Rachel

My experience with special educational needs

I have over 20 years' experience as a teacher and school leader, supporting children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and learning differences. I specialise in helping learners understand how they learn best, so they can develop the confidence and strategies they need to succeed. Alongside my work in schools, I ran my own phonics business providing 1:1 support for students with gaps in their reading and early literacy. My experience spans a broad range of needs including neurodiversity, high anxiety, SEMH, and sensory impairment, including adapting resources and approaches for a partially sighted student. I have also supported adults with additional needs in both college and community settings. I'm also a mum to two children, including a neurodiverse teenager, which gives me a personal understanding of the challenges families face.

A bit about me

I'm a warm, empathetic tutor whose approach is shaped by my own experiences. As a child I often felt lost in the education system; quiet, anxious, and easily overwhelmed. Because of that, I genuinely understand how it feels to lack confidence in a classroom. I didn't plan to become a teacher, but found my way into it through a real passion for helping children grow. I was the first in my family to go to university, something I'm very proud of. As a parent myself, including to a neurodiverse teenager, I've seen the education system from the other side too. That experience has made me a strong advocate for truly meeting each child's needs. I'm passionate about bringing learning to life and helping every learner discover their unique strengths. Outside of work I'm interested in wellbeing, neuroscience, nature, reading and church bell ringing, which is wonderful for focus and community!

My teaching philosophy

My approach is 'relationship first.' I believe children and adults learn best when they feel safe, understood and supported, so before anything else, I focus on building trust and confidence. My aim is always to empower learners to take ownership of their learning, with me guiding them along the way rather than simply delivering information at them. I use my own framework called K'nnekted, which focuses on three areas: K'nnekt to Self: helping learners feel calm, regulated and ready to engage with learning. K'nnekt to Others: establishing clear boundaries and mutual respect, giving each child space to express their needs, with moments of play and connection woven in. K'nnekt to Environment: finding what helps each individual feel comfortable and focused, whether that's in person or online, and celebrating progress through meaningful, personalised goals. Together these three elements create a calm, supportive space where every learner feels secure, motivated and able to truly thrive.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

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