Alexia

As a highly qualified specialist teacher and SENCo with over 20 years experience, I provide expert learning support to children with diverse challenges. I am passionate about supporting children’s learning and my MSc in Psychology of Education (UCL) has helped me develop a unique insight into providing bespoke lessons tailored to children’s individual needs, likes, personalities and voices.  I am dedicated to nurturing students’ emotional, social, academic, and physical development so they thrive in their educational goals and cultivate a true sense of enjoyment in learning.

How I can help: 

Specialist support for SEN students to foster trusting and meaningful relationships:

I firmly believe that an essential ingredient in a child’s progress is the trust they build with the people who support them. I am dedicated to building trusting relationships with my students, helping them thrive by supporting their development of confidence in their own strengths and abilities. My research at UCL on student engagement and relationships, has equipped me with the most effective tools of connection and collaboration. Using this knowledge, I support children by carefully considering their needs, interests and voice in bespoke activities rooted in cultivating inclusion and friendship.  Supporting students in recognising and appreciating their own potentials and talents, is a fundamental stepping stone towards effectively managing SEMH needs and developing the skills, resilience and confidence to thrive in their relationships and friendships.

Specialist support for anxiety and SEMH needs

I am dedicated to supporting my students in managing anxiety by ensuring they have a secure and empathetic environment where they feel valued and understood. My counselling training enables me to personalized strategies and interventions and help students develop coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques tailored to their unique needs. This involves providing sensory tools, establishing structured routines, and encouraging avenues for self-expression and introspection. Collaboration with parents, caregivers, and professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing anxiety and nurturing emotional well-being. Central to my philosophy is empowering children to independently utilize anxiety-soothing techniques and supporting them in acquiring the necessary skills so that they overcome obstacles autonomously.

Professional support for students with Dyslexia:

As a qualified SENCO and inclusion specialist I have had the privilege of teaching a great number of students with dyslexia. I use specialist techniques for phonological processing, working memory and processing speed which include: multisensory input, learner choice and control, CCQs, rhyming, zoning and many more. Supporting students by helping them engage with texts using their individual learning style can have profound effects not only on their learning and confidence but on developing the independence needed to thrive in any learning setting. Other key impactful techniques include: text overload prevention and management, extraneous stimuli block-out and audio and video glossaries. A key focus of my work in helping students with dyslexia is supporting them in changing their narrative around it. It has always been intriguing to see how powerful the effects can be when students identify and appreciate that their challenges and individual learning styles can also be their strength.

Expert teacher in primary and secondary English

As an expert English teacher, I am deeply committed to fostering a profound understanding and appreciation of English language and literature to students of all abilities. With years of experience in teaching primary and secondary English as well as advanced training in teaching methodologies, I adeptly tailor my instruction to meet the diverse needs of my students. I support my students in developing a strong command of grammar, composition, and literary analysis, and I expertly guide my students in developing their communication and critical thinking skills. My passion for English drives me to inspire a love for reading and writing, encouraging my students to explore and express their own ideas creatively and confidently. I continuously pursue professional development to stay current with educational best practices and innovations, ensuring that I can provide the most effective and engaging learning experiences in my lessons across all levels from KS1 to A level. Challenges with attention and/or fine motor skills can often provoke anxiety and resistance in children which can negatively affect their written expression. By using techniques which hone students’ attention and motor skills in enjoyable ways, I help soften and remove resistance to written expression in all subjects. Using differentiated methods to develop writing structure and language, I support children in embracing and celebrating their individual learning styles.

Highly skilled primary and secondary Maths teacher.

As an expert maths teacher in primary, secondary and SEN settings, I am passionate about helping my students develop a deep understanding and love for mathematics. With years of experience and specialized training, I tailor my lessons to meet the individual needs of each student, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. My strong knowledge of mathematical theories and problem-solving techniques enables me to guide students through challenging topics with clarity and confidence. I strive to create a supportive and stimulating learning experience where students feel comfortable exploring different methods and asking questions. Committed to continuous improvement, I stay updated with the latest educational practices and innovations to ensure my teaching is always effective and inspiring.  

Experience in IT School Leadership

Drawing on my experience as Head of ICT at an ‘Outstanding’ school, I ensure my students stay informed about emerging technological trends, while adapting complex concepts to suit diverse learning styles. To engage students effectively, I break down intricate topics into understandable segments, utilizing practical examples and hands-on activities to keep the curriculum relevant and future-focused. With patience, creativity, and a focus on inspiring curiosity and problem-solving, I integrate technology across various subjects, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment that supports the comprehensive student development. of my students’ IT skills.

Specialist teaching in Business studies and Entrepreneurship

In my role as the Learning Specialist for outreach programs I have had the opportunity to set up exciting business projects for SEN students of all abilities; from designing and marketing their own companies to analysing the reasons for the rise or fall of global cooperations. In my lessons, I bring a deep understanding of both theoretical concepts and real-world applications to ensure my students are effectively engaged and inspired throughout. My expertise lies in making complex business principles accessible and engaging by connecting them to current industry practices and trends. I focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both academic success and future careers. By incorporating case studies, interactive projects, and discussions on contemporary business issues, I create a dynamic learning environment that fosters a practical understanding of the subject. My approach ensures that students not only grasp essential business knowledge but also develop the skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced business world.

Specialist experience teaching children and young people with Dysgraphia, DCD/ Dyspraxia:

Over a course of twenty years, I have had the opportunity to support many students with dyspraxia and dysgraphia in both school and home settings. Using techniques such as kinaesthetic learning and concrete manipulatives have helped make a positive impact on the lives of my students. Typically, children facing DCD challenges experience anxiety which can affect their stamina, memory, attention and processing in areas such as: maths, reading and writing. Practices such as: activity oriented- approaches, calming techniques, echoing, tactile engagement and by personalising, I ensure that each of my students reaches a deep level of engagement and understanding of the concepts. It is always a pleasure to see the immense growth in self– confidence that children experience after adopting these techniques and the aptitude with which they can then self-advocate and meet their needs more independently.

Expert support for children with ASC and Speech, Language and Communication needs

In line with the Speech, Language and Communication Framework (SLCF) the tools I use include: reduced language demand, social stories and non-verbal communication tools and continual formative assessment of development. A fundamental component when working  specifically with ASC students managing anxiety and I ensure that children feel safe, in control and empowered within their environment through clear, agreed routines and good rapport. My lesson content is always bespokely planned and structured to provide the sequencing and organisation needed for the individual child with ASC so that they are able to effectively engage with the content and master their learning goals. Using motivating methods and drawing upon your child’s individual interests, I support then in: accessing a broad and interactive curriculum, social understanding and communication, managing change and transition and sensory and information processing. I also ensure that children with ASC develop good knowledge and awareness of their strengths so that they build their self-awareness and develop the self-esteem to reduce frustration and take on new challenges with ease.

Specialist support for students with ADD and ADHD:

Over a course of twenty years, I have had the opportunity to engage in extensive professional development on focus and attention and I have supported students in both school and home settings . I use effective techniques such as kinaesthetic and interactive learning and concrete manipulatives to help students not only connect to their learning but find and use their own voice within it.  Typically, children facing attention challenges experience anxiety which can affect their memory and processing in all core areas such as maths, reading and writing. An integral part of my teaching practice involves techniques which eliminate anxiety and help children approach their tasks in manageable ways which help them not only reach their outcomes but find joy and excitement in their learning. By using highly effective practices such as: pattern finding, repetition, rhyming, I  ensure that all children reach a deep level of understanding of a particular concept so that they can independently build and extend on a topic or task and gain further autonomy in their learning.

Expert support for working memory, processing, cognition and executive functioning needs:

With extensive experience in distributed practice and spaced learning, both rooted in Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting curve, I specialize in supporting children across key areas such as reading, writing, spelling, numeracy skills, comprehension, and processing difficulties which include: sequencing, inference, working memory, and executive function challenges. I prioritize creating a safe and confident learning environment where children feel empowered to ask questions and foster self-advocacy and pride in their learning journeys. By implementing these methods and emphasizing self-awareness and ownership, children can overcome anxieties associated with their challenges and make significant progress in their educational endeavors. Having conducted a research project at UCL on working memory, processing, cognition and executive functioning needs I can support children in effectively managing their attentional control and provide the most recent methods in cognitive flexibility, processing, and memory compensation.

Specialist 11+ Support

Having worked as a leader and class teacher in independent and outstanding mainstream schools, I have extensive experience in supporting children with diverse strengths and abilities in the 11+ process. Through both online and in-person sessions, I expertly guide students in developing life-long skills of critical thinking, reasoning, time-management, resilience and self-advocacy to help them thrive both in the 11+ assessments and in their future education. By applying bespoke methods, my SEN students, are able to successfully complete activities in all areas of the assessment and master the curriculum in maths, comprehension, writing, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and interview approaches. It is always a great pleasure to see my students receive acceptances into their first choice schools. These have included: City of London, St Paul’s, GDST schools, Westminster School, The Latymer, Highgate, Godolphin and Latymer, Malborough College, Godstowe School and many more.

Specialist support for sensory and / or auditory processing needs:

I have had the opportunity to support many children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) and I use a broad range of calming or alerting activities dependent on the individual child’s needs.  I further support students by helping them recognise triggers and apply techniques that contribute to effective and more independent management and self- advocacy. In my role as SEN Specialist, I also gained in- depth experience in working with children with auditory processing difficulties. Using techniques such as chunking, compensatory strategies, visual aids, multi-sensory learning  I help children embrace and experience their learning in ways that are personalized and meaningful to them. I have also had the pleasure of supporting students where sensory and auditory difficulties impeded their abilities to engage in functional play and peer relationships. I have guided very many children’s progress in these significant areas of child development through providing choice and a differentiated sensory friendly environment that minimises sensory overload and anxiety and helps them thrive.

Student confidence and self-esteem coach:  

Helping students develop their confidence and self -esteem, lies at the core of all the work I do. A fundamental aspect in supporting children boost their self-esteem is to help them understand that it is very much about being brave and sharing their ideas and truth in whatever way truly expresses them. I ensure that opportunities are continually created in each lesson to allow students to share their stories and experience a positive reaction. Helping children see the enormous benefits of effort as well as the creative power of failure and how we can use that to adjust and innovate, plays a crucial role in building resilience which is the cornerstone to confidence and self-esteem.

Extensive experience in providing engaging sessions that foster a love of learning:

My teaching style and philosophy is firmly rooted in the development of children’s innate curiosity.  Through activities that are relatable, challenging and motivating I ensure that children’s natural love for learning is nurtured by turning dry activities into engaging experiences. I invest time in getting to know a child’s learning style and tailoring activities so that they are fun, multi-sensory and disruptive to monotonous learning.  Activities include:  puzzle making, game show quizzes, art approaches,  and gaming academic learning to help with digital education. I have 20 years experience in creating learning adventures for children that celebrate education and motivate children into developing their own desire to take deep dives into their learning.

Expertise in fostering student independence:

Independence can have profound effects both on a student’s learning and their general wellbeing in life.  It has always been a pleasure to see my students, as a result of the work that we do, improve their academic performance and increase their motivation and confidence. This boost in self-esteem benefits children both socially and in taking on more varied tasks that help them find a greater sense of belonging in their learning and social environments. The techniques I use include: scaffolded questioning to promote problem-solving, offering choice in activities to encourage accountability and connection to the work, reflection and building a collaborative rapport.