Tracey Woods
Hemel Hempstead
Summary
With a distinguished 23-year tenure in the SEND Department, I have garnered extensive expertise in understanding and addressing the unique needs of students within mainstream education. During this time, I actively collaborated with the SENDCo, assuming the role for a period of six months, showcasing my ability to seamlessly manage responsibilities in their absence.
Recognized for my hardworking and efficient approach, I pride myself on maintaining a caring demeanor while navigating high-pressure situations with composure. Engaging in EHCP and annual review meetings, I have adeptly updated plans to ensure alignment with evolving student needs.
My comprehensive knowledge spans 1:1 and small group support, encompassing specialized teaching in resilience, English intervention, behaviour management, and Social Skills. Complementing my practical experience are qualifications including a BPhil in Special Education (Autism), Level 5 Dyslexia for Specialist Teachers certification, and ELKLAN training. Currently, I am leveraging my Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) qualification to provide targeted support to students based on their unique requirements.
This wealth of experience, coupled with a commitment to ongoing professional development, positions me as a dedicated and resourceful professional ready to contribute effectively to educational environments catering to diverse learning needs.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Higher Level Teaching Assistant/Autism Lead
The Hemel Hempstead School
02.2000 - Current
- Since initiating my tenure at this position, I have demonstrated continuous professional growth, evolving from a part-time Teaching Assistant to assuming a comprehensive role as a Lead Teaching Assistant and Autism Lead. This progression underscores my commitment to excellence and the ability to assume leadership responsibilities within the educational framework.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to increased understanding and improved grades.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities, resulting in higher student interest and motivation.
- Offered constructive feedback on student assignments, helping them refine their writing skills and comprehension.
- Assisted the lead teacher in developing comprehensive lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and abilities.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
- Contributed to the development of new curriculum materials, enhancing the quality of instruction within the department.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress, concerns, and achievements.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and enhance teaching skills.
- Served as a mentor to new teaching assistants, providing guidance on effective strategies for classroom management and instruction.
- Actively participated in departmental meetings, collaborating with colleagues to identify areas for improvement within the school community.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- The role is demanding and involves keeping records, being aware of safeguarding rules, confidentiality and how best to support students both in their education and wellbeing.
Customer Assisant
Sainsburys
01.1996 - 01.2011
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly and professionally.
- Increased sales through upselling and cross-selling products to meet customer needs.
- Provided exceptional service by maintaining a thorough knowledge of products, services, and store policies.
- Streamlined the checkout process for faster transactions, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Assisted customers in locating desired items, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Built strong relationships with customers by providing personalized recommendations and attentive service.
Customer Assistant
Somerfield Supermarket
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Built strong relationships with customers by providing personalized recommendations and attentive service.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, promoting an inviting atmosphere for customers.
- Collaborated with colleagues to ensure seamless customer service during high-traffic periods.
- Communicated effectively with customers to address inquiries about products, services, or store policies.
- Handled cash transactions accurately while adhering to company security protocols.
- Coordinated with other departments to resolve any issues affecting the customer experience.
Clerical Worker
BOC
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Temporary clerical employment through an agency.
- Improved office efficiency by streamlining filing systems and organizing document storage.
- Enhanced communication within the team by maintaining accurate calendars and scheduling meetings as needed.
- Reduced errors in data entry tasks by implementing a thorough proofreading process before submitting documents.
- Assisted with financial management, tracking expenses and creating budget reports for department heads.
- Increased customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues through phone and email correspondence.
- Contributed to the successful completion of projects by coordinating team efforts and ensuring deadlines were met.
Clerk Typist
BSI
01.1978 - 01.1989
- Personal Assistant to the Accountant.
- Enhanced office efficiency by performing accurate data entry and document processing tasks.
- Supported team members by managing multiple administrative tasks, including filing and scheduling appointments.
- Streamlined communication within the organization through timely responses to emails and phone calls.
- Ensured accuracy of records by consistently updating and maintaining databases with up-to-date information.
- Facilitated effective collaboration among team members by organizing meetings and preparing meeting materials.
- Improved overall productivity by efficiently prioritizing and completing assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Bank Teller
National Westminster Bank
01.1977 - 01.1978
- Improved customer satisfaction by efficiently processing transactions and addressing account inquiries.
- Streamlined teller operations for better workflow by implementing time-management strategies.
- Enhanced branch sales through cross-selling bank products and services to customers.
- Conducted daily audits of cash drawer, ensuring accuracy and compliance with bank policies.
- Established trust with clients by maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive financial information.
Education
Bachelor of Philosophy - Special Education (Autism)
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom06.2011
Bachelor of Philosophy - Advanced Certificate in Autism
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom06.2011
Skills
- Special Education Support
- Student Assessments
- Student Records Management
- Material Preparation
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student Safety
Key Achievements Projects
- BPhil Special Education (Autism) Children passed whilst employed at The Hemel Hempstead School. This was to help support all ASD students, rather than constantly having to contact the ASD Specialist Advisory Teacher for advice.
- Pearson National Teaching Award: Certificate of Excellence (2021)
Education Qualifications
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
- ELKLAN (accredited course passed)
- Level 5 Dyslexia Specialist Teacher (Dyslexia Matters)
- Penn UK Resilience Teacher
- University Certificate in Autism (Birmingham University)
- Advanced Certificate in Autism (Birmingham University)
- BPhil Special Education (Autism) Children (Birmingham University 2011)
- Oral Language Modifier
- O/A Level English for Business and Professional Use (Dacorum College, Hemel Hempstead)
- O Level: English Language, English Literature Grade C (Grove Hill School, Hemel Hempstead 1977)
- GCE: Social Studies, Geography, Food Technology (Grove Hill School, Hemel Hempstead 1977)
Roles And Responsibilities
- Attending EHCP annual reviews. Checking the targets on EHCP’s to ensure these are being met by the school, and if not updating the support that is currently in place and contacting the professionals that are recommended to help with the requirements of the plan.
- Attending meetings with parents of SEND students, either with the SENDCo, Head of Year or myself and the parents.
- Attending Autism Sub-Group Meetings as a representative of secondary mainstream education.
- Attending ELSA regular meetings and sharing good practice with other schools.
- Parental contact either by face to face, telephone or email to ensure I am aware of any difficulties the student may be having which I may not be aware of. Or, if a student has had an upset at home or a difficult start to the day, using the information supplied by the parent or carer and sharing this with teachers so they are aware. Sometimes allowing the student to spend time with me in the SEND Base until they feel able to attend lessons.
- In class support to ensure teachers are following the requirements of the EHCP and the student’s individual support plan are being met.
- Keeping records of meetings with parents and outside professionals.
- Updating student records, including all Student Support Plans for each student on the SEND Register.
- Lead for 6th Form Peer Mentoring Scheme. Training of all 6th Form Mentors in all needs of SEND mentees. This includes ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia and SEMH. This also includes teaching the need for confidentiality and safeguarding.
- Ensuring students have the correct access arrangements.
- Additional note: I was Pupil Premium Champion in 2020 covering maternity leave.
References
available on request
Certification
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
- ELKLAN (accredited course passed)
- Level 5 Dyslexia Specialist Teacher (Dyslexia Matters)
- Penn UK Resilience Teacher
- Oral Language Modifier
- O/A Level English for Business and Professional Use (Dacorum College, Hemel Hempstead)
- O Level: English Language, English Literature Grade C (Grove Hill School, Hemel Hempstead 1977)
- GCE: Social Studies, Geography, Food Technology (Grove Hill School, Hemel Hempstead 1977)
Timeline
Lead Higher Level Teaching Assistant/Autism Lead
The Hemel Hempstead School
02.2000 - Current
Customer Assisant
Sainsburys
01.1996 - 01.2011
Customer Assistant
Somerfield Supermarket
01.1995 - 01.1996
Clerical Worker
BOC
01.1990 - 01.1995
Clerk Typist
BSI
01.1978 - 01.1989
Bank Teller
National Westminster Bank
01.1977 - 01.1978
Bachelor of Philosophy - Special Education (Autism)
University of Birmingham
Bachelor of Philosophy - Advanced Certificate in Autism
University of Birmingham
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