Portsmouth Special Needs Tutors and Portsmouth Special Needs Tuition

Personal Description:
I believe in a child centred approach to learning and always aim to work for and with my individual students.
As Senior Teacher/ Teacher in Charge, of a Medical Pupil Referral Unit I headed up a dedicated team of skilled teachers who worked with young people on a 1:1 and small group basis. I am well aware of the current concerns with the mental health of young people and aim to support those I work with in a positive and sensitively focused manner. Many of my student's have experienced exam anxiety, dyslexia and learning difficulties which has made school a problematic environment for them. I aim to help with those areas, working on finding pathways, approaches and methods which help individuals succeed.
I currently focus my attentions on tutoring individually. I find the one to one contact simulating and highly rewarding. I have worked successfully with GCSE and Advanced Level students enabling them to achieve the results required. I have taught for many years and am an Advanced Skills Teacher, who has effectively guided and supported trainee and newly qualified teachers. I have always wanted to teach and love what I do.
I am a published author who writes for young adults. My first book was published in December 2025. I love the creativity of writing and the manner in which it further helps me develop my teaching skills..
I am patient, understanding, supportive and highly aware of the need to enable the student to achieve. I work through praise and careful guidance to ensure the student gains the most from their one to one contact.
I am educated to Masters degree level and have taught in both comprehensive schools and special needs units.
I always put the student to the forefront of my teaching and aim to give them the most rewarding and positive of learning experiences.
Although I still enjoy face to face teaching, more of my time is devoted to preparing and delivering online lessons. I have been fortunate to teach across all exam boards including Scotland's National 5 exam areas and the National Higher exam.

Teaching Experience:
I was Head of performing arts in a school in Dorset for seventeen years. During that time I worked extensively with children of all ages. I have trained teachers and guided those new to the teaching profession successfully through the early stages of their careers. I have directed numerous school and examination productions which has given me an excellent knowledge of plays and productions for use within both English and Drama teaching. I have taught adults GCSE Psychology with a very good success rate. I have enjoyed the opportunities teaching in both the comprehensive and adult sectors have given me.

I continue to enjoy teaching students and young people with a view to supporting them through their preparations for internal and external examinations. I work with a variety of ages which enables me to expand my knowledge of exam boards, their requirements and standards. I regularly support GCSE English Language and Literature, together with A level Drama and Theatre specifications.
At the present time I mainly teach online using zoom. This requires individual learning materials and presentations to be organised, created and developed.
I am aware that anxious students can find online teaching a strange experience. I therefore aim to use their own preferences as a way of ensuring the online environment is less threatening and more comfortable for them.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always to work with the needs of the student involved. I ensure I listen to their requirements, tailoring my teaching to what is needed. I value student interaction and would hope to use as much student based ideas and thoughts where this is possible. I have a highly positive attitude to teaching which always aims to enable the learner to succeed in a supportive environment.
I have a good sense of humour. I am patient , a very good listener and an individual who works in a proactive manner. I create and work with a range of resources which are specific to the topic and area being studied whilst creating and researching any areas required. I use praise and positive areas continually as I believe we all like to receive positive thoughts about ourselves, and this is means promoting a good and solid foundation to study techniques.
Although I have been teaching for a long time I really enjoy the challenges,satisfaction and creativity teaching offers. For every student I work with I plan and create personal , individual lessons and approaches which are appropriate for each person. This approach has led to many satisfied individuals at a variety of levels.
The demands of online teaching have led me to expand my skills. For individual students to achieve the necessary standards, I now prepare individual PowerPoint presentations which are tailor made to specific requirements. This is method which is working extremely well and all my students are able to use a screen share, screen shots and the materials I send to them. I believe this individual approach is a highly successful one which works positively with the online situation.
Students, should they wish, may receive a copy of the powerpoint we have used online, giving them extra resources and the means to further check details, lesson content and their understanding of any area covered.
I try to be as flexible as possible, aiming to negotiate time and dates which are convenient, suitable and appropriate for those requiring support.
I am confident my approach, working with the individual in whatever is best for them, is a method which enables individuals to succeed.

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Personal Description:
I am 57 now and consider myself to have reached a point where I have experience to share and yet still enjoy working with the students and helping them to get to their own potential. I am family orientated, considered by my friends and colleagues to be warm and nurturing.

I am passionate about my students reaching their potential, even if their starting point is not deemed to be high by academic standards.

I am used to a wide variety of challenges and opportunites having worked with special needs for many years.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught through all the age ranges starting off as a Internationally Qualified Montessori Teacher, working right through to University level as an accelerated learning practitioner (I trained with Tony Buzan). My core specialism is Dyslexia and Special Needs. I have worked with home schooled children for many years as well as continuing to do regular home tutoring after school hours and some Saturday mornings. I still run Montessori workshops particularly for those involved in homehomeschooling. I am also a Qualified and Insured Naturopath and teach a wide variety of alternative health and well-being workshops, as in my experience, health and well being are directly related to the students ability to learn effectively; so many students who have experienced challenges in assimilating learning often are found to have some form of health or allergy issues. .

Tutoring Approach:
I do not do GCSE work, finding that any problems in this area usually have their roots in Key stage 1 -3.

The work I do engage in is in an holistic style of teaching, using where possibly a multi - sensorial and multi -discipline approach.
I believe that a good relationship with the student, which, while still being professional, engenders a sense of trust, caring and belief in the students ability to rise higher than they thought they could.
I feel that one has to enable the student to find out where their true base line is through good assessment, then allow them to work on their challenges through the utilization of their strengths.
I believe in supporting the student in developing their own, successful and sophisticated learning strategies which are unique to their learning style.
I have a current enhanced DBS certificate, am on all three OFSTED registers and an 'Outstanding' grade from OFSTED in our early years work.

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Personal Description:
I am an avid musician and educationalist, with a passion for sharing my interests in music and learning with children and young adults. As a parent and trained Teacher, I can see from different perspectives the different aspects of learning in life, and am keen to foster a love of learning whenever I am involved with a child or young person. I am also a qualified Music Therapist, and run my own music therapy service which you are welcome to enquire about.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7 years experience working in a Special Needs school working across the 11-19 age range primarily, with much crossover into Primary and Early Years. When my children were at nursery I worked closely with the team to develop their behaviour management and early communication skills, giving me a different range of experiences to call upon. I have also taught private music lessons with great client satisfaction for almost 20 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am experienced in adapting my approach to delivery depending on context, having worked in classrooms, with learner orchestras, and in 1:1 settings. Fun and enjoyment should be central to a successful learning experience, and I try to ensure a relaxed approach in sessions facilitates this.

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Personal Description:
I am a trustworthy, hard-working and conscientious person. I am a quick learner with an exemplary timekeeping and attendance record. I take satisfaction in achieving high standards in any task I undertake, and possess a methodical and organised working approach. Equally capable of working both within a team and on an individual basis, my communication, interpersonal skills and knowledge enable me to interact with colleagues at all levels within the workplace. I love work with children from nursery, preschool and primary school up to stage 1.

Teaching Experience:
One very special working experience achievement was with children y3-4 and y5-6 in a primary school. I was not only teaching Italian Language but I was involved as producer and director of Goldilocks and the three bears in the Italian spoken language which has never been done before as a movie.
Date: from March to April 2005.
Actors were primary school children, which have been selected from the Head Teacher and me. I have trained them every week from March to April 2005 to play on different set. (Drama lessons included). The movie has been filmed in July 2005.
My experience was not only as an Italian Teacher but director and producer and composer for the editing of background music and special audio effects. This is the first time I have made my first movie. (17 minutes footage).
Sponsor for the project and investor was the Italian Consulate of Manchester (U.K.). Very good reward and payment + bonus for the hard work I have done in those months.

Tutoring Approach:
I can teach academic primary school subject up to stage 1 and Italian language for beginners, level 1 and 2 and advanced.
Further Education Adults Course.

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Personal Description:
I am 55 a mum and grandmother
I have over 25 yrs experience working in SEN in schools and colleges and community and residential care
SEN / EBD/ ASC / complex needs
And also with pupils excluded from mainstream

I currently am registered with teaching agencies and have recent / current experience of working in schools
As a LSA / TA / 1.1 and mentor and Keyworker

I also hold a teaching qualification post 16/ life long learning
And a degree and Diphe in health and social care and health studies and qualifications in inclusion and Autism

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a post 16 SEN college
With young people 16/25
With Autism and complex needs and challenging behaviour
I have taught skills for life / keeping safe / Food and nutrition and functional skills

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to adapt each session to the individual learners needs
And to be calm and friendly and to make the session calm and stress-free and enjoyable for the learner

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Personal Description:
Covering letter and statement

I believe art has always been a universal language, between people from different cultures and people of same culture but with different backgrounds, interests and experiences.
To me, art has to give a message, a feedback to the society and creates a some kind of social awareness of changes that always happen in our world.
In my work, I like producing art pieces which will bring people together in a discussion or an argument. To make them stop and think about things in life they may never considered before, which they will only enjoy doing so through the fantasy of art

I have been a loyal student to BCU, where I obtained, both my Fine Art degree and my MA in Art and Education Practice. Planning for my PhD research study too. This post will help me through my research and will give me a good access to both teaching and research. I have been looking for this opportunity to teach alongside my PhD study.
I became a practicing artist and researcher in the subject of Britishness and modern values since 2003. Working from my studio as well as researching . I am interested in culture diversity and community. I am quite focused on research and combining my work with strong evidence. I also have been teaching Arabic and have strong knowledge of the Middle East culture and I can give support to students coming from the Middle East, including helping them to gain confidence and engage with other fellow students. I also have great experience with special needs, being a mother of an autistic boy.
I have been developing my research skills for 13 years. I am quite an independent researcher and always looking for new methods to reach the maximum point I get to with my research. I believe in creativity and in carrying out new methods that suite different projects. Supporting my art work with strong research give me great credibility.
Supporting others too is a great passion for me. I always been involved in teaching both Arabic and art. I like passing my experience and knowledge to students, directing them to new research methods and making them independent researchers themselves. Good results requires good supervision. I believe students fail when they were not giving the right support or did not have a supervisor who understands their potential and help them enough throughout their study.


Khloud

Teaching Experience:
I have been also teaching Arabic to all age groups both in schools and privately for 16 years

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working with others in their projects and I like engaging them in mine. Good team work is essential for me. I have great experience in communicating with people of different cultures and backgrounds. I always update my research and analyse my outcomes and findings regularly. I am quite calm and patient. I listen to students and give them time, attention and respect.
I believe in fairness and equality. I have a great respect for education and all what it stands for in terms of diversity and giving equal opportunities to every student and member of staff. Helping others reaching their potential in a safe environment is essential in education programs and practices
I am most interested in helping students becoming Encouraging creativity in research carried out by students. No limits.

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Personal Description:
I am a primary teacher with many years experience teaching in a wide variety of primary school settings. I feel that learning is really important at all ages and am continually expanding my knowledge using online courses.

Teaching Experience:
As a qualified primary teacher I have over 10 years experience working in schools as a classroom teacher and PPA teacher. I have a strong knowledge of the national curriculum and regularly keep up to date with any changes to education. I work well as a team and am very organised. I have also lead choirs and directed many shows within primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable. My lessons are fun and informative and I adapt my teaching style to the needs of the pupil. I am passionate about teaching and am keen to share my knowledge with others. I have some experience of teaching SEN children within a mainstream setting and have recently completed an online diploma in SEND.

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Personal Description:
I have been a fully qualified teacher for over 6 years and I absolutely love what I do! I have particular interest in working with children on a 1-1 basis as I love to personalise their learning and help them to see things in a different way then they may have been taught and not quite understand before.

I strongly believe that if children are having fun then they will learn and be able to reach their full potential. I have seen such wonderful results with this over my teaching career so far. I create small achievable targets for my children so not only their learning can progress but so can their confidence!

No child should ever be worried about learning as we all learn things at different rates and in different ways! It's our job as teachers to ensure we find the best way for them!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a qualified teacher for over 6 years and I have been lucky enough to teach in London and in Wales. I am currently a full time class teacher in a Welsh primary school.

I have been running my own private tuition sessions for over a year now. We do have lots of positive feedback that has been left and there are lots of lovely pictures of the children on there taking part in some of the activities we do.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor children in my own purpose built classroom in Mold - just off the A55.

There is a coffee shop 2 mins drive away if parents want to stay close by or a soft play center (Infinity) just on the corner if little ones need entertaining whilst waiting for a sibling.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic qualified teacher with extensive classroom and private tutoring experience. I am currently not working in school full time as I am undertaking my Masters in Education at Reading University as well as caring for live my little boy, I am willing to teach online, travel to your home or a nearby suitable study space.

Teaching Experience:
I love teaching and believe that all children can excel. I have been teaching for over 15 years with a large proportion of my experience in years 5 and 6. I have been a SATs marker for over 10 years now so definitely know how to get the best out of children in preparation for success not only in their SATs but also secondary school. I work regularly with children who want to participate in the 11+ entrance exams and have experience in most Berkshire schools' entrance requirements.

Tutoring Approach:
My pupils often describe me as 'firm but fair' with lessons that are fun. I believe children are most productive when they are enjoying themselves whilst being challenged. Any child can learn if they are taught in a way that is engaging to them and ensures that their strengths and weaknesses are identified. With this in mind, I aim to make learning relevant to them and break everything down into manageable chunks. I believe that children should be in charge of their own learning and will therefore always ensure that their views are taken into consideration when teaching. I love helping children to learn and relish the challenge of helping them to meet their potential.

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Personal Description:
I am a married mother of 2 grown up children. I am passionate about education, I'm a school governor in my spare time!, but I also enjoy going to the gym and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I am an ex primary school headteacher with 30 years experience in both the maintained and independent sectors. I am also a school governor and inspector so you can see I'm very interested in education!
I aim to make all my lessons fun and tailor them to the needs of the individual child whether they are working towards their 11+ examinations, SATs or just need that extra boost in their confidence; I have supported numerous children in all these situations.
I have also supported children with additional needs with particular experience in dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD.
I am fully insured and have an enhanced DBS certificate.

Tutoring Approach:
I listen to both the parents and the child and work with them to ensure that they enjoy the sessions and make progress every week. I incorporate games and practical work within my sessions. I work from my home where I have room completely set up for teaching with all my resources close at hand.

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Personal Description:
I'm an experienced teacher, lecturer, examiner and moderator with a passion for helping students achieve their potential. Having taught learners from primary school age through to adulthood, I understand that everyone learns differently, and I believe that education should be engaging, supportive and, most importantly, enjoyable.

My teaching philosophy is simple: 'All Can'. I genuinely believe that everyone has the ability to learn, develop and succeed with the right guidance, a little hard work and a good cup of coffee!

I hold a PGCE in Drama, a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and a Master's degree in Acting from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Alongside my teaching career, I have professional acting experience across theatre, film, television, radio and musical theatre.

As a qualified Drama and Performing Arts teacher, I also have extensive experience teaching English Language, English Literature, History and Sociology up to A-Level. I offer tutoring across a range of qualifications, including entrance assessments, GCSEs, A-Levels and performing arts examinations.

I have experience with CCEA, AQA, Edexcel, BTEC, LAMDA, LCM and OCN qualifications. My work as an examiner for CCEA and BTEC gives me valuable insight into assessment criteria, exam technique and what students need to demonstrate to achieve the highest grades.

I'm particularly proud of my 100% success rate in supporting students to secure places on their chosen university courses.

However, for me, teaching is about much more than examination results. I want my students to become confident, independent learners who genuinely enjoy their subjects. Whether I'm helping someone understand Shakespeare, improve their essay writing or prepare for an important examination, my aim is always to make learning feel accessible and rewarding.

I also hold a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties and have experience supporting students with a wide range of special educational needs. I regularly undertake continuing professional development, am first-aid trained and hold an enhanced DBS check.

Above all, I bring enthusiasm, creativity and a genuinely individual approach to every lesson. I want students to leave feeling more capable, more confident and proud of what they can achieve.

Because I truly believe that all can.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience spans from Primary through to Degree level, having worked across a wide range of educational settings, including specialist Performing Arts and Drama Schools, state Grammar and Secondary Schools, and Further and Higher Education colleges.

I have extensive experience supporting students with a variety of learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism (ASD) and other special educational needs. I recognise that no two students learn in exactly the same way, so I tailor my teaching methods to suit each individual's strengths, challenges and goals. My approach is patient, encouraging and adaptable, ensuring that every student feels supported and capable of making progress.

Alongside my teaching experience, I work as an examiner and moderator across GCSE/Level 2 and A-Level/Level 3 qualifications, including Drama, English Literature and Performing Arts. This gives me valuable insight into the examination and assessment process, particularly what examiners are looking for and how students can demonstrate their knowledge effectively.

I use this experience to help students develop strong exam technique, structure their responses confidently, understand assessment objectives and approach examinations with a clear strategy.

**However, I firmly believe that successful teaching goes beyond examination results.** My aim is to help students develop confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of learning, equipping them with skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is very student centred and dependent on the needs of the student. I am energetic, focused but (according to some) 'still able to have a laugh'.

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Personal Description:
Due to my background of teaching, I have a very caring attitude towards teaching. I will listen to all students needs and I will take care with all resources I create for my students. I will ensure that I take as long as the student needs to understand specific concepts of the language.


Whether you want extra support with conversational classes for trips to Spain, or full lessons for whatever reason I will ensure I will take every care to ensure you gain the best experience learning Spanish

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2016 in Spain, Argentina, USA, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Spain and of course Northern Ireland.
For each student I will understand exactly what you want to learn and I will take the approach to teaching as the pupil wants.
I can offer to help students with their homework, speaking skills, writing skills, reading skills and listening skills with excellent resources some of which created myself. I can help with essay writing and reading comprehension. I can teach from primary through to a-level and can offer some tuition for primary pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether you want extra support with conversational classes for trips to Spain, or full lessons for whatever reason I will ensure I will take every care to ensure you gain the best experience learning Spanish.

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Personal Description:
I am an online tutor on gender,sociology and development studies .I am very efficient and I always like seeing my students meet the expectations of their academic standards.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years teaching experience both online and physical.

Tutoring Approach:
Due to covid 19,I do all my classes online and help students with report writing.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Duran.
I'm originally from London but spent most of my life in Canterbury, Kent. After completing my studies, I moved to Asia, where I taught English to students of all ages, from kindergarten to adults. I'm passionate about teaching and have had the chance to work in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and China. Over the years, I've become a patient, culturally aware teacher, developing a unique style that tailors lessons to each learner's needs and abilities.

Teaching Experience:
With specialist training in ELT (BA), IELTS and TOEFL Test Prep, TEFL/TESOL/TEYL, and SEND. I was honored to be recognized among the top 10 global teachers for one of Asia's leading online teaching companies. With 15 years of experience and a language school I founded in Thailand, I'm here to help you enjoy learning. Join me for a class that will change your outlook and keep you excited to learn more.

Tutoring Approach:
In my classes, I like to use visual effects, pictures, audio, and video, depending on the course and type of lesson. Materials are custom-made for specialist courses like pronunciation and accent reduction, while IELTS, PET, and Cambridge courses follow a structured curriculum based on the course syllabus.
Thank you for reading my profile, and I look forward to meeting you in a class soon!

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Personal Description:
I'm a retired academic in psychology and education with over 25 years experience teaching and supporting students in HE on undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in the UK and internationally.

Teaching Experience:
Specialism in psychology, particularly child development, cognitive development, psychology in education, language and communication, child health, research methods and stats, SEND, inclusion, emotional health and wellbeing. Expertise in inclusive approaches to teaching and learning for students from diverse contexts, and with additional needs.
Supervision of research projects at UG, Masters and Doctoral research.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailoring support to the individual learner - finding out their strengths and challenging areas, and their learning styles.
Working with their current feedback from assessed work (if available).
Setting achievable goals in collaboration with the student.
Providing feedback on draft work
-Support with study skills including making effective notes from reading and lectures, literature reviews, synthesising evidence from research and applying theory, making effective arguments.
-Oral presentation practice and support.
-Reflective writing and writing for different readers.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified primary school teacher with over ten years of experience working in education. I have taught across different year groups and currently tutor pupils from Years 3 to 9 in English and maths. I also have extensive experience supporting children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. I am warm, reliable and approachable, and I genuinely enjoy helping children recognise their abilities and make progress.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education for over ten years and qualified as a primary school teacher in 2020. During this time, I have taught Years 2, 4, 5 and 6, as well as gaining experience across EYFS to Key Stage 3 through supply teaching. I have a strong understanding of the primary curriculum and particular experience in English, maths, phonics and SATs preparation. While teaching Year 6, 86% of my class achieved the expected standard across reading, writing and maths.

Before qualifying as a teacher, I worked as a teaching assistant, intervention teacher and one-to-one SEN support assistant. This gave me valuable experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other additional needs. I have also worked as a Computing Lead and currently tutor pupils from Years 3 to 9 in English and maths. These experiences have taught me how to adapt my teaching, explain ideas in different ways and help children grow in both confidence and ability.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is centred around the individual child, as I understand that every pupil learns differently. I tailor each lesson to their needs, interests and current level, using a range of teaching methods and resources to keep learning clear and engaging. This may include visual aids, practical activities, games, technology, modelling and guided practice.

I take time to identify gaps in understanding and break difficult concepts into smaller, manageable steps. I regularly check progress and adapt my approach when something is not working. Most importantly, I create a patient and encouraging environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and gradually becoming more confident and independent learners.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching for over two decades. I hold a BA (Hons), a post graduate certificate in European humanities, a PGCE in teaching, a master's degree in linguistics in education and NPQH. I also hold a level 5 Tefl qualification.
When I am not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy using creative processes to enhance well-being and I enjoy spending time with animals - mainly cats!
I am a life-long learner and am always trying to learn new things, be that a new craft or a quick dabble in Latin!

Teaching Experience:
I have taught -full time - for over two decades. I have taught young children who are beginning their learning journey, through to those preparing for, and entering, secondary school. I have extensive experience in preparing children, both academically and emotionally, to sit statutory tests. I believe in developing resilience through enabling children to understand the meta-cognition involved in the learning process.
I am experienced in teaching all curriculum areas and I have an excellent knowledge of engaging and exciting children's literature. This knowledge can be used to enhance the teaching of basic, foundational skills, particularly in English.

Tutoring Approach:
I always begin where my pupils are and track back to see where the learning gaps may be. I find that taking a pupil-led approach to this can support the identification of, not only gaps in learning but also areas where confidence is not so strong.
I will always move at the pupil's pace and introduce new concepts when the foundational understanding is secure. I encourage pupils to take academic risks and I emphasize that, sometimes, the 'wrong' answer is a step to reaching the right one!

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Lucy- I am a specialist SEND tutor and I am particularly passionate about guiding young people, who have been or are disengaged by school, through their maths and English GCSEs to help them achieve a grade 4 on their first attempt. However, I also support young people at KS1/2/3.

One of my strengths is flexibility and adapting my approach to each individual young person. My sessions can be very different depending on who I am working with, but the common starting point is always building a trusting relationship. I spend time getting to know the young person as an individual - their interests, strengths, communication style, motivations and what helps them to feel safe and comfortable. Some young people are ready to quickly embark on 'traditional' learning, while others may need a little longer to build the trust.

As a parent, I understand the challenges young people face in their learning and that school, for many, is not an easy environment for learning and embedding skills, particularly if a young person has difficulty with processing and working memory. My own son has had these difficulties so I very much come at it from an angle of lived experience which can be hugely helpful for the families I support.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years experience working as an EYFS, KS1, KS2 teacher in London and Oxfordshire and more recently a SEND teacher in a special school teaching young people up to the age of 16. I have also taught French and bilingual students (up to the age of 17) at the British Council in Paris and have taught in the American elementary school system.

For the last two years I have been working as a 1:1 tutor for young people who are not accessing education- either on an EOTAS package or receiving alternative provision or EHE. I am highly experienced supporting young people with a wide range of special educational needs, including autism (ASC), demand avoidant profiles, ADHD, SEMH, dyslexia and associated communication, learning, sensory and emotional needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I keep sessions low demand, particularly where a young person has experienced anxiety or disengagement from education or who has a demand avoidant profile. I give the young person choice and control within a wider structure guided by me; for example they may choose the order of our learning from a selection of activities including some that are simply fun/movement.

I often use strategies such as 'body doubling' to support with a concept that a student may feel is too challenging and would otherwise not want to attempt. Also lots of modelling to give the student confidence in tackling a more challenging question or problem. Sometimes, a young people learns best doing 'their thing' while I do 'my thing'- the pressure is removed and very often the young person is intrigued enough to see what I am up to.

My experience has shown me that there is no single approach that works for all young people with SEND. I adapt my teaching to the individual, recognising their strengths and barriers to learning and I believe that this is what I am particularly good at. Throughout my teaching career my philosophy, closely linked to the Polyvagal theory has been simple 'A happy learner makes a good learner'. And this is what I aim for with every young person that I support, in every session.

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