Louise

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

With over 18 years of experience and more than 13 years in an SLD school, I specialise in building strong, trusting relationships with young people who have a wide range of additional needs. I understand how essential safety, connection, and consistency are in enabling engagement. I take time to understand each learner's interests, sensory profile, communication style, and emotional needs so that our sessions start from a place of trust and genuine connection.

My experience working with young people with Speech and Language needs

I have extensive experience supporting learners with a variety of speech, language, and communication needs. I regularly work alongside SaLT teams to implement personalised communication strategies, including the use of ALDs, ACC, Makaton modelling language, simplifying instructions, and embedding communication naturally into activities. My approach prioritises functional communication, helping young people express themselves, make choices, and feel understood.

My experience working with young people with complex and/or medical needs including brain injuries

Throughout my career I have supported learners with complex medical needs. I used to work in the Great Ormond Street School delivering tailored sessions in the school or in the patients ward. I am confident in adapting activities to meet physical, cognitive, and sensory needs while maintaining safety and dignity. My experience includes working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that learning is accessible, meaningful, and aligned with therapeutic goals.

My experience working with non-speaking young people

The majority of the learners I taught in my 13+ years in an SLD school were non-speaking, and I currently work a range of non-speaking secondary learners. I am highly experienced in using AAC, visual communication systems, gesture, and object-based referencing to support understanding and expression. I am skilled at attuning to subtle cues, body language, and behaviour as communication, ensuring that every young person has a voice and can participate fully in learning.

My experience developing social communication and language skills

I regularly plan and deliver sessions that build early interaction skills such as shared attention, turn-taking, anticipation, and reciprocal communication. I use motivating, interest-led activities and communication-rich routines to strengthen engagement. My work often focuses on functional language development, emotional expression, choice-making, and interaction within meaningful contexts.

My experience developing confidence and self-esteem

Many of the young people I support have faced significant barriers in education, which can affect their confidence. I work from a strengths-based perspective, providing achievable steps and celebrating small successes that feel genuine and motivating. Whether working academically, socially, or through independence skills, I focus on empowering learners to feel proud, capable, and in control of their progress.

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

I design highly personalised sessions that draw on each young person's interests, sensory needs, and communication strengths. Whether using music, movement, sensory exploration, games, real-life tasks, or creative problem-solving, I ensure learning feels enjoyable and meaningful. My goal is to reduce pressure and increase engagement so that learners participate because they want to, not because they feel they have to.

My skills and experience supporting young people to develop their independence

I currently work with secondary learners aged 16–19 on Preparing for Adulthood modules, including communication, self-care, community participation, and functional skills. I break tasks into manageable steps, promote decision-making, and build opportunities for autonomy. My approach supports young people to grow their independence in ways that are realistic, safe, and empowering, whether in daily routines, academic learning, or community-based activities.