I am a highly qualified educator with 25+ years experience working with pupils with high levels of anxiety, ASD and ADHD. During that time, I have undertaken a number of leadership roles; Art Co-Ordinator, Design and Technology Co-Ordinator and Head of Creative Arts. As Head of Creative Arts, I was responsible for updating and delivering the primary curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2, which included Literacy, Art and DT, Drama and Music. My role involved the writing and implementing the Schemes of Work for DT, and providing training for the staff in order to deliver the curriculum to all pupils. This made me become very aware of individual needs and the importance of making this subject accessible for all pupils.
After teaching for five years, I had the opportunity to experience teaching in New Zealand, as part of a teacher exchange programme. This was a very challenging but exciting time for me, where I had the opportunity to teach a Year 6 class, and deliver lessons on topics that I had never taught before. The class were a mix of nationalities, and for some English was not their first language. I had to adapt my teaching style, accordingly, in order to accommodate their language needs, and help them to feel confident in the classroom.
My specialist experience teaching pupils on the autism spectrum ASD: I have extensive experience working with pupils with ASD, as I work for my local authority as a 1:1 tutor. I have been working as a 1:1 tutor for over 6 years now and have worked alongside pupils in their homes, schools or other location. I also have valuable experience as a SEN teaching assistant, working in a SEN school, supporting pupils with ASD. This made me very aware of the need to give clear, succinct instructions and to use visual aids to support processing skills. I have worked with a Year 9 pupil, who had been diagnosed ASD, and I started teaching them at the family home, but the pupil would struggle getting up for my sessions. I gradually developed a trusting working relationship with him and he began to improve his ability to engage with me. He, eventually, agreed to work with me at a different location, in order that he could leave the house. I worked with this pupil for three years and he, eventually, was able to sit his maths GCSE Foundations exam and passed with a grade 4. He also passed his Level 1 English Functional Skills. This was a huge achievement for him and enabled him to get a job at a local Premier Inn.
My specialist experience teaching pupils with high levels of anxiety: I have recently worked with a Yr11 pupil, who could not physically cope with any work that was related to GCSE English or Maths. She would not want to leave the house or entertain the idea of attending another place of education. I got to know her well and gained her trust by incorporating her passion for tarantulas, within her English work. She kept over 50+ tarantulas in her house! I supported her in attending a college interview and looking round other Colleges. I was also key in helping the family apply for an EHC plan, in order for her to receive the important support she needed for Yr12.
My specialist experience teaching pupils with ADHD: I tutored a Year 1 pupil, who had been expelled from his Primary School due to his violent behaviour. I worked with him for four months, working on basic number and phonics, but incorporated a mix of other curriculum areas such as science, art and music. I was able to encourage him to try another school, and with a lot of help from another local primary school, he gradually got back into a school setting. I would meet him at the school so he could have lunch with the Year 1 class and then I would teach him 1:1 in a separate room. This was a great success as he managed to stay in mainstream education.
My specialist experience teaching pupils with PDA: As a 1:1 SEN tutor, I have had the privilege to work with children diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). My instructional approach centres on the crafting individualised strategies that provide students with a sense of control, employing subtle methods that involve asking without explicitly asking. By limiting the range of choices available can potentially help reduce the risk of intense emotions, anxiety and a sense of panic developing. When working with this condition, I prioritise flexibility and adaptation in communication and expectations. Building a supportive and trusting relationship is so important, as these students often struggle with traditional methods of authority and control.
My specialist experience of teaching the Primary Curriculum- I am a qualified Primary School teacher and have taught across off the Key Stages. I have had the responsibility of planning and writing policies for the Creative Arts Curriculum, and developing units of work to support these areas. I very much enjoy the creative side of education, making sessions practical and engaging, and planned around the interests of my students.
My specialist experience teaching pupils with professional qualifications: As a 1:1 SEN tutor, I have had the privilege of helping Year 11 pupils achieve professional qualifications, including Functional Skills English Level 1 and Foundations Level Maths GCSE. I try to make my sessions as creative as possible, especially when covering exam questions, as it helps to build their confidence and resilience in the subject.
