I graduated from Special Needs Education training in 2002 and in 2016 I gained a postgraduate degree in Early Years Education at the State School of Higher Education. Through these courses I gained a great deal of work experience with children with physical disabilities and associated learning and communication difficulties. These children ranged from age-appropriate cognitive abilities to those with complex needs working within the Pre-Key Stage standards.
I have 9 years of experience in SEN primary schools working with children with complex needs such as Cerebral Palsy, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Profound and Multiple and Learning Disabilities as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and then as a PPA (planning, preparation and assessment) cover and support teacher. I implemented and delivered Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum lessons differentiated for the needs of the children. I was teaching, and contributed to the planning, assessment, recording and reporting on pupils’ achievement and progress. I have worked with both verbal and non-verbal children and therefore I value the need for the implementation of alternative and augmentative communication aids to support access to the curriculum. I have had experience of working with children with specific and complex medical needs, including gastrostomy or feeding difficulties and epilepsy in conjunction with their physical disability. I have had the opportunity to work with other professionals in a range of disciplines. This has required me to develop positive working relationships with other professionals and therapists involved with each child, including Speech and Language Therapists, Conductors (Conductive education), Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
I currently work as a home educator for students with special needs (Cerebral Palsy, PMLD). I carefully develop and adapt teaching targets and methods to meet the individual needs of my students, research and identify new activities that may be of interest/benefit, prepare multi-sensory resources for activities planned and use appropriate equipment and facilities to stimulate an interest in learning.
I work closely with parents and advise them on matters relating to their child’s progress, achievements and development. I maintain a safe environment for my students and provide full assistance with any mobility needs within the home and in the community, and with all aspects of personal care. I can administer medication when needed.
