Darcey

My experience developing trusting and meaningful relationships.

I believe tutoring is all about building strong, trusting, and supportive relationships with young people to cultivate a learning environment that is comfortable and suited to their needs; so, they can grow, not just academically but socially as well. Developing trust is a long process, I am always calm, kind and patient – and don't worry - nothing with shock me and nothing will offend me! Creating relationships through non-academic activities can be important to develop social confidence – at SEMH primary I would join Forrest Schools once a week, outdoor nature walks offer a holistic and enriching experience for children with autism; from sensory stimulation and physical exercise to cognitive development and emotional regulation, having fun with the students doing something practical provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for their growth and development.

My experience to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

When I have taught SEMH Primary, I specialised in teaching nurture groups and creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Many students had lower levels of Maths and English than their age group, I would use intervention time to support with phonics, arithmetic, and writing (using social stories to encourage a positive attitude towards difference), using creative ways to engage them. Many of these students have a lack of self-confidence and see themselves as ‘failing'. I have done years of work with these students and learnt how to build their confidence back up. This is usually through building a trusting relationship and using Carol Dweck's research into the ‘Growth mindset'. I have seen my students build confidence, not only in their schoolwork but socially as well! Which is always a joy to see!

My experience providing engaging sessions to inspire a love of learning.

As a class teacher, I love when I can provide specialist 1:1 support for my students – this is one of the reasons why I wanted to tutor. I feel 1:1 sessions are integral to a young person's world of learning, all of my sessions are built around your young person, providing support they needs and zoning-in on their specific interests. I have used: music therapy, sensory play, art projects and storytelling to encourage communication development. Tracking progress, and celebrating 'little wins' is so important so your young person can take ownership over their learning, and see their own development!

My specialist experience supporting young people to develop their independence.

I work with young people day-to-day with SEN needs; I work with them to develop independence in social skills, creating friendships, and develop tools to help with mental wellbeing. By providing scaffolded support, giving young people choices, using assisted devices, setting goals, providing challenge/competition, and celebrating progress! This is one of the favourite parts of my job – young people doing things they never thought they could do!!

I found Sensational Tutors probably in the same way you did; searching for a way to bridge gaps outside of the classroom, to build confidence in our young people and facilitate a love of learning. I genuinely adore what I do, I put all my heart and soul into supporting the young minds I teach. There is no one size fits all in teaching, I have always created a picture of my students needs and ambitions quickly, developing resources made just for them and their interests.

I am a fun, caring and passionate experienced English teacher with QTS, I have experience teaching; GCSE syllabus, A level syllabus, functional skills, nurture groups and have specialised in teaching students with SEND and SEMH needs. I have a strong belief in continuous learning, as I hope you can see from my academic profile and personal developments. In my teaching career I have specialised in working with students with ADHD, PDA, SEMH and autism. I am always researching and updating myself on the most recent research in teaching pedagogy to support my students in the best way possible.

I have taught in SEMH Primary and Secondary Schools, and I have spent the last few years teaching GCSE resit in colleges across Yorkshire. I try to cultivate a way to support each and every student's individual needs to support their learning. I use specific resources that I create for each student so they are able to access the work. I support students through challenges to learning and I try to find what's stopping them from progressing or accessing the learning. I investigate their prior knowledge and look for gaps in their learning – I feel targeted revision really works for seeing progress.