As you will have noted from the details stated on my application form, I am a History of Art graduate with a Masters Degree in Visual Cultures and several years of experience of working in visitor services in busy museum and tourist attractions. I always had a keen interest in Museum Education for several years now and I have had many varied experiences related to this field, which have strengthened my desire to follow this career path. My varied educational and professional background offered me the opportunity to teach and relate with children and adults.

Working at the British Museum gave me the chance to keep up-to-date on educational issues, especially the National Curriculum, as I support staff with educational programmes and other events, dealing with Adult Programmes, Access Community and Outreach, Families, Young People aged 14-21, Schools and other audiences. Having regularly attended briefings and trainings, such as Objects Handling, Access, and Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, I have developed a good knowledge of inclusive learning opportunities to all young visitors and the range of facilities for people with visual, hearing, learning and mobility impairments.

Since 2004 I have worked as a volunteer in the Learning Centre at Somerset House, helping to keep the education rooms tidy and well-stocked and supporting the Learning Department freelance educators in greeting groups, organising visits in the galleries, preparing materials for sessions and delivering appropriate duty of care to workshop participants, especially young people, vulnerable adults and children with special needs.

I have also given out and collected evaluation forms at the end of each session and performed basic administrative tasks, such as updating the contacts lists, helping with mailings, inputting data of statistics. My casual position at the National Portrait Gallery involves assisting with the smooth running of special events, such as lectures, talks and life drawing in the galleries, supporting lecturers and freelance educators. The job involves also setting and cleaning up, returning furniture materials and equipment to the original storage areas, and returning appropriate keys to the Control Room and Manager Office.

I am continuously curious and enthusiastic, and being a teacher of Italian to further education students, I know how to organise the overall structure of a course, preparing lesson plans and applying my creative skills within a project. I have worked in many museums and heritage sites, covering either paid or voluntary positions. I thoroughly enjoy the whole experience of working with the public and being the main point of reference, supporting staff with educational programmes and dealing with security procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.

Working at the British Museum I have also daily experience in dealing with national and foreign school and group visits, in person, on the telephone and by email. My attention to detail helps me to make accurate bookings, providing all the relevant information about the Museum, and the facilities and the activities on offer. I am therefore able to provide excellent customer care to all visitors and also members of staff, responding to any enquiries in a professional manner. I am patient and empathic and I know well how to work under