Noel Smith is an experienced Early Years Practitioner who specialises in working with children and young adults’ aged between 4 – 19 with special educational needs (SEN). With over twenty years experience and actively working in a professional setting for the last four years Noel has gained enough knowledge to understand the importance of meeting children at their point of need and current stage of development. Being able to create engaging and accessible content that captures children’s imagination and holds their attention long enough for them to actively participate in their own learning is the primary focus of each children’s book that will be written.
‘The Adventures of Mr. Bumble’ is an excellent example of this and will teach children valuable lessons about the world around them along with the important role bees play in our ecosystem. Parents and educators alike can use this book to spark discussions and inspire children to take an active role in protecting the planet.
It takes a big heart to shape little minds.
– Unknown
Noel found the perfect opportunity to begin a new career as an Early Years Practitioner and Special Educational Needs Classroom Assistant in January 2021 having just returned home to Belfast, Northern Ireland after living in Toronto, Canada for three years. At the time COVID-19 was unpredictable and the global lockdown had stopped the Canadian immigration and Citizenship department processing Noel’s application for permanent residency. His previous career was a hair stylist and he worked in one of the most renowned boutique salons in Toronto called ‘bob + paige’ (which is named after two iconic haircuts) and located on Danforth Avenue. After successfully securing a post in a local special needs school Noel soon qualified with a Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.
10 Facts About Me
- The most memorable book from my childhood was ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle.
My favourite book during my teen years was ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapies Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli.
My current favourite book is ‘The Woman in Me’ by Britney Spears.
The book I am most excited for coming out is ‘Heartstopper volume 5’ by Alice Oseman. - Besides books my favourite thing in the world is music. I like pop music and if I had to pick three favourite singers they would be Britney Spears, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
- One of my biggest achievements and proudest moments to date was when I won a dance contest in 2016. I was the winner out of 4,000+ entrants from the UK & Ireland and was flown to Las Vegas to meet Britney Spears during her residency show. It was a dream come true!
- When I was younger I wanted to grow up and become a teacher like Miss. Honey in the movie Matilda. She had a way of making everyone feel special and made learning fun because she was able to involve you. That is how you really learn.
- I lived in Toronto, Canada for three years (2018 – 2021) and worked there as a hair stylist.
- I am currently learning to speak French using the Duolingo app on my phone.
J’ecris un livre sur les abeilles … I am writing a book about bees. - If I could be a super hero I would like my power to be the ability to fly! I could rescue a cat that got stuck high in a tree and I would be able to fly back to Canada to see my friends who still live there.
- I grew up doing different types of dancing and gymnastics. Before I joined a gymnastics club I taught myself how to do a lot of stunts including the splits and cart wheels.
- In December 2023 I abseiled down Belfast Castle to fundraise for Autism NI and raised over £250.
- The hardest part of my job is having to say goodbye to the pupils at the end of every school year.
