Lucy

My Specialist Experience Working with Young People with SEN to Develop Trusting and Meaningful Relationships

I am a qualified teacher with 26 years of experience working across mainstream and specialist settings in London, supporting children and young people with Autism, ADHD, SpLD, Dyslexia, anxiety, trauma related needs, communication difficulties, executive function and organisational challenges and complex learning barriers. 

I currently teach a KS4/5 non-verbal class within a specialist SEN school, delivering personalised learning linked to EHCP outcomes with a focus on communication, emotional regulation, sensory learning, and independence.

I am experienced in building trusting relationships with young people who may feel anxious, disengaged, or lacking in confidence. My approach is calm, flexible, and tailored to each child’s individual needs, interests, and communication style. I use strategies including Attention Autism, sensory and play based learning, AAC systems, Interoception, Makaton, and therapeutic approaches inspired by Art and Play Therapy.

I have strong experience supporting children with dyslexia and have achieved great results by implementing  multi sensory teaching, visual supports, scaffolding, and creative approaches that build confidence and engagement, particularly in Primary English and Maths. I am trained in occupational therapies that promote fine motor skills, hand to coordination, hand strength and pencil grip; skills that support the development of writing.

For 18 years, I taught in a mainstream primary school with an integrated Centre for the Deaf, working closely with Teachers of the Deaf to adapt learning for Deaf pupils within integrated classes with a focus on visual prompts, BSL and reduced noise levels. I also worked closely with the SENCo to tailor classroom learning and support children with SEND within our mainstream setting using adaptive techniques.

My Early Years experience strengthened my skills in play based learning, including sensory play, outdoor learning, role play, interoception and emotional regulation.