Shelly Higgins has over 15 years of experience in childcare and management roles. She has a Level 5 qualification in Business Management and Level 3 qualifications in Childcare and Playwork. Her experience includes managing a childcare facility and after school programs, where she oversaw staff, developed age-appropriate activities, and ensured regulatory compliance. She currently works as a Childcare and Business Administration Tutor/Assessor, where she delivers qualifications and supports a program for unemployed youth.

1. Shelly Higgins
68 Lawnbrook Avenue
Belfast
Bt13 2QB
07840388422
shelly@paragontrainingni.co.uk
Professional Summary
I am conscientious and professional person who is highly motivated and approachable. Along with
my caring I am an effective listener with a compassionate nature. My professional experiences which
included managing a childcare facility has given me experience and benefited me greatly in my
career. As manager I was responsible for supervising and training my staff and developing age
appropriate programs and standards for my facility. The facility had to be well equipped, safe, clean
and well maintained. Part of this was also ensuring policies and procedures where current and kept
up to date. All files had to be maintained, current, and accurate and kept confidential and up to date.
Reports were kept for various areas including risk assessments for outdoor, offsite visits and each
area of the facility. The accounts had to also be managed including invoicing and budgets used for
the facility. Working in partnership with organisations in the surrounding community was an important
part of my role. I organised onsite training and coordinated activities with many organisations that I
worked alongside including schools, social services and environmental health. My responsibilities
also included ensuring all service users where receiving the very best care. I recognise that
children’s capacity for positive development is enhanced when given a good range of environments
and play opportunities. I am someone who loves children, understands people and can manage
effectively in a n extremely pressurised business.
Key Skills
 Assist suicide first Aid Trained
 Proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office, including Access, Excel, and Word.
 Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
 Experience in managing accounts
 Effective communicator
 Ability to work in partnership with stakeholders including employers, parents, social workers,
apprentices and community groups.
 Ability to remain focused
 Team building skills
 Problem solving skills
 Decision making
 Leadership
 Stress management
Knowledge
 Child development theories and practices
 Safe and appropriate activities for children
 Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures
 Financial management
 Human resource management
 Child program development

2.  Risk Assessments
 The impulse to play is innate and socially necessary
 Play is freely chosen
 As play providers, play take precedence and playworkers act as advocates
 Reflective practice is essential
Personal Attributes
 Respectful
 Possess a cultural Awareness
 Flexible
 Sound work ethic
 Consistent and Fair
 Compassionate and understanding
 Ability to build on others self esteem
Employment History
Experience
Paragon Training Dec 10 – Present
Childcare and Business Administration Tutor/ Assessor/ TFS Co-ordinator
 Plan and deliver QCF diploma level 2 and level 3 in Childcare Learning & Development and
Business Administration.
 Work with 16- 24 year old delivering the TFS programme, which includes: induction,
employability, business administration and childcare. I am also the main point of contact for the
TFS clients through the 2-3 year programme.
 Plan and carry out client on-site observations.
 Review candidates progress on a regular basis.
 Work closely with employers to develop good relationships for placements.
 Increasing client confidence and self-esteem.
 Provide a safe environment for youths who often lead chaotic lifestyles.
 Raise awareness of personal issues that may be affecting youths.
 Work in partnership with other organisations such as Farset and Opportunity Youth.
 Maintain and update personal records in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
 Assist in all stages of the implementation and recording of programme activities.
 Update daily systems, staff handover duties and report writing.
Linden Lea After schools Sept 07 - Dec 10
Co-Ordinator
 Managed a team of 3 staff and 4 volunteers.
 Responsibility to organise staff timetables to provide a safe and secure environment for service
users
 Development of new business in accordance with the overall aims and objectives of the
organisation
 Supporting staff
 Conducting staff appraisals and reviewing
 Provide pastoral care
 Designated officer
 Coordinated staff meetings

3.  Employ appropriate staff and carry out necessary checks
 Mentor staff
 Work with outside organisations
 All aspects of finance and accounting procedures.
 Provided activities to encourage development and social skills.
 Ensured good co-ordination of daily school runs.
 Worked closely with schools and parents and outside organisations.
 Promoted healthy eating and provided healthy snacks.
 Created a setting to welcome diversity and encourage equality and inclusion
 Provided opportunities for children to come together and participate in sports events, education
workshops, exploring similarities and differences between communities.
 Responsible for managing risk assessments.
 Policy writing
 Conduct staff training
The Nursery 2006 - 2007
Supervisor
 Managed a team of 2 staff within a large nursery.
 Focused on the baby room including providing activities to encourage development.
 Worked with parents to ensure best care is available to their child.
 Assist staff with both long and short range activities in accordance with curriculum objectives,
development of appropriate practice and program
 Maintain daily open communication with parents
 Maintain confidentiality
 Report any suspect abuse to designated officer
 Arrange an environment in accordance to curriculum
 Maintain a safe and healthy environment
 Inspect and replace damaged or lost materials
 Attend in service and staff meetings
 Keep all appropriate records such as records, attendance and time sheets.
 Carry out and review observations.
 Evaluate plans
Kare Bears 2002-2006
Unit Head
 Managed a team of 3 staff to provide a safe and secure environment for children who attended
after school care and pre school care.
 All aspects of finance and accounting procedures.
 Provided activities to encourage development and social skills.
 Worked closely with schools, parents and outside organisations.
 Created a setting to welcome diversity and encourage equality and inclusion.
 Providing opportunities for children to come together and participate in sporting events and
educational workshops and explore similarities and differences between communities.

4. Education
Education Date
Advice and Guidance ongoing
IQA ongoing
Designated Officer 25/3/14
Child protection refresher 06/4/14
Stress Management 21/3/13
Assist
First Aid suicide awareness 12/12/13
Disability Awareness 01/1/13
Risk Assessment seminar 2011
Northern Regional College 2011
ILM LEVEL 5 in Business Management
Belfast Metropolitan College 2008
A1 Assessors award
Belfast Metropolitan College 2008
Level 3 Playwork
Word Processing RSA level 2&3 2005
Northern Regional College 2003
Level 2 & 3 CCLD
Glengormley High 1994
Educated to GSCE level.

5. Hobbies & Interests
My main interests include spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy keeping fit and
attending the gym. I also enjoy listening to music and attending concerts.
References
References are available upon request.