Maria Cajiao

I am a native Spanish speaker and I have strong passion for education and languages. My aim is to achieve qualified Teacher Status (QTS) so that I can teach Spanish in secondary schools. I have worked as a learning support assistant and I have an excellent track record in supporting and encouraging students to ensure their maximum learning and achievement. I have worked with students for whom English is an additional language, students who communicate using British Sign Language (BSL) and students with Special Educational Needs or have barriers to learning. I am committed to lifelong learning, I am professional with commitment and familiar with the requirements of excellence in delivery.

British Sign language Communicator, Waltham Forest College

March 2025- May 2025

Provided a wide range of communication support including interpreting into British Sign Language and other forms of communication support (e.g., Sign Supported English, note- taking, lip-speaking)
Adapted communication support according to the needs of the students. Facilitated communication between Deaf students and hearing peers and adults.

Prepared and modified teaching materials to suit individual pupils.

Support Manager, Skipvans Ltd Jun 2013 to present

Maintained files and administrative records. Performed bookkeeping for all financial transactions.

Responsible for daily entry of accounting transactions. Prepared financial statements.

Learning Support Assistant, Sept 2021- Feb 2025 Blanche Nevile School

Liaised with the class teacher as to what is being taught and helped with the preparation of resources based on a particular student’s needs.

Facilitated communication and learning through use of British Sign Language.
Supported learning access by signing at an accessible level for the st

Provide pre-tutoring support to ensure students are familiar with new concepts and vocabulary

Learning Support Assistant, City and Islington College

Sept 2018 -July 2019

Liaised effectively with staff by sharing information about the progress and development of students.
Used a range of techniques to ensure the target student understood the task. Developed an appropriate teaching and learning resources to support and enhance students' learning.

Learning Support Assistant, Sept 2009- May 2013 Clapton Girls’ Academy

Liaised with designated teachers to monitor, assess and record learning.
Supported the development of literacy and numeracy and ensured students of all abilities were able to access the curriculum.

Carried out assessments to improve EAL pupils’ progress and confidence.
Adapted teaching instructions to match EAL students’ needs

Kingston University

Sept 2024-July 2025

Special Education Needs & Inclusive Practice BA (Hons) top-up

Remark         Oct 2023- Sept 2024 

British Sign Language L3

City Lit          Sept 2019- Jan 2020

British Sign Language L2

City Lit           Jan 2019- Jun 2019

British Sign language L1