Early Education and Childcare Officer - West Dunbartonshire Council
(2023-12)
- Deliver high-quality early learning and childcare in line with CfE, GIRFEC, SHANARRI, and Realising the Ambition
- Support children's learning, development, and wellbeing through play-based approaches
- Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and partner agencies
- Observe, assess, and record children's progress to support individual learning plans
- Create inclusive environments that support all learners, including ASN
- Promote wellbeing, confidence, independence, and social development
- Contribute to planning and evaluation of learning experiences indoors and outdoors
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and child protection procedures are followed
Outdoor Lead - Kelvinside Academy Green Forest Nursery
(2023-02 - 2023-12)
- Led outdoor learning provision supporting holistic child development
- Planned child-led learning experiences aligned with CfE and early years frameworks
- Promoted risk-aware outdoor play to build resilience and confidence
- Developed and maintained safe, engaging outdoor learning environments
- Supported sustainability and nature-based learning experiences
- Worked closely with colleagues to embed outdoor learning across curriculum
- Built strong relationships with parents and carers
- Ensured safeguarding and health & safety compliance
- Qualified in Forest School outdoor learning pedagogy
Youth Activities Counsellor - Disney Cruise Line
(2019-12 - 2023-01)
- Delivered educational and recreational programmes for 200+ children daily
- Supervised children aged 6 months to 17 years across multiple age groups
- Ensured safeguarding, wellbeing, and child protection standards
- Managed secure check-in/check-out procedures
- Worked within a multicultural team of 40+ colleagues
- Hosted large-scale themed events and activities
- Multiple guest commendations and recognition letters
- Awarded "Counsellor of the Month"
Baby Room Leader - Gowanlea Nursery
(2020-02 - 2021-05)
- Led daily operation of baby room and supported team development
- Planned and delivered early years learning experiences
- Maintained learning journals and developmental records
- Built strong parent partnerships through regular communication
- Supported ASN children with external agencies
- Supervised apprentices and supported professional development
Support Worker - Jigsaw Cornerstone
(2019-05 - 2020-06)
- Supported children with ASN including autism, ADHD, and sensory needs
- Delivered 1:1 and group support in community and home settings
- Promoted independence and life skills development
- Maintained records and contributed to care planning
- Provided personal care where required
Nursery Practitioner - Mulberry Bush Nursery
(2017-04 - 2019-12)
- Supported learning using CfE, GIRFEC, SHANARRI, and Pre-Birth to Three frameworks
- Maintained observations, assessments, and learning journals
- Delivered literacy and numeracy through play-based learning
- Built strong relationships with parents and carers
- Supported extracurricular activities including forest school and sports
- Ensured safe and inclusive learning environments
Water Sports Instructor - Chestnut Lake Camp, USA
(2018-08 - 2019-08)
- Delivered water-based activities including kayaking, sailing, and wakeboarding
- Ensured safety of children in open water environments
- Created development plans for skill progression
- Maintained and checked equipment
- Led outdoor and team-building activities
Lifeguard - Chestnut Lake Camp, USA
(2018-08 - 2019-08)
- Monitored safety across pool, lake, and aqua park, preventing incidents
- Performed risk assessments and coordinated emergency response procedures
- Collaborated with American Red Cross lifeguarding team to maintain a safe environment
- Delivered swimming lessons and supervised activities
- Recognised for exceptional performance as a specialty counsellor
