation of conferences while clarifying staff responsibilities.
Collaborated directly with clients, delegates, and venues to coordinate events. - Negotiated successful outcomes in challenging scenarios, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
- Delegated tasks to make best use of individuals' skills.
Education
O Levels/ GCSE - Physics, English, Biology, Art, History, Geography, Maths
Quarry Bank Comprehensive School
LiverpoolMontessori Level 4 Diploma - Montessori
Montessori Centre International
LondonA-Levels - Forest School
Forest school Learning Initiative
London 10.2018 - 11.2018
Skills
- Team collaboration and independence
- Effective communication and organization
- Resourcefulness and responsibility
- Understanding of EYFS and child development
- Active listening and inspiration
- Teaching proficiency and adaptability
- Sense of humour and perspective
- Creativity and artistic skills
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Windows
- Montessori methodology
- Montessori material usage
- Mindful teaching
- Montessori Philosophy
Certification
- Forest School Leader Level 3 - FSLI
- Safeguarding Lead Level 3
- EYFS Certificate
- Prevention of Radicalisation Certificate
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate
- GDPR Certificate
- Safe Handling of Children Certificate
- Health and Safety Certificate
- Effective Team Leadership Certificate
- Fundamentals of Storytelling in Education Course
- Mindfulness for Children Diploma
- Music and the 7 Areas of Learning Certificate
Affiliations
- Photography, Travel, Cooking, Yoga,
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Montessori Teacher
The Village Montessori
02.2020 - 02.2025
A-Levels - Forest School
Forest school Learning Initiative
10.2018 - 11.2018
Outdoor Teaching Manager
ADO Mini Explorers, Albany Park Baptist Church
10.2018 - 02.2020
Deputy Head Teacher
Dulwich Montessori Nursery School
10.2017 - 10.2018
Montessori Teacher
Dulwich Oaks Montessori Nursery
03.2017 - 10.2017
Montessori Teaching Assistant
Dulwich Oaks Montessori Nursery School
01.2014 - 05.2015
Team Leader
Simply
06.1997 - 08.2003
O Levels/ GCSE - Physics, English, Biology, Art, History, Geography, Maths
Quarry Bank Comprehensive School
Montessori Level 4 Diploma - Montessori
Montessori Centre International