Supporting students with anxiety/SEMH/behavioural needs:
Much of my work as both a mainstream teacher and a dedicated SEN tutor has focused on supporting students with emotional and mental health challenges. My work in this area is both a passion and an area of expertise. I have supported many students who have struggled with emotional and mental health challenges and have worked tirelessly to support and nurture students in order to build confidence and raise self-esteem. I have worked very hard to understand the underlying causes of behavioural issues and created bespoke plans to support emotional and mental health needs whilst carefully planning activities to boost academic performance. Over the years, I have built some very strong relationships with the students that I teach and feel continuing pride when I see them go on to thrive and be successful.
Supporting students with ASC:
I have had the privilege of working with many unique and incredible students with ASC in both a mainstream environment and in a one to one capacity. As with all my tutoring work, I focus on building relationships and putting students at ease – whether that be playing a game, engaging in a quiz, or asking a student to become an expert in an area of interest. I work hard to plan activities around areas of interest – giving students an opportunity to be experts in their chosen topic, or selecting texts and activities that I know will be appealing. I ensure that students know what to expect in each activity in order to reduce anxiety and keep routines consistent.
Supporting students with ADHD/ADD:
I am very experienced in supporting students with ADHD/ADD both in the mainstream environment and on a one to one basis. I ensure that sessions are personalised and planned around the needs of the individual – ensuring that students can have brain-breaks, engage with more kinaesthetic learning if needed and also have access to fidget toys when needed. As an experienced and empathetic teacher I can recognise when students are finding things difficult and am very accustomed to thinking on my feet and changing and adapting plans if necessary. I plan carefully structured sessions and incorporate movement breaks to maximise learning.
Supporting students with challenging behaviour:
Having trained and taught in a variety of inner-city schools, I am very experienced in managing challenging behaviour. I have had extensive training in assertive discipline, restorative practice and in de-escalating difficult situations and behaviour. I am able to deal with challenging behaviour in a calm and assertive manner
Teaching KS3, functional skills and GCSE English:
I am a very experienced English teacher and have over 20 years of experience in planning teaching and evaluating KS3 and KS4 English. Over the last five years I have also received training and experience in delivering functional skills English.
Supporting deaf students and students with hearing impairments:
I have worked in a school for the deaf, teaching students both in small groups and on a one to one basis. I consequently have a very good understanding of the learning challenges and social and emotional challenges faced by children with hearing impairments.
Supporting students with chronic illness:
Whilst working for a pupil referral unit, I have supported students suffering with ME/CFS and have gained a very good understanding of the condition. Consequently, I am able to adapt lessons according to pupil capability and am used to structuring lessons to aid energy levels.
