Elli Smith Email & Phone Number

In all of my work experience, I have found that my respectful and approachable nature has served me well in building strong, trusting relationships with students. Alongside my job responsibilities, I also prioritise ensuring that students feel valued, safe and comfortable in their studies and their social circles. In my role in a Montessori School in Malaga, Spain, I was responsible for teaching English as a foreign language to a group of international students aged between 5 and 12 years. Alongside these lessons, I was also responsible for observing the children's behaviours, tendencies and decision making processes while in the classroom and at break times. These observations were key to understanding the development and emotional state of the children in my care. My relationship with my managers and the stakeholders of the school strengthened throughout my time at the school and my observations in lessons lead to interventions in the form of assessments of behaviour being carried out by professionals and increased support from parents in certain areas Since I started my studies in my Psychology MSc, I have developed my skills in managing my own progress in my learning and in my work. I have remained self-motivated to complete my assessments in my studies, despite working full-time in a specialist school at the same time. I have submitted all assignments on time and am working towards achieving a distinction. This blended learning format shows my competency with computers and software and my ability to learn in a variety of settings using a variety of learning methods. An integral part of my work with vulnerable children and young people at Moor House School and College is encouraging the service user's involvement in the decision made about their own care and education. This helps develop their independence and ultimately allows students to take leadership in lifestyle choices and learning. In seeing the progress that young people have made in my work at Moor House College and Casa Del Mar Montessori School, this approach has grown to be a key part of the support I provide. I believe I instil confidence in service users by giving them independence to make their own choices, and face the consequences of those decisions, under my observation and support if necessary.My desire to give young people a voice has grown throughout my career as I have seen the impact this can have on decisions made within the organisation, but also on the young people who have made that input. Their confidence in their abilities develops and their self-esteem improves.