Craig Nicholson

Head of Primary/SENDCo. Improving outcomes and provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs for over 10 years.

Greater Brighton and Hove Area

About

Experience

  • Head of Primary/SENDCo at Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit
    Dec 2014 - Present · 11 yrs 8 mos

    Head of Primary and SENDCo at Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit. Responsible for Assessment and tracking progress of pupils, identifying barriers to learning and ensuring a portfolio of high quality interventions are successfully implemented to improve outcomes. Other responsibilities include; staff appraisal and hexagonal review of teaching and learning, support and challenge to the Primary Team, development of primary curriculum and timetabling. contribution to school SEF and SDP, reports to management committee and overseeing the professional development of colleagues by arranging and delivering training for teachers and teaching assistants.

  • Adviser/Classroom Teacher at Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit / The Alternative Centre for Education (ACE
    Sep 2007 - Dec 2014 · 7 yrs 4 mos

    This was a dual role: 1) Adviser - Advising schools, teachers and teaching assistants on how best to manage pupils exhibiting Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties (SEMH) within a mainstream setting. I observed classes and pupils, then met with parents, teachers and school leaders before producing a report detailing the difficulties faced by pupils and recommending strategies which would lead to solutions and improved outcomes. I modeled the delivery of small group work and provided training at group and whole school level. 2) Teacher - Responsible for teaching small groups of children (up to 8 in group) with SEMH difficulties. Developed an expertise in managing, engaging and improving outcomes for pupils. I worked mainly with KS2 pupils but also enhanced my abilities by teaching for two years in a KS3 transition group.

  • Classroom Teacher at Coombe Road Primary School. Brighton and Hove City Council
    Sep 1999 - Aug 2007 · 8 yrs

    Further consolidated and improved my teaching. Gained more experience across all year groups in KS2. Spent 4 years teaching year 6 and enjoyed the challenge of raising pupil achievement for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. ICT coordinator.

  • Classroom Teacher at East Sussex County Council. Highfield Junior School (Now Heron Park)
    Sep 1994 - Aug 1999 · 5 yrs

    Gained invaluable experience as an NQT and developed teaching and classroom management strategies. Gradually accepted more responsibility over the next 4 years. Coordinated DT and ran the school football team.