Interventions - academic and pastoral, support for specific students and families, specific education needs specialist, flexible support work

Here's a little bit about me and my work...

I’m an experienced, highly qualified tutor. Throughout my career, I’ve supported students facing a wide range of challenges - academic, emotional, behavioural, and family-related - across both state and independent schools.   I've also worked with many looked after students.

Much of my work focuses on students with specific educational needs,  particularly those struggling with confidence or self-esteem. I initially help them recognise their strengths and realise that, with support, time, and encouragement, they're able to move forward. I love to see a student begin to improve, to engage  or reengage with learning, build confidence, and know they're able to achieve. 

I bring positivity, patience, and practical experience to my sessions. It helps me to create trust with students - even those who have found school especially tough.   I'm dyslexic and so have empathy for some of the challenges that my students encounter!

Over the years I’ve invested in extensive professional training in specific educational needs and behaviour, but I believe my greatest learning has come from the students and families themselves. Each one has added to my knowledge, shaped my approach, and strengthened my commitment to providing the very best support. 

Please get in touch if you'd like to find out more.  

Academic interventions  

I provide support and mentor those that need extra help with literacy and English based subjects - from younger children learning language skills and reading and writing, through to those that are wishing to take exams. 

Importantly, I teach students to read - whatever their age or ability.  I advocate greatly for reading interventions (and using assistive technology if needed) - whether that be to initially learn to read, or to boost skills for older students. 

If you have students that are not progressing effectively with their reading, writing and spelling skills despite receiving school intervention, then please consider a specific intervention for them.  I'll assess, plan and teach a programme of support for those with specific learning difficulties or alternatively, for primary schools, I'll work within your school's specific phonic scheme and liaise with individual teachers if requested.   

Or - what about having a Book & Spells Club before or after school within your school?  It could be from your pupil premium budget or parents contribute. Feel free to contact me for more details on this. 

We know as educators that without an adequate reading ability, learning becomes extremely challenging for children.  I couldn't imagine having to go into school every day without having sufficient reading skills to access the learning.  Evidence shows just how detrimental low literacy levels are - for learning, for overall wellbeing of the child, and for their future outcomes.   It is also often the source of disruptive behaviour or disengagement in the classroom.

Provision for specific students

It takes an enormous amount of resource to create change when children and young people are struggling within the school environment, have persistent challenges or are avoiding school altogether.   

It is even more challenging when staff resources are limited.  

It's therefore sometimes helpful to bring in an independent practitioner, someone slightly removed from school - particularly if there has been communication breakdown. 

Working with a student-centred approach that is inclusive, open and honest enables me to build a trusting relationship with the student, their family and school. 

Flexible support work

I'm pleased to take on flexible short-term roles within academic or pastoral learning support - either on a one-to-one basis, small groups or within the classroom.