Specialist experience of developing trusting and meaningful relationships with SEN learners
I have taught many children who have experienced problems with concentration whilst working and portrayed resistant techniques. I have used effective strategies to lift, encourage and motivate students whilst keep them on task. I am aware that such difficulties are ongoing and need to be targeted continually, but with empathy and understanding, using variable approaches, that are appropriate for the particular child. Through working this way I have the opportunity to learn about the child, and what works and does not work for them. This in turn allows a solid, trusting relationship to grow as they can grasp I am on their page and am working specifically with their individual needs and challenges.Autism expertise
I understand that an autistic young person’s view of the world can be very different to other people; their world can be seen very literally by comparison, and that a learning activity needs to be delivered in smaller sections as it is not always easy to recall a given sequence of tasks. Such children frequently socially interact in a specific way, and require a lot of empathy regarding their emotional needs. I have gathered a lot of experience in teaching autistic children, particularly in English, focusing on their functional, communication and social skills. Lessons have been geared towards helping pupils easily access tasks, whilst gathering confidence and independence, alongside learning all areas of the language as set out by the national curriculum. Lessons can be a mix of fun, interactive, hands-on, indoor/outdoor or academic, depending on the specific bespoke timetable designed for the child.
Working with children with Autism
I’ve worked closely with autistic children in various settings, gaining a deep understanding of their needs. My hands-on experience has helped me to develop an awareness of the challenges and strengths autistic children have within.
My awareness has taught me that autistic children often experience differences in their means of communication, for example their verbal expression, understanding social cues, or processing language. I am able to use visual supports, and communication strategies as and when needed.
I understand that many autistic children experience sensory sensitivities and can create sensory-friendly environments to manage sensory seeking or avoidance tendencies.
I am aware of the anxiety that many autistic children experience. Through my experience I have learned to help children experiencing anxiety with clear routines and expectations, and the use of calming techniques. I will also look to assist focus difficulties by maximising engagement in tasks and ensuring an environment that is as calm as possible.
Working with a diagnosis of ADHD
I am acutely aware that learners with such a diagnosis have a shorter concentration span. As such I would create a plan with short achievable targets at each stage, allowing for any longer-term projects to be split into manageable segments. I would take care not to overload a student with information, and build a timetable with regular changes to ensure variation and the opportunity for relaxation and/or “down” time when needed. I would seek to discover a student’s strengths, and the way in which they can best access information, and build a curriculum from that point. I would always continually liaise with the parent/carer to ascertain their view of how things are progressing with the plans I have created, and tune into their advice re where to go next.
Teaching Primary English
Teaching English is my passion. I have worked as an SEN English teacher both in and out of school for 30 years. I know every key stage of the curriculum and have a complete awareness of all skills that should be acquired. I have vast English Lang and Lit teaching experience to both mainstream and SEN children and have endless options of lessons that I can deliver that can all be tailored to suit a child’s needs. I am confident to adapt all work schemes and teach English to those with ADHD, Autism, PDA, working memory challenges, organisational difficulties, anxiety, self esteem issues, and sensory processing difficulties. My approach is to adapt to the pupil’s needs, modify lesson plans as I gather an understanding of the young person and structure the curriculum according to what I feel is required in order to create a bespoke plan for that particular student.
My experience teaching maths
I have taught maths to Functional Level 1, working towards different exam boards including City & Guilds, Open Awards and NCFE. I have an entire programme of maths Functional Skills that are based on the current past papers available online.
My experience teaching maths to primary school pupils is extensive, having worked with many children in primary school with maths challenges. I would always use scaffolding techniques with every task set, ensuring that activities are modified and broken down into smaller sections, initially with no time limit placed on the completion of a task. Once I became more familiar with a student’s skill set, I would slowly build in a time expectation for the completion of work. I would aim to use hand held maths resources in every lesson to assist use of motor skills. I also feel that the familiarity with the use of mathematical equipment would assist the development of overall maths skills and maths language.
Confidence/self-esteem building techniques
I would always remind a student what they have achieved during each lesson and praise them for what they have done at various stages as the lesson progresses. I also believe that difficulties with self-esteem can overlap with independence challenges, and as a someone starts to build their self-esteem through reassurance, their independence skills start to improve as they gradually learn to “help themselves” on many different levels without assistance as they learn. Building confidence takes time, but any step forward, no matter how small is significant and should be acknowledged so that a learner realises they are developing and building their self-esteem.
Promoting a love of learning
I appreciate the time it can take for a young person to have confidence in a tutor. I am very gradual in my approach towards students with any specific challenges and would not come to a lesson with pre conceived ideas. Before a first lesson I will have gathered information about all of the person’s specific requirements, as well as information about their preferred learning style and interests. This would enable me to create an initial picture of a child’s needs.My experience teaching engaging/bespoke sessions to inspire a love of learning
I find out the specifics about the pupils that I work with, in order to tailor lessons to suit them. I like to keep my lessons interactive and use brainstorming and additionally storyboard techniques for primary pupils. I also use a lot of visual resources within lessons, to help keep a student engaged, whilst bearing in mind their sensory needs. Time is given to each lesson plan before it takes place to factor in a pupil’s specific requirements to ensure that the session that is given is accessible, engaging and interactive, both in terms of resources, educational content and delivery. I find that working consistently in this way leads to enjoyment for the student and teacher, and helps a student flourish and enjoy their learning environment.
Working towards independence
I would consider it a priority to understand the background and SEN of a pupil, and use extreme empathy at all times, keeping a full awareness that someone’s SEN can be due to many factors which could be related to physical or mental health, illness, genetics, background, cultural or political factors. Bearing all this in mind I would strive within each lesson to give a student as many independent learning opportunities as possible, whilst always factoring in the student’s specific SEN. Most importantly, I would take each lesson as it evolves, and not have pre planned expectations of what levels of independence may be achieved. I am aware that SEN has differing factors that can impact on someone’s ability to learn. On different days they may feel more confident and able to be independent than others. As such I feel it is important to be open to the possibility of variation each day, and hence would not enter a lesson with any preconceived thoughts or anticipation about how the lesson will evolve, but at the same time seize on any real potential to help a child be independent and think for themselves.
Ability to work with students with trauma and social and emotional mental health challenges
Having experienced many SEN settings I have a great empathy with pupils who are experiencing differing levels of mental health issues. I have spent time working with traumatised children and teenagers and realise that sometimes deep, distressing experiences can overwhelms a student, impacting on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I fully appreciate that it takes time to build trust and create an environment that ensure they feel completely safe with me. I know to anticipate differing symptoms that could arise with a student with a traumatic past; my pace would need to be adjusted to suit their needs, in addition to my communication skills that would create a calm and peaceful setting. Through private tutoring together with my experience in SEND educational settings I have spent the past 3 decades on a continual learning curve understanding the challenges a child with mental health issues faces, and have as such found excellent strategies to help them progress. My patience is exceptional and my skills put me in an excellent position to create a reassuring place for a student to learn within a completely non-judgemental place that shows empathy and an appreciation of what they need.
Learning with Anxiety
In today’s culture especially, learning with anxiety is increasing. I have the most experience in this field of SEMH. To give a case study of one child with whom I work, initially they were so anxious I could not go in the same room as them. Sessions began as a 10 minute interactive period with me sitting in the hallway adjacent to the room where the child was, with the door closed. A month later the young person was able to come downstairs where I was in the lounge and the child stood my the doorway to talk to me. After another 2 weeks, the student was able to sit on one sofa with me on another and we began the learning process. I still teach this student and have done for 2 years. They are progressing exceptionally well. Anxiety remains a part of their life but it is reduced and manageable.
I have taught many children who have concentration issues whilst working, and have used many effective strategies that would lift, encourage and motivate them whilst keep them on task. I currently work with children with these challenges. Such difficulties need to be targeted continually, but with empathy and understanding, using variable approaches, that are appropriate for the particular child. Through working in this style I find I have the opportunity to learn about the child I am with and what works for them. This in allows a solid, trusting relationship to grow as they grasp I am on their page and am working specifically with their individual needs.
Working with students with a PDA profile
I have worked with children with a PDA behavioural pattern, and understand the necessity to paraphrase questions and ensure language is directed appropriately so that it does trigger any anxiety. Before an initial lesson, I would hope to find out as much as possible about how a child’s PDA impacts on them, as every situation is different. Adaptability is very important for the role of tutor with a PDA student, and I would be mindful of not setting up a rigid structure during lessons. I know that autonomy for them is crucial so it would be my intention to provide that as fully as possible.My knowledge of English Functional Skills, English Language and Literature.
I have taught Functional English to Level 2 in English and have a full understanding of the skills required for all levels, as well as my own schemes of work that I have created over the years, based on the exam board past papers online. for 30 years alongside SEN and have an excellent knowledge of the exam boards , including City and Guilds, Open Awards and NCFE and tam very familiar with the structure of the papers.
I teach GCSE English language and literature and am familiar with many of the texts and poetry anthologies that are covered and have an extensive knowledge of the themes, characters and plots. I know the structure of AQA, Educas and Edexcel exam boards and what comprises each paper,
Supporting Working Memory Challenges
I always aim to deliver information in a simple and clear format. Lessons would have a clear structure to them and objectives would be clearly stated at the start. I encourage students to highlight more relevant details in their work when answering questions, and use colours to present information on flow charts or mind maps, to help with their recall. A helpful technique is to encourage pupils to inform me about a topic, so they get the opportunity to revisit information verbally. Repetition is key, so any opportunity to repeat or recap on work is important.
Teaching Study Skills & Executive Function Skills
Planning and organisation can be extremely difficult for some SEN students. In addition to this their ability to process and memorise information can be challenging. Emotions can become fraught with some young people as their executive function skills seem, at times, chaotic. My approach would be to take everything at a slower pace, using scaffolding skills to break tasks into smaller sections and stop regularly to ensure information has been understood. I would additionally ensure a student kept their notes concise and uncomplicated, to make sure that when they revisit the work it would make sense. The way a pupil would approach their study skills in all areas (classwork, homework, exams) needs to be structured and managed at all times. The use of different timetabled templates can be very helpful to these students as they can visualise what needs to be done and what has been completed. In addition, topic timetables are a great tool to help students see a list of skills required within a subject area. When they can see the skills they can identify which ones are difficult and focus on them one by one.
Techniques for pupils with speech difficulties, communication, language and behavioural challenges
For children with communication problems, I would keep my language “stripped back”, repetitive, and slow paced. I would pause regularly to ensure everything is understood. I have developed many social stories and time out strategies for children who may suffer with emotional, language, communication and behavioural difficulties, and can help them to adapt to different situations. I have worked with many speech therapists throughout my career which has given me invaluable skills regarding how to assist students with speech difficulties. Learning through play is a great help for children with speech and language challenges, as while playing, children learn without having to focus so much; they can find out and experience their world in a more relaxing situation and at the same time allow their language to grow.
Working with Pupils with Dyspraxia
Children with dyspraxia can experience many executive function challenges such as organisation, focus and physical tasks. A variety of strategies can help a dyspraxic child feel more at ease. Some of those approaches include adaptation of resources so that pupils have less tasks to complete. Modification of a task will take away some of the pressure, and a more enjoya allow them a more productive learning experience. Slow, methodical instructions should be given; patience and support should be a constant, although any opportunity to encourage independent learning should be taken. Time limits should not be set on a task, and prompts should be given as and when required. A learner’s confidence can be impacted by dyspraxia, as they may feel a little different from their peers, especially with regard to physicality, speech and social interaction. Reminders that a pupil should always reach out for help is important; a tutor can also alleviate a lot of that worry by ensuring there is plenty of space for questions and making errors. Writing aids should be discussed; tools such as writing slant options and pencil aids can be useful.
Social and Friendship Skills
My first approach would be to discover my student’s interests in life and their strengths. I would encourage them to think in terms of small steps forward towards engaging with people socially and building friendships. Initially I would want to gently find out what they may be fearful of, or alternatively what they would most like to do socially if there were no barriers, hoping that this would lead to the identification of, and then the challenging of some of their core beliefs. I would encourage my student to write a positive affirmation daily, for example “I am resilient”, and then have goals that link to the affirmation such as “This week I will …” or “Next week I will go to the….”, which could be goals that they may be avoiding yet wanting to experience.
Talking during sessions would be very important, including the debate of various topics that they were interested in. My intentio would be to support my student to project their voice and talk with more confidence. A diary of goals and achievements is a good strategy to help people with social/friendship challenges focus on their aims and steps forward. In addition, colourful posters that they have themselves created are excellent ways to continually reinforce positivity throughout the week.
Working with dyslexic students
Creating a supportive learning environment for dyslexic children requires a varied approach. Specific strategies need address the core challenges of dyslexia. One technique is to break down complex tasks into more manageable steps, allowing children to focus on one element at a time. Sensory strategies may also help, for example, the use of coloured overlays on text can reduce visual stress, plus letter tiles or blocks can make phonics more accessible. A grasp of the relationship between sounds and letters, is essential.
Technology, such as text-to-speech platforms or or digital audiobooks, can ease reading challenges and help a child understand content more readily. sind-mapping and graphic organizers can help children visually structure their thoughts and improve planning abilities. Praise for all achievements is important to build self-esteem and confidence, helping dyslexic children believe they can tackle the next difficulty.
My experience working with students with sensory processing difficulties
I have a lot of work experience with pupils that find sensory processing challenging. This can be extremely hard for a child with ASD. Due to under or over sensitivity at various times of the day, sensory experiences can impact very much on their behaviour, communication and feelings. It is important not to underestimate this. I have spent a lot of time working with children who may have suffered anxiety due to their sensory experiences. I have the patience, understanding and skills to deal with such difficulties, and I understand that SEN children will need a more “bespoke” approach. I would be keep a watchful eye on a child to ensure they do not experience “overload” and feel any sense of stress or panic. I would always find out a history of the child before planning any lessons for them, so that I am aware of any potential triggers, and can create an environment that is as conducive to their needs as possible.
Supporting Sensory Issues
I have a lot of work experience with pupils that find sensory processing challenging. Due to under or over sensitivity at various times of the day, sensory experiences can impact very much on their behaviour, communication and feelings. I have spent a lot of time working with children who may have suffered anxiety due to their sensory experiences. I have the patience, understanding and skills to deal with such difficulties, and I understand that SEN children will need a more “bespoke” approach. I would be keep a watchful eye on a child to ensure they do not experience “overload” and feel any sense of stress or panic. I would always find out a history of the child before planning any lessons for them, so that I am aware of any potential triggers, and can create an environment that is as conducive to their needs as possible. Lesson environments would be kept calm and steady. I would look out for any signs of anxiety or potential sensory overload; if anything were spotted I would encourage a brief period of time out to re-group.
Techniques for pupils post TBI including speech, communication and language difficulties
For post TBI children who are experiencing communication problems, I would keep my language more “stripped back”, repetitive, and slow paced. I would pause regularly to ensure everything is understood. I have developed many social stories and time out strategies for children who may suffer with emotional, language, communication and behavioural difficulties, and can help them to adapt to different situations. I have worked with many speech therapists throughout my career which has given me a lot of invaluable skills regarding how to assist students post TBI with speech difficulties and bespoke learning patterns. Learning through play is a great help for children with such challenges, as while playing, children learn without having to focus so much; they can find out and experience their world in a more relaxing situation and at the same time allow their language to grow.
Assisting with homework, study skills and exam techniques (particularly those facing challenges with executive functioning skills)
Having worked with many pupils who are approaching SATS, 11+ exams, GCSE’s and post 16 exams, I have had a lot of experience in helping students organise their homework and prepare for their exams. This has been in the following areas: time management, organisation, prioritising, planning ahead, planning long or short-term projects or assignments, modifying notes in preparation for revision, creating study visuals for revisional purposes, setting goals, checking work and establishing good routines and habits.
Phonics and Writing
My first approach would be to assess exactly where the child is currently and where the specific challenges exist. Using the Jolly Phonics system, (a fun, child centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics), I would work slowly through the 42 letter sounds, incorporating reading material each week that specifically revisits the sound we are focusing on. The 42 letter sounds are split into 7 groups, which makes it easy to follow, teach, learn and revisit. I have had a lot of success using this method, and it is easily adaptable to all learning needs, as the pace, resources and delivery can be modified to suit the challenges of the child being taught. I have worked with on intensive reading programmes to help SEN children overcome reading difficulties such as decoding, phonemic awareness, phonics, and learning graphemes/phonemes, whilst always incorporating the importance of reading comprehension. I have used various age appropriate word games/ techniques to enhance reading skills as well as to increase confidence in their approach to reading.
Regarding writing, it would depend on the child as to what strategy I would adopt. As with any other skill I would need to assess where a child currently is, and from there I would build on that. Writing needs to be enjoyable and for some children it may not be the case, so I would encourage a child to draw initially if writing is seen to be an issue. I would promote tracing over letters initially using bold colours, showing them where a letter should start and finish. Words used would be ones that I know they can read and are familiar with. When a pupil is ready I would progress from there by motivating them to reduce their font little by little and gradually use a pencil, then a pen and so on.
Teaching children with EAL
Children with EAL benefit from visual techniques such as flashcards, images and translation. Factoring in a student’s culture and experience is very useful as well as not rushing the communication process, allowing it to develop naturally. It is important to get as much knowledge of the child before an initial lesson, and not have a fixed idea of how lessons will progress.
Spelling Strategies
I use specific spelling strategies which are very effective, as the technique allows a spelling to be broken down and then be learnt in stages, before being put together as whole word. Words are separated into groups of letters, grouped by both myself and the child, and then learnt in sections, phonetically. I have found this approach to be very useful, and helps students with spelling challenges not only to learn, but remember spellings.
How I work
When first meeting a new pupil I would always assess exactly what their needs are and evaluate the difficulties being encountered. This would be a 3 way process involving myself, the child and parent/guardian (plus the school if appropriate.) I would decide the best learning approach, factoring in resources, ideas, techniques to help the child move forward. I frequently use mind maps as a tangible way to breakdown a concept. I would aim to give the child as much learning independence as possible to assist their confidence. I have great interaction skills with young people, as well as an appropriate level of humour when required. I know that many children do not always respond well to mainstream education and need something different; I have the skills to adapt to different children’s needs, an abundance of patience, understanding and effective communication. I believe these factors have been highly instrumental in the success I have had with many SEN pupils. My testimonials from past and present convey my ability to inspire children. I would bring a great energy to any learning situation I was placed into, and am adaptable and versatile to differing situations.
I keep continual assessments to monitor progress and contribute to EHCP reviews. I will write and review reports and IEPs as and when necessary. I have spent a lot of time working with external agencies that support SEN and have taken a lot of their expertise which has contributed towards a much more sophisticated and skilled approach to my technique.
6 Reviews on “Jane”
Our son Dominic has been hit by a series of complex medical challenges and following treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital and then a neuro-rehabilitation centre, he began to make a good recovery. Then Covid arrived and schools closed, setting his education back. Due to his special educational needs his literacy was behind where we knew it could be and so we felt he could use some catch-up tuition for his maths and English and so we engaged SENsational Tutors. From our initial exploratory conversation with Joanna we set up a weekly online lesson for Dominic, after school on a Wednesday. Jane has been exceptionally patient while gently pushing Dominic to his next milestone each time, and eight months later Dominic is now reading short stories independently which he was not able to do before. Thank you Jane! I would highly recommend SENsational Tutors for any parent looking for tuition to help realise their special educational needs child’s potential!
Jane was able to capture my son’s attention immediately by tailoring her lessons to his interests and puts a lot of thought and preparation into the lessons. She has really supported his learning focusing on fundamental reading, spelling, maths and handwriting skills. This support was very helpful especially during the homeschooling period and has continued to help him make great progress by reviewing concepts learned in the classroom at school.
Jane has tutored my daughter for three years and is very patient, reliable, and gives 100%. She has been amazing and really helped my daughter to achieve her very best. Would highly recommend.
Jane is wonderful tutor. Our child has special needs, and he started classes with her nine months ago, unable to read or write. He is now able to blend sounds and read words, as well as short stories. He has also progressed in Maths, and his confidence, self esteem and well-being have all improved as a consequence of this. Thank you so much Jane.
Jane tutored me for three years whilst I was in years 8, 9 and 10 and helped me through a lot of challenges and difficulties. Jane’s tuition has made a massive difference to my career that I am now pursuing. I would highly recommend Jane as a tutor.
My son has dyslexia and has struggled with English. Jane supported my son through his English Nat 5 (Scottish equivalent of GCSEs) and he got an A. He has historically had fairly poor marks and this result was undoubtedly due to Jane’s tutoring.
Jane is continuing to assist my son with English Higher and I am so pleased with his progress. He has been so stressed but through working with Jane more regularly, I can see his confidence growing.
Jane gives me a detailed summary of each session very quickly afterwards and is excellent at gauging K’s mood. She is very caring and engaging and I am overjoyed that we found her. She is an outstanding tutor. Would definitely recommend.