Emily Smith

“Working within Affinity Learning Partnership offers the chance to make a genuine difference through early intervention and family support. The Trust values of Belong, Progress and Thrive reflect a shared belief in empowering families, strengthening relationships and supporting children to reach their full potential.”

From a young age, I knew my career path would involve supporting children and families. This clarity of purpose guided my entire educational journey, driving me to focus my studies on understanding child development and family dynamics.

After completing my qualifications, I spent several years working abroad, completing nine seasons in international settings. This experience was invaluable, teaching me how to adapt to different cultures and support families in high energy, fast paced environments. Upon returning to the UK, I was determined to build a well-rounded foundation for my 'end goal' role as an Early Help Practitioner. To ensure I understood the full spectrum of a child's journey, I intentionally gained experience across the entire educational landscape working in nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools, as well as gaining specialist insight within a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).

With 14 years of experience in working with children and families, I joined the Trust to provide families with the practical, hands-on support they need to overcome life's hurdles. As an Early Help Practitioner, I am driven by a commitment to early intervention, I believe that by getting the right support in place at the right time, we can change the trajectory for children and young people. My goal is always to empower families to find their own strengths and to get their voice heard.