Background
I qualified to teach (BEd (Hons), University of Warwick) in 1985, and initially worked in Primary Schools before specialising in special educational needs and working with adults and children in all key stages. In 1994 I began my journey in Protective Behaviours by completing Foundation Level training and then, in 1998, Intermediate Level/Extended training. I spent the next few years using the process as well as revisiting and co-delivering the training until, in 2003, I felt ready to be observed and assessed in order to become endorsed by PBUK to train Protective Behaviours. From then on I took every opportunity that came my way to facilitate PB training – the majority of this was in educational settings within Northamptonshire.
Between 2010 and 2012 I lead & co-delivered PB Workshops, Foundation & Intermediate P2P Protective Behaviours training across Hertfordshire as part of an Early Intervention Service project for Action for Children and I feel pleased to say that I continue to facilitate and deliver training for Action for Children Children’s Centres in both Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire working with both parents and practitioners. A particularly exciting venture for me has been introducing PBs courses into the study programmes of undergraduate students at the University of Northamptonshire reading Early Childhood Studies as well as making connections with charitable organisations such as the Family Matters Institute and Mayo Children’s Initiative.
My background is therefore working with a wide range of people including babies, children, young people, parents, teachers, early years practitioners and I have knowledge of a wide range of special educational needs. I am also qualified to work as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and voluntary Portage Visitor and was most recently employed to work as a Pre-School Teacher (SEN)/Area SENCo for Northamptonshire Adult & Children’s Services. Finally, I feel pleased to say that I use Protective Behaviours on a daily basis in my work and play, with my family and friends and even my beloved dog Bella!