Jackie Hay

I am a passionate, dedicated and highly motivated individual with many years of experience supporting children and young people. I first became involved in childcare and youth work at the age of 14, and since then supporting children, helping them develop and making sure their voices are heard has remained one of the biggest passions in my life.

Throughout my experience, I have worked in nurseries and after-school clubs, giving me the opportunity to support children of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. I have also been involved in setting up groups for looked-after and accommodated young people, providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they could be listened to, included and encouraged.

I am particularly proud of having been a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and of receiving the Princess Diana Award. These experiences helped develop my confidence, communication and leadership skills and strengthened my determination to advocate for children and young people.

I currently work within a school kitchen, but my ambition is to return to working directly with children. I am continuing my education and developing my knowledge with the goal of becoming a Learning Support/SEN Assistant within a school or nursery. I have a particular interest in supporting children with additional support needs and helping each child overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their individual potential.

I believe one of my greatest strengths is my ability to understand that every child is different. I am patient, approachable and compassionate, but I am also hardworking, reliable and willing to learn. I understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected and valued.

Working with children is not simply a job I am interested in; it is the career I genuinely want to build my future around. I have already gained valuable experience throughout my life, and I am now ready to bring that experience, enthusiasm and commitment into a Learning Support Assistant role where I can make a positive difference to children every day.

have a strong background in childcare and have worked with children and young people in a variety of settings.

I have worked in private nurseries, mainly supporting children aged around 3 years through to preschool age. During this time, I worked as a key worker and was responsible for supporting children's individual needs, development and wellbeing. My role involved planning and taking part in age-appropriate activities, encouraging learning through play, observing children's development, building positive relationships with children and working alongside parents, carers and other members of staff.

I have completed my SVQ Level 3 through an apprenticeship, which allowed me to develop my childcare knowledge while gaining valuable practical experience.

I also took the initiative to set up and help run a children and families support group for children from birth to 16 years old. I volunteered my time to create a welcoming place where children and families could come along when they needed support. This experience strengthened my communication, organisation and leadership skills and showed me how important it is for children and families to have someone who will listen and support them.

I currently work within a school kitchen, where I help provide lunches for pupils. My responsibilities include serving children, operating the tills, working as part of a busy team, following food hygiene and health and safety procedures and making sure the lunch service runs efficiently. Working within a school has also given me further experience of communicating appropriately with children and staff in a school environment.

I am now studying towards becoming a SEN Learning Assistant because I would like to return to working directly with children and build my career around supporting children who may need additional help. I am patient, caring, approachable and understanding, and I am passionate about helping children feel included, supported and confident.

I believe the combination of my childcare qualifications, nursery experience, voluntary work and current experience within a school environment would allow me to bring a wide range of skills and life experience to a Learning Support Assistant role.

Svq level 3 children learning amd develpment

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