Anna Strong

Previous experience in a voluntary capacity at St Winefride’s RC independent primary school when on sabbatical. 8 hours a week over 2 days, lasting 3 years trained as a teaching assistant with LearnDirect, mentored by Mr Goody (Yr 6 class teacher) who enabled me to work 1-2-1 with a child who had issues with spelling, took ”lower set” for maths in adjoining art room ensuring safeguarding protocols followed. Assisted (in line with NSPCC guidelines) walking KS2 children to local swimming baths and formed good professional working relationships with 2 children not on EHCP but needed intervention of child psychologist. Keen to expand knowledge and experience with Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning certificate-the college itself updated to a Diploma. 

Child-led approach is at the heart of everything I set out to do by getting to know their individual characteristics and what their interests are based on to retain attendance at school. Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic primary school enabled me to work alongside Yr 3 teacher with 30 in one year group. Several had English as an Additional Language and required group support.  In line with school policy, worked with “lower set” in corridor area to enthuse learning, inspire and enhance educational experiences. One child not on EHCP often needed guidance to return to the classroom after break and I was able to negotiate the reason why he didn’t want to join in Ukulele lessons (too much noise) and worked on his favourite subject (Maths) in the corridor area at a table when tasked with admin work by class teacher. He eventually agreed the same for French lessons to spend ½ time with me and ½ in the classroom. Three other children in Year 3 also had learning difficulties, manageable when class teacher present in the room however in their absence, difficult to monitor those 4 children, especially when 26 other wanted to learn French and music. This was a common issue even in sight of class teacher for other subjects. SEN and EAL blended in with Year 3 was a wonderful challenge and always remember with happiness that “light bulb” moment, seeing a child understand a concept by reinterpreting the class teachers explanation. 

Unemployed currently 

Previous employer Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School.

6 weeks

St Winefrides RC independent school in a voluntary capacity (3 years).

Central Admissions Officer Shrewsbury College Arts & Technology (covering maternity leave) working 7.30am to 7.30pm during block interview sessions (per contract with no overtime logged), additionally invigilated prospective students numeracy and literacy computer based tests, greeted parents, coordinated with security and IT technicians alerted if PC tests failed plus coordinated with feeder schools in light of references. A young person wishing to become an electrician however epileptic would require a GP letter to confirm if clear for 3 consecutive years and parents would phone me directly to inform clear for 2 years. I would strongly advise to apply and get the GP to state the truth in the hope the secondary school attended would ensure child receives full guidance.