Teaching Assistant to School Improvement Lead for Early Years Foundation Stage

Career path of Steph Butler.  

"Whether you are an adult or children I strongly believe that learning should be engaging, challenging, varied and inspirational in an environment that is inclusive, positive and supportive."

From a Teaching Assistant...

"In 2009 my journey into teaching began where I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to gain valuable experience of education being employed as a teaching assistant [for a school within the Trust] working with a variety of different years groups from Nursery to year 2. Working alongside outstanding and inspirational teachers and leaders then gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and carry out my teacher training." 

...to qualified teacher...

"Since qualifying as a teacher in 2014, I have been employed by The Rivers CofE Academy Trust and have had many different roles and responsibilities. I have worked as a Class Teacher and gained experience in both Early Years and KS1. I have also held positions of responsibility leading computing, PSHE, EYFS and, more recently, maths. One of the biggest challenges I have had to date is taking on the role of Assistant Head and having worked closely with the Senior Leadership Team, where I enjoyed the opportunity to continue my passion for inspiring and motivating children to learn, not just in my own class but across the school."

...to School Improvement Lead for EYFS

"During my career I have developed many leadership skills and extended my knowledge greatly, though as someone who believes that that we must love learning for life I recognised that I had so much more to learn. Therefore, the prospect of embarking upon the new role of ‘EYFS school improvement lead’ alongside experienced professionals within the Trust was one I couldn’t miss.  

During my school improvement role, I feel I have learnt more than I could have ever imagined. I have been able to reflect upon my own practice as well as support others to reflect, question and improve their own practice.  I would definitely recommend members of staff take up these opportunities as I personally can see how it has made me more confident and has massively improved my teaching and leadership style.  

It is an honour to think that I am now working with colleagues across the trust to develop their own practice and therefore continuing my passion for inspiring and motivating our youngest children to learn, not only in one setting, but 15."