Andrea Cairns

Dedicated Apprenticeship Coach and Mentor empowering learners to achieve qualifications, build confidence, and succeed in the workplace. Skilled in coaching, progress tracking, employer engagement, and tailored support, I foster inclusive, motivating environments that drive retention, performance, and career progression across diverse industries while championing safeguarding, wellbeing, and continuous professional development.

Experienced Early Years Tutor Assessor and education professional with over 31 years’ experience across Early Years, primary education, and workforce development. D32/D33 qualified NVQ Assessor with extensive experience supporting Early Years and Teaching Assistant apprentices at Levels 2 and 3, and strong underpinning knowledge aligned to Level 5 standards.

Highly skilled in learner assessment, portfolio evidence, observations, progress reviews, Functional Skills delivery up to Level 2, and one-to-one coaching. Confident working remotely and across workplace settings, building effective relationships with learners, mentors, and managers.

Passionate about developing Early Years professionals through reflective practice, high-quality feedback, and supportive mentoring, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, compliance, and learner success.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

• Early Years Apprenticeships – Levels 2 & 3 
• Apprenticeship assessment & portfolio building
• D32/D33 NVQ Assessor qualified
• One-to-one learner support & remote delivery
• Workplace observations in Early Years settings
• Functional Skills Maths & English (delivery support and assessment knowledge up to Level 2)
• Learner progress reviews & tracking
• Safeguarding & Prevent (DSL experience)
• Coaching, mentoring & reflective practice
• Strong IT, admin & digital learning skills
• Full UK driving licence & access to vehicle

Work history

Executive Headteacher – Staffordshire

November 2021 

• Delivered mentoring, assessment support, and evidence guidance to Level 2 Early Years and Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentices, supporting successful completion.
• Supported learners through workplace-based assessment, reflective discussions, and professional reviews aligned to apprenticeship standards.
• Provided one-to-one coaching sessions (remote and in-person) to develop occupational competence and confidence.
• Maintained accurate learner documentation, progress tracking, and assessment records.
• Worked closely with mentors and managers to support learner progress and readiness for assessment.
• Acted as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring compliance with safeguarding requirements across multiple settings.

Headteacher – Staffordshire

September 2008 – October 2021

• Mentored and supported Early Years apprentices (Level 2) through structured coaching and assessment discussions.
• Assessed professional practice against Early Years standards, providing clear developmental feedback.
• Supported staff development through reflective practice, observation, and action planning.
• Ensured safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing were embedded in all Early Years provision.

Assistant Headteacher – Staffordshire

September 2003 – August 2008

• Worked as an NVQ Assessor (D32/D33) supporting Early Years practitioners to achieve qualification outcomes.
• Conducted observations, gathered evidence, and assessed competence against occupational standards.
• Maintained accurate assessment documentation and learner records.
• Provided tailored support to meet individual learner needs.

Teacher and SENCO – Staffordshire

September 1998 – August 2003

• Delivered high-quality teaching across EYFS and KS1, creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.
• Acted as NVQ Assessor (D32/33 qualified), supporting Early Years practitioners to achieve professional standards.
• Led on SEND provision, developing and reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and coordinating support with external agencies.
• Provided training and advice to colleagues on differentiation, inclusion, and classroom support strategies.
• Worked closely with parents and carers to ensure strong home–school partnerships for pupils with additional needs.

Class Teacher – Stoke-on-Trent

September 1994 – August 1998

• Planned and delivered engaging lessons across Early Years and Key Stage 1, promoting high standards of learning and behaviour.
• Differentiated teaching to meet the needs of diverse learners and supported pupils with SEND.
• Built positive relationships with parents and the wider school community to support pupil progress.
• Contributed to extracurricular activities and whole-school initiatives to enrich the pupil experience.

D32/D33 NVQ Assessor Award

BEd (Hons) – Manchester Metropolitan University

PG Certificate & Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management

NPQH – National Professional Qualification for Headteachers

ILM Level 5 Coaching & Mentoring (commenced Jan 2026)

GCSEs & A Levels including Maths and English

(Full details available on request)