Sidra Ali

A dedicated and compassionate Safeguarding Officer with strong experience supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of secondary school students. Passionate about counselling and committed to developing my therapeutic skills through practical experience and ongoing training. Skilled in active listening, risk assessment, and providing a safe, non-judgmental space for young people to express themselves. Fluent in Urdu and Pothwari, enabling effective communication with diverse communities.

Safeguarding Officer - Goresbrook Secondary School

(2022-09)

• Attend Early Help (TAF), Children in Need (CIN), and Child Protection Conferences (ICPC/RCPC), taking detailed minutes and contributing to safeguarding strategies.
• Share relevant data and updates on children's welfare and coordinate interventions with external agencies.
• Provide emotional support and manage complex safeguarding cases involving self-harm and suicidal ideation, conducting risk assessments and coordinating urgent medical responses when needed.
• Organise safe and private spaces within the school for children to speak with professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality and build trusting relationships with children aged 11–18, encouraging open communication.
• Continuously update safeguarding knowledge and complete relevant training to ensure best practices.

SEN Interventions Coordinator - Goresbrook School

(2018 - 2022)

• Delivered one-to-one and small group lessons for vulnerable SEND students, adapting approaches to individual needs.
• Managed "The Hub," a safe space supporting emotional wellbeing and social engagement for SEND and other students.
• Supported students with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety, and other SEND needs, providing tailored emotional and educational interventions.
• Ran an extracurricular sewing class fostering creativity and self-expression.
• Oversaw an isolation room for SEND students requiring a calm environment, promoting emotional regulation.
• Collaborated closely with staff and families to monitor students' progress and wellbeing.

Volunteer - Aanchal Women's Aid

(2014 - 2015)

• Provided front desk and administrative support, handling calls, booking appointments, organising room bookings, arranging staff meetings, and taking minutes.
• Conducted follow-up calls and provided emotional support to clients over the phone, quickly building rapport and making clients feel at ease.
• Assisted with weekly empowerment groups, gaining valuable insight into working with women experiencing domestic abuse.

Level 4 Diploma - Therapeutic Counselling - ELECT Training (2022-10)