As a qualified teacher with specialism in Special Educational Needs, and as an SEN tutor, I have devoted my career to supporting students with diverse needs and I am passionate about making learning accessible and enjoyable for all. Throughout my journey in education, I have taken on various roles, including gaining an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and becoming Mental Health Lead within the school. In this capacity, I received additional specialised training and led initiatives aimed at prioritising students’ mental health, particularly during the challenging post-Covid period.
Building strong relationships with my students is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I am committed to providing a safe, engaging environment, with the aim of developing students’ self esteem and confidence in their abilities, and where mutual respect between teacher and learner is a priority. Lessons are planned with each individual learner in mind, striving to nurture their individual skills and talents and to help each student achieve to the best of their capabilities.
Experience supporting students with anxiety/SEMH/behavioural needs:
The emotional/mental health of my students has been a priority for me throughout my teaching career. I have an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and worked as Mental Health Lead in school, before training as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist alongside tutoring. As both a teacher and a trainee Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, I have worked with many students who have struggled in school due to emotional and mental health challenges, such as anxiety. I am experienced and knowledge in techniques to help students manage their anxiety, breaking down their barriers to learning and helping students to grow in self-confidence. I strongly believe in building trusting, meaningful relationships with my students, and always aim to be available with emotional support and a listening ear, as well as academic support.
My experience over the years has taught me the importance of understanding the underlying causes of behavioural issues and adapting my approach to support each child’s emotional and academic growth. Having strong relationships with my students and their families is key to creating a safe and understanding environment. I always aim to support students in feeling secure and understood, which is so important for helping them develop positive behaviours and enjoy their learning experience.
Experience teaching primary English and Maths:
With over 8 years of experience teaching the primary curriculum, I have worked both as a class teacher for Years 4, 5, and 6, and as a 1:1 tutor. I am highly skilled in delivering engaging Maths and English lessons that cater to a range of abilities, ensuring students are both supported and challenged. I am well-versed in planning and differentiating lessons, with a focus on building strong numeracy and literacy skills. I monitor progress and provide targeted interventions, ensuring all students meet or exceed expectations to the best of their ability. My 1:1 tutoring experience has allowed me to offer personalised support, helping students gain confidence and achieve their academic goals.
Experience supporting students with dyslexia:
I have developed specialised approaches to help students with dyslexia overcome reading and writing challenges, focusing on multi-sensory learning techniques that match their unique learning styles. I understand the emotional impact that dyslexia can have on a child’s self-esteem, so I make sure to create a warm and encouraging atmosphere where students can develop their literacy skills at their own pace. Through a variety of strategies including guided reading, targeted spelling and handwriting programmes, proof-reading exercises and creative and engaging writing tasks, I aim to empower students to feel confident and capable in their learning.
Experience supporting students with DCD:
When teaching students with DCD (dyspraxia), dyslexia and dyscalculia, I use a structured approach to help them master topics and build confidence. I provide clear instructions and adapt lessons to meet individual needs and misconceptions. I understand that students can become easily overwhelmed, and in order to reduce this I use a mix of verbal, written, and visual methods. For students with spatial awareness challenges, I provide adapted resources for better engagement. I also focus on hands-on support for motor skills, allowing students to practice until they feel confident. Additionally, I incorporate strategies like simplifying instructions and allowing extra practice time to create a supportive learning environment.
Experience supporting students with ASC:
With over eight years of experience in education, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many children on the Autism Spectrum, both in classroom settings and one-on-one tutoring sessions. As a primary school teacher and full-time SEN tutor, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of students with ASC, which are so individual for every learner. My training in child and adolescent psychotherapy gives me additional insight into the emotional and social challenges these students often face, and I prioritise the wellbeing my of students above all. I find that using structured teaching strategies, like visual schedules, social stories, and consistent routines, can really help students to understand what’s expected and feel comfortable in their learning environment. I love creating individualized learning plans that cater to each child’s strengths and interests, helping them build confidence and develop essential skills in a supportive space.
Experience supporting students with ADHD/ADD:
I have worked with many students with ADHD and ADD throughout my career as a teacher and SEN tutor. My experience in both classroom management and personalized tutoring has taught me the importance of using targeted strategies to keep students with ADHD/ADD focused and engaged. I know these conditions can sometimes come with anxiety and frustration, so I always aim to create a calm and structured learning environment. I like to break tasks into smaller steps, include lots of breaks, and use hands-on activities to keep things interesting and dynamic. I also find that visual aids and checklists are helpful tools to support students in staying organised and on track, building their independence and self-confidence.
