Sarah

My skills and experience in working with people with SEN to develop trusting and meaningful relationships:

I work holistically with the student to boost their motivation and engagement in learning. I firmly believe that each and every student has tremendous individual potential and it is my job to unlock it! In order to do this, building a safe and trusting (AND FUN!) learning environment.

I have worked with a large range of students with SEN and how I work is so individual to each client. Building that positive rapport with the individual is essential in planning how to proceed.

My clients (parents, guardians and the child/young person) want to feel seen and heard and I do my utmost to respect this and tailor my approaches accordingly.

My specialist experience providing engaging sessions to inspire a Love of Learning

BUILDING A POSITIVE WORKING RAPPORT IS CENTRAL TO ALL OF MY SESSIONS :) My primary focus in all sessions is for my clients to feel secure in our working relationship. I really believe that this underpins every successful lesson. I really feel that without a growth mindset and self-belief, it is very challenging to foster a love of learning. It is important to boost confidence in a particular learning area by establishing prior knowledge and building on this in a pace that is both engaging and enjoyable for the learner.

My skills and experience supporting students with Autism (across the spectrum):

I have vast experience in working with students who have Autism in both classroom and 1-to-1 tuition settings in both Ireland and the UK. I really enjoy getting to know each student and I plan highly-personalised sessions for each student's individual needs; using a variety of methodologies to promote focus and engagement.

I also work with the student's unique interests in order to promote a positive working rapport. I have an in-depth working knowledge of working with students across the entire spectrum and I really enjoy getting to know them and their interests.

My skills and experience delivering the core subjects of Math, English & Science:

I have extensive experience delivering these subjects in both classroom and 1:1 settings. When it comes to the fundamentals of these subjects I never make any assumptions as every student is so deeply unique and varied in their knowledge. I will always start with the basics; embedding confidence in the student at first. I have taught every type of level you can imagine, from teaching an older student to read to working with a young person who was initially recommended for s Special School to obtain Grade 9's in English.

I bring these subjects to life using animations, simulations, videos, quizzes and many more methodologies. I have successfully prepared students for both AQA and Edexcel GCSE in these subjects and well as the International Bacclaureate (IB).

My skills and experience supporting young people to develop their independence:

In order to boost independence it is so important to foster that self-belief and unlock potential. A growth mindset goes a long way in developing the confidence to become more independent within learning. Again, working on a highly personalised basis ensures that I truly understand what they need and what will promote independence.

My experience supporting young people with Mental Health Difficulties:

I have an acute understanding of how Mental Health can really impact learning and I have worked with many clients in an emotionally safe and secure manner. I am trained in Trauma-Informed and Restorative Practices as well as Nurturing Principles.

I have worked with many clients who have difficulties with their Mental Health and it is so important for them to feel safe and secure in the learning environment. The wellbeing of my clients is paramount and takes precedent over everything else. This is why establishing a positive and solid connection is so important to me as a SEN tutor.

My skills and experience working with students with ADHD:

I have worked with a large range of students with ADHD and it is so individual to each client. It could present with concentration, focus, organisation and planning. ..However, again building that rapport with the individual is essential in planning how to proceed.

My skills and experience supporting students with Processing, Focus and Concentration/, or Working Memory Challenges:

This is a case of seeing "what works" for the individual. Most of my clients come to me with at least one of these issues and we work together to see how we can successfully move forward. It is essential to use approaches that appeal to the unique senses of the student and again a multi-sensory learning environment is so vital! Time is of the essence here and it is imperative to ensure the student has enough time to process what is asked in a very clear and concise manner. It is so important to 'chunk' the work into manageable amounts to foster self-esteem which will in turn boost their confidence in themselves.

I use a range of stimulating resources unique to the student's interests. Time is of the essence and it is important to ensure that enough time is given for the student to process what is asked of them and how to complete it in a reasonable timeframe. I also work with schools to ensure appropriate measures are in place to aid the student with the provision of extra time and assistive technology where appropriate.

My experience supporting young people with Speech and Language Needs:

I have worked with a large range of students with S&L difficulties. I am a clear and effective communicator and I have experience in working with those who have expressive and receptive language difficulties. I have previously liaised and trained with Speech & Language therapists on support plans for clients.

My skills and experience supporting students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia:

During my Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (in which I obtained a First Class Honours), I completed a thesis specifically on Dyslexia. Here I learned about the wide-ranging Interventions and Strategies that can be implemented including the importance of a multi-sensory learning environment to find out what "clicks" for the individual. Some interventions include: providing support with additional recording mechanisms such as appropriate literacy software, charts, diagrams, dictaphones, electronic dictionaries, models, voice recognition software and word processors with spellchecker, and the use of line trackers and/or coloured overlays as appropriate.

In terms of Dyspraxia, it runs along a wide spectrum; affecting each individual in a unique way. It may be necessary to work on gross and fine motor skills during the session. Speech and Language may be affected. Again, organisation and planning skills need to embed throughout the sessions.

With regard to working with clients Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia, again I work on a highly personalised and individual basis. Maths concepts can be tricky to embed and I offer activities to appeal to the specific type of learner using a wide range of resources. It is crucial to pinpoint how best to work with my client and what they need to boost their engagement and interaction in sessions.

My skills and experience with Executive Functioning, Exam Technique & Organisational Study Skills:

As a former Exams Officer and Exam Board Assessor, I have a clear understanding of not only Exam Protocol but the fundamentals of Study Skills and simple yet effective Revision Techniques and Organisational Skills. I really value the importance of Self-Assessment so that students can see what they have achieved, what they are currently working on and where they need to go in the future! Clear and effective organisation is key!