Hema Damji

I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and approachable individual with a strong commitment to achieving both personal and professional goals. Through my academic studies and work experience, I have developed a broad range of transferable skills and the ability to use my initiative effectively. I maintain an excellent attendance record at both university and in the workplace, demonstrating my reliability and dedication.

Early Years Deputy Manager at Apple Tree Montessori Nursery (2013-01 – Present)

As Deputy Manager, I work closely with and support all staff members to ensure high standards of care and education are consistently maintained. I provide guidance and mentoring to practitioners, support new staff during induction, and promote effective teamwork across the setting. I assist with delegating responsibilities, monitoring practice, and ensuring staff adhere to EYFS requirements and nursery policies.

I encourage open communication within the team, contribute to staff meetings, and support professional development to help maintain a positive and collaborative working environment.

Learning Support with special needs pupils at Krishna Avanti Primary School (2013-01 – 2013-12)

Motivate and encourage the children as required by providing levels of individual support in writing and learning English across the curriculum.

• 1:1 session with children to reassure and help with learning tasks as appropriate to pupil's needs in reading, writing and numeracy.
• Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, behavior, reading, spelling, Handwriting.
• To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the pupil(s) with SEN, encouraging pupils to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner.
• To support the pupils in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom.

Early Years Practitioner at Leicester Montessori Nursery, Belmont Montessori Nursery (2013-01 – 2013-12)

I worked with a range of children between 0-4years old. Key tasks included welfare of child's needs were met daily. Importantly to follow Montessori teaching methods, this was child lead and supported in a secure environment to thrive. Each child is positively encouraged to flourish, develop and explore at his or her own pace, to ensure that learning remains a fun and progressive experiences.

Manager (Personal Licence Holder) at Mansah Lounge (2010-01 – 2010-12)

Key responsibilities include managing staff, stock control, and finance, performing business operational tasks. Importantly to satisfy all customer requirements by ensuring that the service is constantly maintained at a consistently high standard with particular focus on regular clienteles.

Activities Supervisor at Jungle Kingdom (2007-01 – 2007-12)

I supervised the children, arrange and organize children parties and activities. This has developed my skills of working with others and being able to interact with a variety of different people, looking after customers, taking decisions and being able to learn new information quickly.

Cashier at KP Groceries (2004-01 – 2004-12)

Key responsibilities include operating the tills and accepting cash and card payments for goods brought and also providing customer services.

Nursery Practitioner at Holly Bush Nursery, Freeman's campus Day Nursery and Park view Nursery (2007-01 – 2007-12)

I was required to make sure there were a variety of activities that were safe and appealed to different ages of children throughout the day. I feel that attending a variety of different settings has improved my ability in the practical elements while working with children and staff.

Activities Leader at Rainbows and Laya summer Playscheme (2008-01 – 2008-12)

I gained practical skills of leading and participating in children's activities including design, sports, play and art/craft activities. This given me the ability to gained control over large group of children, work and communicate effectively with adults and children.

Early Years Practitioner at West Humberstone children centre (2008-01 – 2008-12)

I have learnt the need to work with children and their families and the community. From working in a children centre, I have seen the potential benefits of multi-disciplinary services working together with different professionals, all working in collaboration to achieve common goals for the needs of individual child and family from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Early Years Practitioner at Sathya Sai School (2009-01 – 2010-12)

I carried out variety of activities and observations through a wide age and ability range of children. This experience enhanced my skills in interacting with children and meeting their individual needs. This setting has given me the opportunity to see teachings of Sai Baba integrated into children's education and learning

Early Years Practitioner at Thurny & Bushby Playgroup (2010-01 – 2010-12)

The key responsibilities were to support the children's learning and development through activities and play. I joined in with the children, as this helps children to play, work and learn together and supports children's learning and development through activities implemented from EYFS.

BA (Hons) in Childhood studies – Nottingham Trent University (2007-01 – 2010-12)

BTEC National Diploma in early years – Leicester College (2005-01 – 2007-12)

Level 2 Business, GNVQ ICT, AS levels in Chemistry, Biology, ICT – Beauchamp College (2003-01 – 2005-12)

GCSE's – Leicester Montessori school (1999-01 – 2003-12)

NVQ level 2 Diploma in Hospitality Services – Leicester College (2011-01 – 2012-12)