Rachel

My teaching philosophy is rooted in being deeply sensitive to each child’s individual needs and creating a safe, trusting space where they feel calm, valued and ready to learn. I take time to build strong relationships so pupils feel secure enough to take risks, ask questions and believe in their own abilities. I use each child’s interests as a starting point to spark engagement and make learning meaningful, weaving their passions into lessons so they feel motivated and connected. Every session is personalised — from the pace and structure to the strategies and resources — ensuring that support is tailored to their emotional wellbeing as much as their academic goals. Above all, I aim to nurture confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of learning.

I hold a BEd (Hons) degree and bring extensive experience leading teaching and learning across whole‑school settings. As a Deputy Headteacher and Teaching & Learning Lead, I have trained and supported Early Career Teachers, coached staff at all stages of their development, and created personalised professional development plans to strengthen classroom practice. I have taught model lessons for colleagues to observe, demonstrating effective strategies for inclusion, differentiation and high‑quality instruction. My leadership and teaching experience spans EYFS to KS3, including roles as EYFS Lead and Read Write Inc Phonics Lead, giving me a deep understanding of progression, early reading development and the academic and pastoral needs of pupils right through to the transition into secondary learning. Alongside this, I have delivered whole‑school training on pedagogy, SEND and safeguarding, to ensure that teaching across the school is strong, inclusive and responsive to pupils’ needs.