Abby Donnelly
Qatar, Doha
Summary
Dedicated and energetic educator with a holistic, play-based approach to learning. Skilled in integrating technology, managing behaviour through positive reinforcement, and creating sensory-rich environments that support student growth. Brings experience from the UK and abroad, building strong relationships with parents and staff while helping students develop resilience, teamwork, and a genuine love of learning.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work history
Preschool Teacher
Doha British School
Doha
08.2021 - 11.2025
- Planned, delivered, and assessed developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with EYFS standards.
- Created safe and inclusive learning environments that fostered curiosity and independence.
- Monitored and communicated progress through observational assessments and tracking systems.
- Collaborated with colleagues and leadership to ensure high-quality educational provision.
- Built strong partnerships with families through effective communication.
- Encouraged parental involvement in their child's education to strengthen home-school connections.
- Applied play-based and inquiry-led approaches to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- Supported children across varying developmental stages and wellbeing requirements.
- Contributed to improvement of classroom routines and behaviour management practices.
Class Teacher
Fun First Nursery
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Mapped children’s progress according to EYFS framework, ensuring tailored learning experiences.
- Developed engaging activities to extend children’s learning based on individual needs.
- Implemented language-rich techniques to support children from BML backgrounds.
- Collaborated effectively with Teaching Assistants, delegating tasks for optimal team performance.
- Organised and led a winter programme catering to diverse ages and abilities.
- Dedicated weekends to support nursery open days and fairs, enhancing community engagement.
- Utilised online platforms like Zoom during remote learning, planning activities to maintain engagement.
- Created a sensory play portfolio, recognised for its comprehensive links to developmental areas.
Care Worker
Bluebird Care
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Developed in-depth understanding of how to deliver care to people with a variety of physical and mental conditions, including children and elderly
- Used initiative when working alone in the community, whilst complying with appropriate regulations and protocols
- Applied CPD training in practice, including first aid (paediatrics and adults), health and safety, food hygiene, oxygen safety, epilepsy, PEG feed and catheter care
- Established strong rapport with patients through effective communication skills resulting in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
- Became a highly requested care worker for a number of clients throughout period of employment
Early Years Educator
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery
05.2017 - 06.2018
- Documenting observations of child-initiated play using an interactive online learning journal
- Participating in meetings, liaising with parents and other professionals to work collaboratively
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues to plan and deliver high-quality educational programmes
- Organised exciting extracurricular activities that promoted cultural understanding and diversity awareness among pupils
- Participated actively in continuous professional development sessions, boosting teaching competency levels over time.
- Enhanced children's literacy skills by implementing engaging phonics activities.
- Coordinated closely with other staff members for efficient planning of holiday events and school outings.
Education
Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language -
TEFL Academy
02/2019 - 06/2019
CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Colchester Institute
05/2017 - 10/2018
Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Autism
The Skills Network
07/2017 - 09/2017
Level 3 Diploma - Health and Social Care
Step Up Training
08/2014 - 08/2015
Skills
- Patience and resilience
- Technology integration in lessons
- Behaviour management training
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Play-based learning
- Sensory play implementation
- Conflict resolution in classroom
- Holistic approach to education
- Phonics training
Affiliations
- Gym
- Travelling
- Reading
- Volunteering – helping out at animal rescue centres
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Preschool Teacher
Doha British School
08.2021 - 11.2025
Class Teacher
Fun First Nursery
02.2019 - 08.2021
Early Years Educator
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery
05.2017 - 06.2018
Care Worker
Bluebird Care
01.2012 - 01.2019
Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language -
TEFL Academy
02/2019 - 06/2019
CACHE Level 3 Diploma - Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Colchester Institute
05/2017 - 10/2018
Level 2 Certificate - Understanding Autism
The Skills Network
07/2017 - 09/2017
Level 3 Diploma - Health and Social Care
Step Up Training
08/2014 - 08/2015