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Sharon & Jo

We are two highly professional, experienced women who have had an ambition for many years to provide day supervision for adults with additional needs.
 

Between us we have over 50 years’ experience, working with a wide range of special needs which include autistic spectrum disorders and multi-sensory impairments. We both know the importance of building communication and self-help skills that help to raise self-esteem and confidence.
 

We have both previously managed Summer Play Schemes that have given us the opportunity to give young people a Fun Packed Day Out in the community.

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Our focus is to provide the key skills needed to enhance independence for life.

Sharon Jones

Hi I’m Sharon,
 

I began my career in the caring profession by attending college for two years gaining a BTEC and NVQ 3 Nursery Nurse qualification and working in a secondary school for students who have complex needs. 

 

This role was extremely really rewarding and motivating therefore having begun my career as a teaching assistant at the school, I decided to attend Northampton University to achieve a Speech and Language Qualification.

 

Then,I progressed into the Augmentative, Alternative Communication Department within the school, helping to build up communication skills.

 

I continued my education for a further five years at university and gained a BA Honours Degree in Teaching and Learning before achieving my Qualified Teacher Status.

 

Having achieved teacher status I had the privilege to work as a class teacher in the school for five years, working within the post-16 Autism, Multi-Sensory, and Profound Multiple learning classes.

 

I am extremely proud of my career thus far and look forward to the future of Fundays, and what we can provide to make the lives of young people as happy and fulfilled as possible.  

Sharon Jones Qualified Teacher PgCert, BA, FdA Fundays Director

Qualified Teacher PgCert, BA, FdA

Fundays Director

Jo Welch

NNEB

Fundays Director

Hi I’m Jo,
 

After attending college for two years gaining my NNEB Nursery Nurse Qualification, I started my career working at a special school were I worked for more than 20 years, with students who had profound multiple learning difficulties.

 

I then helped to set up the Northampton Special Needs Trampoline Gymnastics Academy where I worked as a Fully Qualified Coach; The Academy was a huge success and is still on going to this day.
 

However, I decided to go back into education to continue my career with special needs by working in the designated special provision were I worked for 4 years, gaining my Level 2 British Sign Language Qualification.

 

Presently I have been working in a nursery provision as a Qualified SENCO and Senior Practitioner.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a sessional Worker with children and young adults with severe complex needs, I found this role particularly rewarding as I help children access local youth clubs, discos and provide care in their own home, evenings and weekends.

Our Team Members

Helen

BA Honours Fine Artist

Helen

Hi I'm Helen,

 

I am a very creative, artistic person and I have over 14 years experience working within the care profession.

 

After completing a BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies Art and Design at Northampton University, I went on to gain a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art, successfully exhibiting my art work locally, nationally and worldwide. This led me to plan and deliver art community workshops, assisting in individual care therapy groups, working on artistic development. I continue to create my artwork in my own time and integrate it into art, craft and music sessions for the clients at Fundays. 

 

I worked as a Teaching Assistant in a secure hospital college within the Adolescent Mental Health Unit with young people aged 13-18 years old. I assisted in providing a safe and supportive space where people can enjoy individualised opportunities to learn, achieve and believe in themselves.

 

I was responsible for assisting in maintaining a high level of student care to support and encourage students through gaining Entry Level Art, GCSE and A Level Art. My role in the education team worked alongside other disciplines such as, psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy and medical.

 

I also worked within a SEN School as a TA, supporting and assisting in maintaining a high level of student care, individual needs, developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships and engaging individuals in activities to promote and maintain key life skills. I have experience in the Team Teacch method, Makaton and PMAV.

 

I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to explore opportunities to learn, grow independence and to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. 

Claire 

Team TEACCH, Makaton

Claire

Hi I'm Claire,

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I am a proud mother of two children, my daughter is on the Autistic spectrum, my son is a teacher at a secondary special school.

 

Having a daughter with additional needs has led me into a dedicated 18 year career within a primary special school working with students with profound multiple learning difficulties as a teaching assistant, a role which I found extremely rewarding.

 

I have experience in all forms of Augmentative, Alternative Communication including the TEACCH method, Conductive Education, Play Therapy, Makaton and British Sign Language.

 

I believe in encouraging communication, self-help and promoting skills for life, being part of the community and being happy and having fun.

Marie

Experienced Teaching Assistant

Marie

Hi I'm Marie,

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I joined the Fundays team having spent 18 years at Greenfields Special School. Working closely with teachers and other professionals delivering high quality support for students and their parents, liaising with other professionals to meet all care, medical, physical and Augmentative Alternative Communication needs to provide children with complex needs.

 

The quality of life the deserve in a safe and caring atmosphere.

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I believe quality only happens when you care enough to do your best.

Jane

Qualified Dance - Exercise Instructor

Jane

Hi I'm Jane,

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I am a qualified dance and exercise instructor with over 35 years combined experience and I provide classes for all ages and abilities with a mix of dance and fitness styles, adapted to suit a variety of levels of fitness.

 

I really enjoy coming into Fundays every Monday and Friday morning to provide music, dance and keep fit with the clients and I believe that exercise is a great way to improve socialisation, isolation, co-ordination, mobility, flexibility, balance, tone and strengthen core muscles.

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Community is at the heart of all of my classes as I feel that by bringing people together through exercise encourages friendships, fun and improves overall health and well being.

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You can visit my website here: Work It Out

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