Classroom Assistant
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At Auchinleck Primary, I work within the nurture provision mainly with children with additional support needs from Primary 1 and Primary 2- supporting the children in various ways, with emotional support being paramount when the children first come into the learning environment, ensuring the children feel safe, secure and listened to whilst determining what other ways we can support their needs. I work closely with teachers in other rooms, making sure that we stick to the plans based on the curriculum depending on the age and stage of development; however, remaining mindful and agile in my role, and understanding the children's moods/emotions which are constantly shifting. I coordinate break times and meal times, remotely communicating and planning with education staff so that the lunch hall and break spaces don't become overwhelmed and staff can enjoy their own break times.
During this time, I enjoy encouraging independence in the children, like putting their jackets on themselves and playing with new friends in the playground- fostering an atmosphere of support and friendship is important to me and one of the main goals of the School. Once back inside, I work alongside the class teachers, helping the children stick to the plan, whether that be talking things through for children that they might not have understood, helping with spelling or even encouraging the children to play in different areas within the playroom. One of the jobs that I have taken responsibility for within the room are the wall displays and keeping the clothes bags stocked up- taking ownership of these tasks helps to free up time for the teachers so they aren't snowed under with things that I can do at the end of the day.
Probably the most challenging aspect of my work is helping the children in the nurture provision. Some children have additional needs, which means anything from anxiety, death in the family or autism. Although challenging, demanding and dealing with fluctuating moods and physicality, I have grown to recognise the behavioural triggers for each child in the nurture provision.
I feel fully confident dealing with the children of all primary ages as I am required to be able to walk into any class and help the teacher with whatever they ask me to.
Classroom Assistant at Auchinleck Primary, East Ayrshire Council (2021-10 – Present)
At Auchinleck Primary, I work within the nurture provision mainly with children with additional support needs from Primary 1 and Primary 2- supporting the children in various ways, with emotional support being paramount when the children first come into the learning environment, ensuring the children feel safe, secure and listened to whilst determining what other ways we can support their needs. I work closely with teachers in other rooms, making sure that we stick to the plans based on the curriculum depending on the age and stage of development; however, remaining mindful and agile in my role, and understanding the children's moods/emotions which are constantly shifting. I coordinate break times and meal times, remotely communicating and planning with education staff so that the lunch hall and break spaces don't become overwhelmed and staff can enjoy their own break times.
During this time, I enjoy encouraging independence in the children, like putting their jackets on themselves and playing with new friends in the playground- fostering an atmosphere of support and friendship is important to me and one of the main goals of the School. Once back inside, I work alongside the class teachers, helping the children stick to the plan, whether that be talking things through for children that they might not have understood, helping with spelling or even encouraging the children to play in different areas within the playroom. One of the jobs that I have taken responsibility for within the room are the wall displays and keeping the clothes bags stocked up- taking ownership of these tasks helps to free up time for the teachers so they aren't snowed under with things that I can do at the end of the day.
Probably the most challenging aspect of my work is helping the children in the nurture provision. Some children have additional needs, which means anything from anxiety, death in the family or autism. Although challenging, demanding and dealing with fluctuating moods and physicality, I have grown to recognise the behavioural triggers for each child in the nurture provision.
I feel fully confident dealing with the children of all primary ages as I am required to be able to walk into any class and help the teacher with whatever they ask me to.
Childminder, Self-Employed at AD Childcare (2014-02 – 2016-04)
AD Childcare was my own Childminding Business run from home. I ensured that all Policies and Procedures were in place and a full inspection had been completed by the Care Commission. I planned Activities with the Service Users (Children) a month ahead, ensuring that each Child had input into the Activities that they would take part in.
During my time as a Childminder, I cared for Children with ASN (Additional Support Needs)- such as those on the Autistic Spectrum, Behavioural Issues, Hyperactivity, Separation Anxiety and Speech and Communication Issues, including the use of Flash Cards and gestures as directed by the Parent. I am adept at creating working, professional relationships- a good example of this was when I was recommended by a member of Staff at the Netherthird Family Centre to Social Work as a Childminder.
Work then contacted me, and I cared for the Child as requested. It's also noteworthy that the Care Inspectorate found the service to be 4 out of 5 Stars within its first year.
Thomson, the Inspector, stated that there was no real room for improvement of the service but was reluctant to give a fifth star due to it being the first year and she didn't want to create such a high standard to follow should a harsher Inspector follow the next year. The reason that I closed my business was due to pregnancy stress and being advised to stop working; this allowed me to raise my own children and allow my husband to get back into employment.
Nursery Nurse at Grasshoppers Nursery (2013-04 – 2014-02)
In this position, I created Care Plans for each Child in my allocated group; these were targeted and with deadlines set by management and Team Leaders. I worked alongside a team of Nursery Nurses over various rooms, working with Children of varied ages and stages; this meant that building trust, rapport and working relationships was important not only with the staff, of course, but with the parents, some of whom would arrive as we did first thing in the early morning and not return until the late evening. Building trust with the parent and assuring them that their child was receiving the best care we could provide was critical.
The reason that I left this place of employment was due to the contract was only for maternity cover.
After school leader, After school club at YIP (2012-10 – 2013-03)
We also planned activities both inside and outside - in the ICT suite or activity room. A few service users asked me to start a dance club, as they knew I danced and taught at a local theatre group. During this time I learnt that the children enjoyed activities where they could adapt them to suit themselves rather than being set in stone.
The reason that I moved on from this place of employment is that I needed more hours, and they weren't able to give me any more due to it being only after school they needed employees.
Nursery practitioner at Grasshoppers private nursery, Kilmarnock (2007-01 – 2008-08)
This nursery had just opened, so it only had a few children in the building, so most of my responsibilities were helping to set up the rooms and organise folders for children who would be starting after the summer holidays. I helped with story time and doing pre-set activities that other members of staff had planned; once they were completed, I wrote some feedback for each child so that their group leader knew how they did and how they could move on from it. While working here, I learnt more about the behind-the-scenes of a business as I watched on as the business began to grow and become busier.
One of the jobs that I was most proud of was when I was asked if I could care for a child on a one-to-one basis, as he was most comfortable with me and he listened to me best. His parents had been in a meeting with my manager, and they asked for me specifically as the child spoke about me at home and they knew this would be best for his wellbeing. Throughout the time the child was in nursery, they came on leaps and bounds and any special services that were brought in commented on how well I worked with the child and followed their advice.
I had to liaise with social workers and physiotherapists on a fortnightly basis to update the child's care plan. The reason I left this post was due to the child I was caring for moving onto primary, and I had recently had my own child, so I wanted to raise her while I was financially able to not work.
Nursery Practitioner at Rainbow Cottage Nursery, Kilwinning (2006-10 – 2006-12)
I was taken on as an extra member of staff to cover breaks and staff planning time. I had to ensure that I had a folder full of activities so no matter where I was asked to go within the 0-5 years rooms I had something planned for the children no matter the age or stage of development. Sometimes I would be covering lunchtimes so I would be feeding the children or cleaning up after them; other times I would be asked to help rock the children to sleep in the cosy nook.
In this job I gained some good experience in adapting to different ages of children very quickly, as well as being able to be a friendly, adaptable member of staff that the other staff members could rely on when they were not in the room. Due to the position not being permanent, I wasn't always needed, and I would turn up to be told to go home, because of the distance (50-mile round trip), it was costing me a lot of money on petrol.
nursery practitioner (peripatetic cover) EAC - bank at Netherthird family centre (2006-03 – 2006-10)
I was offered a long-term bank staff position in my local family centre. I had to shadow the previous employee for 2 weeks before she left the job. I was a one-to-one carer for a child who had complex additional support needs and had to be watched very closely at all times due to their condition.
I learnt a lot of things in the first 2 weeks, such as how to administer medication in different ways and how to document it properly on the child's file. Also, I learnt how the child's mother preferred to be contacted daily through a diary or through email rather than face to face or phone calls. This was due to the mother's additional support needs; I had never worked with this type of communication, but it was a learning curve and became beneficial in further jobs that I have done.
This position was filled by a full-time permanent member of staff so I was no longer need
nc performing arts nc childcare and education hnc childcare and education hnc technical theatre hnd technical theatre
