Mike

My Summary

My Experience

I am experienced, passionate and knowledgeable Pastoral Manager, with teaching experience. During my 20 years of working with children and young people, I have observed the development and progress of students academically, socially, emotionally and morally. I believe that the social development and well-being of a child is pertinent towards a student reaching their academic capabilities, and when given measured consideration, ensure students participate in learning, school life and make significant progress. I strive to nurture these qualities; developing relationships, raising aspirations, and ensuring students achieve their true potential. To do this effectively, we need to help pupils build resilience and tolerance; to develop real-life problem-solving strategies, be socially competent; I believe it is important for pupils to find their sense of purpose and future.

At one the schools I have worked at as a Pastoral Manager, I led the improvement of behaviour and attendance throughout the years 7 to 11. Whilst pupil numbers increased, low level behaviour reduced by 33% and high level by 45%. This was done by making use of the school tracking systems, and by having regular meetings with teachers, heads of departments, the SENCO and SLT, looking at data to ensure that the students in my care were partaking and making progress in all curriculum areas and that their emotional needs were met. I was then able to target specific pupils’ behaviours, isolating catalysts, developing personalised strategies (including the implementation of IBPs including exit passes, peer mentoring and alternative timetables) that drastically reduced referrals, enabling students to take responsibility for their learning, actions and emotions.

Over the years I have worked with pupils who have been struggling with bullying, relationships with family and friends, anxiety, sexuality, medical issues, being in care and with young carers amongst other matters; or they just needed someone to chat to.

As a result of my work in schools I have be able to work with parents and professionals, including Governors, Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, School Nurses and Social Workers to facilitate appropriate action for students and their families through participating in or chairing CAF/TAF, PEP, PP, CP and mediation meetings.

I build relationships with pupils by nurturing them with high standards and expectations whilst being compassionate, consistent, trustworthy, open and, vitally, by being respectful and expecting respect. I believe, in these roles, it is important to be genuine and authentic. My belief is children respond more positively to this and see that ultimately, I am there because I genuinely care.

I relish the opportunity to work with vulnerable pupils one to one, following up on their progress, behaviour and emotional wellbeing, looking at their strengths and sharing techniques that can help them achieve their targets. I have been influenced with the likes of Stephen Peters book ‘The Chimp Paradox’, to help children visualise their emotions, thus finding a way to handle them.

I believe to gain a positive and enduring outlook, pupils need to be motivated, engaged and encouraged to embrace all experiences and aspects of academic and extra-curricular activity, ensuring they develop the self-confidence, self-worth and sense of purpose which raise their aspirations. Positive reinforcement of behaviours has been a fundamental part of my approach when addressing behaviour, underachievement and low attendance. I recognise low self-esteem, confidence and reluctance as major factors affecting success. Regular recognition of efforts, praise and encouragement is vital to build on pupils’ confidence and pride.

I am now using my experience and knowledge as a freelance Mentor.

My Qualifications

Education

Open University
Open Degree June 2014.
Children’s Literature; Keeping ahead in ICT, Technologies for Digital Media.

Dr Susi Strang & Associates
Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, 10th March 2010.

University of Cumbria, Ambleside UK
BA Hons 3YR Primary Education Degree, (Specialist ICT) with QTS, 2 years completed, credits transfer to the Open University (2007/2010).

North Trafford College UK
Access to Higher Education – Teacher Training, 2007/2009.
(English Studies, Mathematics, ICT, Science, History, Drama, Education Studies A level/GCSE Equivalent).

Priestley College, Warrington UK
City & Guilds, National Vocation Qualification.
Play Work Level 3 (2002/2004).

International Correspondence Schools, Glasgow UK
Child Day Care Diploma (2001/2002).


Courses Attended

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training, 2021
De-Escalation, 2021
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 2021
Prevent, e-learning training provide, homeoffice.gov.uk, 2021
Working with Other Agencies, 2021
Safeguarding – FGM, 2021
ADHD, 2021
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and the Impact on Child Development and Wellbeing, 2021
Attachment and Loss, 2021
Child Sexual Exploitation, 2021
County Lines, 2021
Harmful Sexual Behaviours, 2021
Impulsive Behaviour, 2021
Internet Safety, 2021
Introduction to Therapeutic Parenting, 2021
Life Story Work (1 hour), 2021
Managing Challenging Behaviours, 2021
Positive Behaviour Support, 2021
Record Keeping, 2021
Safer Use of Medication, 2021
Social Media, Selfies and Sexting, 2021
Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Looked After Children, 2021
Working in Partnership, 2021
Teaching Students Who Have Suffered Complex Trauma,
Future Learn – Online, 2018
Sexual Health, Lancashire Children & Young Peoples Trust, 2018
Substance misuse, Lancashire Children & Young Peoples Trust, 2018
Parental Mental Health and Families,
Lancashire Children & Young Peoples Trust, 2018
Welcome Host Customer Service Training, Welcome to Excellence, 2006

My Availability

My Fees

• Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
• Tutoring from £20.00 per hour