Brenda Watson

Empathetic and dedicated professional with over five years' experience supporting learners with disabilities, learning difficulties, and additional support needs across Post-16 Further Education and social care settings. Skilled in one-to-one mentoring, learner engagement, coursework organisation, and promoting inclusive participation. Experienced in supporting learner progression through effective communication, accurate record-keeping, and ongoing monitoring of progress against agreed goals and outcomes.

My approach centres on building trust, encouraging learner autonomy, and creating safe, learner-centred environments that promote sustained engagement, academic achievement, and personal growth. I embed safeguarding principles throughout my practice in line with organisational policies and procedures, ensuring all learners feel respected, protected, and supported.

Personal Advisor - NHSCT 16+ Team

(2020-07 - 2025-05)

Delivered person-centred support to 18+ care leavers, asylum seekers, and learners with additional needs, embedding safeguarding principles and collaborating with multi-agency teams to promote education, housing, and wellbeing outcomes.

• Supported care leavers with academic progression into FE, HE, and university pathways.
• Delivered creative workshops in art, cooking, and wellbeing to enhance engagement and personal development.
• Maintained accurate mentoring records and regularly updated the wider support team.
• Collaborated with colleges, careers services, housing teams, and mental health professionals to provide holistic, multi-agency support.
• Adhered to safeguarding protocols and contributed to coordinated planning across services.

Part Time Inclusive Learning Lecturer & Careers Advisor (Maternity Cover) - Northern Regional College

(2018-07 - 2020-06)

• Delivered accredited Entry Level and Level 1–2 programmes in life skills and personal development.
• Provided 1:1 career guidance and supported progression into FE, HE, apprenticeships, and employment.
• Supported learners in understanding course requirements and managing coursework deadlines.
• Organised inclusive careers events and liaised with external agencies.
• Maintained accurate learner records, monitored progression against agreed targets, and regularly updated the wider support team on engagement, attendance, and outcomes.

SEN 1:1 Classroom Assistant (Maternity Cover) - Ballycastle High School

(2018-02 - 2018-06)

• Provided 1:1 support for a KS3 student with Asperger's and learning difficulties.
• Assisted with literacy, emotional wellbeing, and classroom engagement.
• Promoted safe practices and supported the student's social and academic development.

Support Worker - Greenlight Gateway Ballycastle (Funded Community Project)

(2016-09 - 2017-12)

• Delivered OCN-accredited training in Employability, Personal Development, and Independent Travel.
• Supported post-16 learners with coursework organisation and external verification.
• Facilitated volunteering and supported employment opportunities.
• Delivered OCN-accredited qualifications in Travel Training, Personal Development, and Employability Skills to post-16 students in an outreach capacity at Castle Tower School, Ballymena.
• Coordinated inclusive community projects and fundraising events.
• Linked with local external training organisation BCW to support service users undertaking vocational courses including hairdressing and beauty therapy.
• Supported service users to access work experience opportunities in recycling, hospitality, and horticulture settings to develop employability, independence, and workplace skills.

Adult Support Worker and Activities Co-Ordinator - Camp America

(1999 - 1999)

Supported adults with learning difficulties and disabilities through structured activities, personal support, and community engagement.

Volunteer Support Worker - Greenlight Gateway

(1999 - 2000)

Organised and planned evening programmes and person-centred activities for young people and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.

BA (Hons) - Art and Community Youth Studies

PGCert - Further & Higher Education

NVQ Level 3 - Advice and Guidance

GCSE - English Language

Essential Skills Level 2 - Maths