Alison

My experience with special educational needs

I have worked in Education for many years and my various roles have meant that my experience with young people with special educational needs, within mainstream schools, has been wide and varied. My move into private tuition occured over 10 years ago, when I worked privately with students alongside my main teaching / management roles. This transition was prompted by the recognition that mainstream 'one size fits all' doesn't work on so many levels with young people and - having taught the range from ASD / Autism / ADHD / Dyslexia / Dycalculia / SEMH and other neuro divergent presentations within a classroom and school environment - I wished to really make transformational changes alongside my pupils outside of the regular school environment. I have attended many SEND CPD and internal courses in relation to teaching students with a range of special educational needs.

A bit about me

I work on the premise that we all have different likes and dislikes and connecting with a young person through the love of a shared hobby, interest or subject really does allow them to feel comfortable within the learning environment we create together. My range of interests is wide and coming from New Zealand I have a love of all things outdoors. I love to travel and have a VW campervan, I swim and play tennis regularly and have two dogs. I have written plays for a local drama group, and run a small local writing group. All of these elements of myself are available when connecting with students and, because I love to learn, I will often do some research to find common ground.

My teaching philosophy

I currently tutor students outside of the education system who are at home, as well as students still being educated in mainstream education and who fall between the cracks in learning in a classroom. Each student is heard by me, which helps when we work together towards very clear academic goals e.g GCSE or A Level qualifications, or personal life goals. I am not a teacher who uses worksheets all the time, instead identifying challenging elements of a subject for the student through discussion helps me to work out the best way to approach a subject with that individual. Using coaching skills helps with focus and motivation when they are feeling a bit lost. We may look at apsects such as personal control, helpful habits and barriers to learning or moving forward. One of my main beliefs is that anyone can learn or change IF they feel there is a purpose to it or that it is of interest to them - and that is how I approach all my sessions.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

I’m providing tutoring sessions for students with these educational needs: