Lauren

I am a very highly experienced qualified specialist teacher with QTS and have recently gained the national SENCO Award. I have 10 years' experience of working with children including those with Special Educational Needs. I work privately on a 1:1 basis and specialise in working with children with speech and communication needs, focus and attention challenges, processing difficulties, autism (including high-functioning), ADHD, dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Processing Disorders - including auditory, spacial and visual. Also trained in supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs such as Anxiety and attachment disorders. I work both within private households and in schools, offering my specialist tutoring and/or consultancy services.

I fundamentally believe that boosting confidence and self-esteem, through a play-based and multi-sensory approach, is vital for children's success. I have a thorough knowledge of specialist strategies and interventions that work to enhance the progress of each child. Furthermore, I bring an element of fun and excitement to my sessions to help develop that meaningful and very important bond.

I work closely with parents, teachers and other professionals to ensure that my sessions are differentiated and expertly tailored to address any learning gaps or misconceptions. As a result, the child will achieve mastery of topics and skills  whilst gaining confidence and an enjoyment of learning.

I have a strong understanding of how a broad range of factors can affect a student’s social, communication, physical and intellectual development and I have a plentitude of experience in adapting teaching to support these needs and overall enable students to access a wider curriculum.

My Specialist Experience teaching children with communication, speech and language difficulties: As part of my aspiring SENCO position, I have previously implemented a whole school literacy intervention programme aimed at students facing difficulties with speech, language and communication. This programme addressed phonics, handwriting, reading, comprehension and spelling. These literacy interventions have been designed to address gaps in students learning which are holding them back or affecting their confidence and engagement in the classroom. My current roles involve working with bilingual students and supporting any further language needs. This can require mapping of the student’s individual needs against Educational Health and Care Plans and specialist reports to ensure that these needs are at the forefront of their education. Additionally, I work with multiple agencies including Education Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Social Workers.

Specific experience developing focus, attention and concentration skills whilst engaging children in their learning: I develop and provide tailor-made, personalised specialist programmes for students to ensure that they achieve their full potential. My sessions are fun, engaging and creative, which increases not only their confidence and self-esteem but also their focus and enthusiasm. I work to provide a rich and stimulating programme of activities bespoke to your child’s needs and interests. This individual programme ensures that students are able to understand mathematical and literacy concepts at a deeper level, therefore increasing memory retention. I carefully consider the interests of the student to ensure that the learning experience is interesting, relevant and engaging. I work with the students and parents to understand where focus and concentration may be a barrier. Together we formulate a toolbox of strategies or techniques which can allow the student to overcome such barriers both in the classroom and at home.

My specialist experience teaching early years and KS1 through a play-based and multi-sensory approach: I have worked with Key Stage One students both in independent school settings and at home leading home learning programmes. This learning encompasses maths, literacy, science, handwriting and social skills. I thoroughly enjoy learning through play and investigation, allowing students to explore multi-sensory approaches to learning whilst participating in fun and engaging lessons. I believe that a holistic approach is imperative in early years teaching, with academic learning and social communication skills being closely aligned.

My specific experience working with bilingual/multilingual children and/or where English is an additional or second language (EAL): I have worked with many students spanning from KS1 - KS4 who are multilingual and/or are learning English as an additional language. I employ a range of techniques in order to support my students in accessing a school curriculum.

My specific experience helping children to self-regulate, manage their behaviour, and understand feelings and emotions: By using a holistic approach I work with students to not only progress academically but to understand and respond to their own needs. It is imperative that students feel supported and encouraged to learn and explore in a calm and respectful environment. By working together to identify their own triggers, areas for improvement and achievements I believe that students can feel empowered and therefore progress further both academically and personally.

My specific experience working with children to develop their play skills, social interaction and friendship skills: Using a range of techniques I work with students to explore and work on their interaction and play skills. I achieve this through a combination of role play, social stories and games. I encourage students to engage in conversation with peers and trusted adults through recognition of turn taking and an understanding of others’ interests.

Specific experience working with children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism and sensory needs: I have further studied the impacts of Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Autism on a child’s development both at home and within a school setting at great length, allowing me to understand the barriers the student is experiencing and successfully address these using a range of proven techniques. These include using a variety of methods and explanations to explain key concepts. This can range from drawings, diagrams, using physical objects or even a song! Finding the best way for your child to learn and progress is fundamental and is something I find great reward in achieving. I have supported many students with complex sensory needs.

Experience working with children with processing and comprehension difficulties, Executive Functions, fine motor- skills and Cognitive Processes, including presentation, organisational, study and time management skills: I have experience working with students who are challenged by processing and executive functions - i.e. organisation, presentation, working memory, planning and time management skills. It is imperative that students are able to reason and explain why they have or haven’t chosen specific answers. By working on this reasoning, students develop confidence and ownership in their work and achievement. In addition I work closely with parents and students to ensure planning and presentation of work is organised and concise. This can be achieved through a combination of handwriting intervention, use of graphic organisers and developing consistent frameworks. I work with students and parents to develop study timetables which can be used at home and during school holidays. This involves exploring how to study effectively and productively.

• PGCE Secondary Mathematics with University College London, Institute of Education - with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS);
• Bachelors of Science (BSc) in Mathematics and Psychology;
• Apple Teacher Certified;
• Postgraduate Certificate for the National Award for SENCOs, Special Needs and Inclusion;
• The Prince's Institute in Mathematics and Mastery;
• Phonics Intervention Programme - STEPS;
• Entry Level Mathematics for SEN Students;
• Whole School Numeracy Coordinator;
• Implemented whole school literacy interventions addressing reading, phonics, comprehension, handwriting and spelling.