Ruth Kavanagh Email & Phone Number

Throughout my 16 years experience as a class teacher, of which 9 years was in leadership, I have developed a sound knowledge and understanding of autism, associated learning difficulties, specific classroom practice and how the curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of individual pupils. I am confident when supporting colleagues to ensure that they are able to support and provide outstanding teaching and learning throughout the school day, both in and out of the classroom, and to deliver personalised learning, care and development to encourage and help students receive the best possible education. I have experience of monitoring planning and supporting teachers when writing reports in order to ensure parents and other professionals are able to share progress and develop new outcomes for pupils. Whilst working with and supporting parents I have shown that I can ensure effective communication which enables them to develop practice at home, which in turn provides continuity for the student so that they can generalise skills. I have worked with different professionals, including those from other schools, to provide continuity through the transition of students from one class to another class, and also from primary education into secondary school and / or mainstream education. I have coached and mentored colleagues through my previous role as Phase Leader and Lunchtime Co-ordinator. I am able to identify individual strengths in my colleagues and support them to identify where they need to develop their practice. I have demonstrated this when supporting new staff throughout their probationary periods and when carrying out appraisals for Teachers and Support Staff. I have participated in leadership and solution focused thinking courses which have helped me develop my ability to resolve conflict situations. I am able to liaise with the Senior Leadership Team to provide continuity for staff and pupils throughout the school. I have developed a new Key Stage 1 department at my current school, alongside the EYFS manager. This development has ensured consistency in practice and assessment from EYFS through KS1 which enables all students to have the experience and skills to support their learning throughout their education. I have also supported the development of an EYFS approach to the Key Stage 1 curriculum which has enabled teachers to demonstrate progress across not only curriculum specific areas, but also across the areas of self-help, fine and gross motor skills, and communication skills.