Meet The Trainer – Nicole In South Leicester

I am a proud mum to 4 lively children – 2 boys and 2 girls, so I have experienced my own share of the illness, injury and accidents that inevitably happen in childhood. 

I have around 25 years experience of working with children. I worked as a sports coach, dance teacher and volunteered in schools whilst I was studying sport science at college and university.

 After completing my degree, I spent time as a sports coach then progressed onto working as a Teaching Assistant in the PE department at a local college. I quickly trained to become a High Level Teaching Assistant, which then led into teacher training. Once qualified, I worked as a supply teacher to gain experience in different education settings – special school, pupil referral unit, city schools, county schools and primary schools. 

I am incredibly proud of the last 15 years, where I have worked as a primary school teacher in 2 different city schools in Leicester. I have taught from foundation stage up to year 6. 

Alongside my teaching career I am also a foster carer. I started as a respite foster carer, had some short term placements, then got approved for long term placements. I have cared for around 10 children over the past 15 years, including 2 long term.

I spent a few years volunteering as a football coach and first aider for a youth team, from U8’s to U16’s. I was also a beaver scout leader for 2 years at a local group.

Teaching has been my life for so many years now. I am passionate about teaching and truly believe everyone should learn the life skill of first aid. I enjoy passing on the knowledge I have to others and seeing those moments of learning and what I like to call ‘lightbulb moments’ of understanding and enjoyment. 

My hope is that what I teach about first aid will leave my learners feeling confident and empowered. Knowing that in the unfortunate event of accident or illness – you can react and respond before the medical professionals arrive.