Donna Sibbald

I currently work in an Alternative Provision for children who cannot manage mainstream school in Lowestoft, as an Advocate/Family support, DSL and a member of SLT

I have worked in schools for over 20 years. I also worked as a Family Support Practitioner with Suffol CYPS, prior to the role I am doing now.

I have extensive experience of working with children with SEN, SEMH and challenging behaviour.

I have management experience and consider myself efficient,approachable and a effective communicator.

I am able to work autonomously or within a team. I am a confident speaker and I am able to adapt my communication style to suit all audiences.

I am good at building positive relationships with children and their families. I have managed to gain the trust of some quite hard to reach and complex children and their parents. I believe this is due to my approachability, my non-judgemental attitude, ability to attune, validate and empathise. I use a child/person centred approach and genuinely want the best outcome possible for those I work with.

I am currently working in an Alternative Provision, for children who are unable to manage mainstream school or who have been permanently excluded. It is both challenging and rewarding. I love seeing how children progress within a positive and caring environment. If I can make a small difference in to those I work with, I have achieved my goal.

I am able to work to deadlines and manage my workload effectively. I have a can do attitude and thrive off a challenge.

I am able to chair and facilitate meetings and correspond with external agencies and professionals.

I have extensive experience of designing and facilitating targeted interventions and have been described as an outstanding practitioner.

I have undertaken scrupulous amounts of CPD and training on current legislation, policies and relevant subjects.

I am a DSL and have been an E-safety Lead in an outstanding specialist school, which involved holding E-Safety cafés for parents and carers.

I have a BA hons in Inclusive Practice and Integrated Working.

I studied for my degree at The University of Suffolk as a mature student. I did my Foundation degree prior to enrolling on the BA hons degree