Belinda

My experience with special educational needs

I have worked both in main stream schools with children with additional needs, in specialist schools for young people with ADHD and ASD and worked as a SENDco for a school with 75% on the SEND register, managed 6 EHCP’s, been a witness in three tribunals, all of which got the school named in section I. I have adapted and supported children with ASD, ADHD, DiGeorgio Syndrome, Apraxia, DCD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Teaching children who need support and adaptation to reach their potential is skill I have been developing for the 16 years I have worked as a teacher and leader within schools. I love solving the puzzle of how best each child learns and meeting them where they are, developing the appropriate pathway to support them to shine.

A bit about me

I was diagnosed with DCD and dyslexia in 1988 at the age of 7. Being neurodiverse in the 1980’s and 1990’s was a battle. I have fought my way through the education system, been treated as stupid, disruptive and othered as well as meeting some of the most inspiring teachers on my journey. These experiences drives me to support children with different brains, make sure there is always adaptions to meet them in their learning pathway whilst also understand how much harder you need to work to succeed. I have been a teacher for 16 years, through out my time in schools I have always loved finding creative ways of supporting children to meet their potential. I understand not understanding, I understand knowing I’m not stupid but feeling it, I know how hard I’ve had to work to succeed.

My teaching philosophy

My approach to teaching and coaching starts with building trust, having clear expectations that adapt to the child's learning needs. I learn who the child is, where they are now, then develop a personalised learning plan linked to specific learning goals. I break down the objectives into manageable steps, use colours and formats in repeated styles to support short term memory development, I use success criteria for development of self evaluation. I focus on gaps whilst pushing areas of particular skill. I make sure to regularly reflect and review the progress that has been made to make sure the child develops self confidence in their own abilities.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

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