Kat

My specialist experience working with young people with SEN to develop trusting and meaningful relationships

I am a highly experienced SEND specialist with over 15 years' experience across early years, mainstream and specialist settings. I currently work as a SEND Inclusion Advisor within a Local Authority, supporting children, families, early years settings and schools to understand and meet a wide range of additional needs, from early identification through to more complex SEND profiles.

My approach is calm, relational and child-centred, with a strong emphasis on building trust before introducing learning. I believe behaviour is communication, and I work hard to understand each young person as an individual so they feel safe, understood and respected. This relational approach underpins all of my work and supports young people to engage, participate and thrive.

My experience working with young people with ASC

I have extensive experience supporting autistic children and young people across a wide age range, including those with complex communication, sensory, emotional and learning profiles. My specialist areas include autism, and my training includes Autism Education Trust Training Partner training through the National Autistic Society and The Oliver McGowan Training in Learning Disability and Autism.

I adapt my approach to reduce anxiety, increase predictability and support emotional regulation. I use clear routines, visual supports, structured teaching and a strengths-based approach to help autistic young people feel safe and confident in their learning.

My experience working with young people with anxiety

I have significant experience supporting children and young people whose anxiety affects their confidence, engagement and readiness to learn. Anxiety is one of my specialist areas, and my teaching philosophy highlights the importance of reducing pressure, increasing predictability and helping children feel safe and in control.

I use a calm, reassuring and low-pressure approach, helping to reduce overwhelm and build trust over time. I break learning into manageable steps and prioritise emotional safety so that young people can begin to feel more secure, confident and able to engage.

My experience working with young people with sensory and auditory processing needs

I have experience supporting children and young people with sensory regulation needs, including through my wider SEND practice and my training in Sensory Regulation and Sensory Circuits. I adapt sessions to the child's needs on the day, including using structured but flexible approaches, clear routines, simple instructions, movement and breaks where needed.

I understand that sensory and auditory processing differences can affect attention, communication, regulation and learning. I therefore adapt the pace, language, environment and expectations of sessions to reduce overwhelm and support the young person to feel calm, safe and ready to learn.

My experience working with young people with speech and language needs

Speech and language needs, including non-verbal communication, are one of my specialist areas. I am also an Elklan Tutor for speech and language and have completed Makaton Level 1 training.

I use clear language, modelling, repetition, visuals, practical activities and additional processing time to support understanding and expressive communication. I am experienced in adapting my communication style so that children feel understood and able to participate without unnecessary pressure.

My experience working with young people with SEMH

I have experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. SEMH is one of my specialist areas, alongside trauma/abuse, anxiety, autism, PDA, ADHD and complex SEND.

My approach is calm, relational and trauma-informed. I look beyond behaviour to understand what a child may be communicating, particularly where anxiety, overwhelm or frustration affect engagement. I prioritise emotional safety, consistency and trust, helping young people experience success and develop a more positive view of themselves as learners.

My experience working with young people with complex/medical needs

I have experience supporting children and young people with complex and medical needs, including profiles involving cerebral palsy, brain injury, epilepsy and other needs. Complex and medical needs are one of my specialist areas.

I understand that children with complex or medical needs may require flexible, responsive and carefully adapted support. I take a holistic view of the child, considering their learning, wellbeing, communication, confidence, energy levels and readiness to engage on the day.

My experience teaching primary maths and English

I am a qualified primary teacher with experience supporting children across early years, primary and specialist settings, including pupils up to Year 9. My subjects include Primary Maths, Primary English/literacy and Functional Skills English and Maths. I also hold a PGCert in Primary Mathematics and have specialist experience as a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher.

I teach Maths and English in ways that are personalised, practical and carefully adapted to individual SEND needs. My teaching is engaging, accessible and focused on building confidence, breaking learning into manageable steps and using meaningful, real-life contexts to help young people feel successful and willing to keep trying.

My experience developing confidence and self-esteem

Developing confidence and self-esteem is central to my practice and is one of the areas I support. I place a strong emphasis on helping young people feel successful and confident in themselves as learners.

Many of the children and young people I work with have experienced anxiety, low self-esteem or difficulties around learning. By using a strengths-based approach, reducing pressure and celebrating progress, I help rebuild confidence and support young people to develop a more positive sense of themselves and their abilities.

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

My sessions are designed to be engaging, flexible and enjoyable, often starting with each young person's interests, strengths and motivations. I believe learning is most effective when young people feel relaxed, curious and emotionally safe.

Through creative, personalised approaches, I help young people re-engage with learning and develop enjoyment, confidence and curiosity over time. I adapt sessions to each child's needs on the day, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

My skills and experience supporting young people to develop their independence

I support young people to develop independence by carefully scaffolding learning and gradually reducing support. I break tasks into manageable steps, encourage problem-solving and help young people develop confidence in expressing their needs, ideas and next steps.

My aim is to empower young people to take increasing ownership of their learning while feeling supported, capable and secure. This links closely with my wider SEND practice, including supporting children through transitions, developing confidence, communication, regulation and readiness for learning.