Hannah

Throughout my career, I have had vast experience of working with pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, both in mainstream and specialist settings. I have seen first hand the challenges that young people can face with their ability to access school and I am incredibly proud to support these young people to access education in a trusting, supportive and inclusive environment. I started my career at an ASD specialist school where I spent five years as a Lead Teacher for English and consequently SENCo. I then moved to a mainstream secondary school where I worked as a SEN teacher and SENCo before I moved to my current employment as a Regional SENCo and Deputy Head Teacher. I have taught to a range of needs and abilities from non-verbal pupils, with speech, language and communication difficulties who are working on the prerequisites to learning; to young adults with additional needs completing their A-Level exams. I have always demonstrated a commitment and desire to improve outcomes for all the young people I have worked with and I have worked vigorously to plan, implement and assess pupil progress to ensure their needs are met. I am fiercely passionate about what I do.

As a SENCo, I have a good knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015), Children and Families Act (2014) and Equality Act (2010) as well as other relevant SEN legislation, particularly with regards to the recently published schools white paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving. I am knowledgeable with regards to the local offer and have experience working with a range of local authorities with confidence and within legal framework.

As an experienced secondary SEND teacher, I have an excellent understanding of curriculum and assessment requirements for KS3 and KS4 across the board. I have developed English curriculums for pupils of all ages and abilities, ensuring that I keep up-to-date with changes to JCQ regulations and awarding body standards too. I have experience entering pupils for, and delivering the curriculum around Functional Skills, GCSE and A-Level in mainstream and SEND settings.

My lessons are creative and engaging: I have taught 1:1, small group and in class sizes of up to 30 pupils with a range of needs.

I believe building positive, professional relationships is paramount and it is imperative that families feel supported and heard, particularly with so many young people having negative experiences with education. Not only am I a teacher but an advocate for those who need it too.