James C

My experience working with autistic students:  Over my 19 years in education I have specialised working with young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) from Special school settings to Further Education and Higher Education. I am well versed in supporting young people with identifying special interests finding transferable skills and developing broader array of skills transferable to academic pursuits, relationships and life.   I have recently contributed to the Dept of Welfare and Pensions review in to Autism and employment and how educational experiences impact the potential development of a young person with autism finding confidence and pathways in to successful transitions in to adulthood their community and become economically active where possible.

My experience working with students with anxiety: Through each avenue of education I have been lucky enough to experience many young people have displayed a high level of anxiety around study, institutions and the future. Understanding the impact of anxiety on successful experiences of relationships and learning is paramount to my delivery.  Anxiety around learning can be a barrier to progression through the stages of our life.  Through a considered approach to teaching and learning, over time, anxiety related to learning experiences can reduce and the young person can re-write the experiences and worries that learning/schools and classrooms can present.

My experience working with students with ADHD/focus and concentration needs: I have many years of experience in working with young people and adults with ADHD and difficulties with concentration. With observation and an effective flow of communication I have been able to work with my students to form methods and strategies for developing an improved output for academic work and methods of concentration for social skills and transferable skills for relationships and the workplace.

This has flowed in to supporting young people with processing needs.  Creating a relationship of trust and taking the stress out of learning with realistic expectations and celebration of success my students and I have been successful in achieving outcomes towards academic ability and life skills.

My experience re-engaging students with challenging behaviour: Through all my work there has been a golden thread of re-engagement into education and community.  I have dedicated my career in education, specializing in working with young people who demonstrate challenging behaviour in school. With a passion for making a positive impact, I have honed my skills to create a supportive and nurturing environment for these students. My commitment extends beyond traditional teaching, as I believe in fostering not just academic growth but also personal development. Through patience, empathy, and tailored strategies which include joint behaviour contracts designed by the students and myself.

I have a high success rate of support students with challenging behaviour back into employment and education and have details of success rates upon request.

As an extension to my work with young people who present challenges due to their barriers to education and in the wake of the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, I have recognised the profound impact on students’ mental well-being, particularly heightened anxiety levels. My approach to teaching extends beyond the conventional classroom setting, acknowledging the unique needs of students navigating high anxiety, exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the post-COVID educational landscape. By fostering a safe and inclusive sessions, I strive to re-engage students in their educational journey. I implement evidence-based practices and personalised strategies, tailoring my approach to meet the diverse needs of each student. Recognising that successful learning requires more than academic support, I am dedicated to addressing the emotional and social aspects of each student’s experience. My goal is not just to educate but to empower, instilling confidence and resilience in students as they navigate their educational paths amidst the uncertainties of a post-pandemic world. Through this holistic approach, I aim to create an environment where every student, regardless of their challenges, feels motivated and supported on their journey towards academic success and personal growth.

My experience working with students with processing/working memory difficulties: My experience of working with young people with working memory difficulties has been enhanced through exposure to training methods and experience in working closely with young people and families to identify methods of delivery which support the acquisition and retention of new information.  Through a holistic approach to delivery, learning and assessment relationships and trust have developed which have, over time resulted in positive results for academic performance and life skills.

My experience working with students with physical disabilities: I have varied experience working with young people with physical disabilities in a range of locations.  My experience includes but is not limited to: Timothy Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, limitations in fine and gross motors skills due to physical trauma and early years illness. My experience in supporting young people has been in Further education, Hospital schools and at the home. With appropriate time, relationship building and a clear and realistic expectation of goals each interaction has been successful in achieving targets both personal and academic for the period of study and support.