Amy Meddings

I began my role at Firbank working short morning shifts where I would work alongside one other educator as the Before School Care (BSC) team from 7-9. During this time I built strong relationships with children of varying age groups, being a comforting, familiar face first thing in the morning and someone who could help a tricky morning transition feel a little easier. Prior to the arrival of the students, sometimes up to 20 in the program, the mornings consisted of setting up the BSC space to make it vibrant and inviting, with resources that provided rich learning opportunities for the children within the space. From this BSC period I would then be an additional support to the ELC3 team. Here I would assist in any way I could, sometimes with children with behavioural issues or just to assist with extra supervision and scaffolding learning. After 3 months in this position I was then offered to be in charge of BSC and my work in the classroom increased, working within all five of Firbank's ELC classrooms. I took on this role with great confidence and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Due to my covering schedule requiring me to move around a lot I was able to get to know the entirety of ELC children and staff and became very competent at picking up each rooms procedures and routines, very quickly adapting myself to new situations and environments. I was passionate about using my prior knowledge of dance and music to create spontaneous group times between transitional times of the day, seeing the children's love for moving their body and the benefits it has on their overall wellbeing. I demonstrated. I demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed, considering myself a valuable member of the education team. I was able to support children when confronted with conflicts, using critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make "green choice" decisions. The skills and knowledge I have learnt from working alongside such professional, passionate teachers and co educators has completely changed my practice for the better.

- Building trusting, genuine relationships with families and children within my care.

- Leading a strong, united team to provide the best education we could to the children in our care.

- Approaching any issues head on and consulting with my team.

- Settling children during drop off with a personal response to their needs during what could be a tricky transition of the day.

- Opening and closing shifts in the centre.

- Researching, creating and implementing rich educational experiences for the children ranging from art, dance, music, science, maths, also that were in line with current events and calender days.

- Writing weekly reflections for families and critically reflecting on my own practice.
- Serving food at meal times.
- Implementing experiences.
- Administering medication and documenting the administration. - Report writing.
- Daily observations on children which would then be included and further developed into reports at the end of each term.

- Planned, prepared and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.

- Assisted with coordination and administration of complete dance program.
- Choreographed [Number] dance numbers for school's year-end recital.

- Maintained thorough documentation for all classes, payments and appointments.
- Planned and oversaw group, couples and individual dance

performances.
- Prepared classrooms for new student groups.
- Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Coached individual students on by-appointment basis with personalized dance teaching and support.
- Adhered to studio guidelines and legal requirements.
- Managed supply inventory and maintained facility equipment in good working order.
- Performed at different types of events as professional dancer.

- Utilised different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.

- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Upheld all studio guidelines and legal requirements.

- Planned, prepared and delivered lesson plans introducing students to different techniques, steps and positions.
- Pre planned lessons, which included strength and conditioning sequences, technique exercises and choreographed routines.

- Responsibly managed classes, planning to ensure consistent smooth running of delivery.

- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Coached groups and individual students in private lessons, providing personalized teaching and support to best meet bespoke needs.

Upheld all studio guidelines and legal requirements.
- Pre planning lessons for each week, ensuring that every lesson is diverse and structured for the children.
- Prepared and delivered carefully crated lessons to introduce students to proper dance technique and positions while building knowledge of genres.
- Instructed groups of up to 15 students, with particular focus on Jazz, Hip Hop and Lyrical.
- Kept classrooms tidy and clean for classes

• Planned routines for recitals and performances.
• Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves - (jazz and commercial).
• Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
• Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to new ways of movement and furthering their skill development in all genres.