Elizabeth

My experience with special educational needs

I have over 25 years of professional experience supporting children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs. I began my career as a qualified social worker before moving into education, where I held senior leadership roles including deputy head in two enhanced provision schools, headteacher of a special school for pupils with complex additional support needs, and headteacher of a mainstream primary school. Throughout my career, I have worked with children with autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, communication difficulties, and a broad range of learning differences. I have led inclusive practice in both specialist and mainstream settings and was praised in school improvement inspections for my inspirational and strong leadership, particularly in relation to inclusion and creating nurturing, supportive environments where every child could succeed.

A bit about me

I’m someone who brings both professional experience and personal understanding to my work. I grew up with two brothers, one with Down syndrome and one with autism, which taught me from a young age about patience, communication, and the importance of being seen and heard as you are. I also have ADHD myself, so I truly understand how learning can feel different and how much it helps when support is tailored and thoughtful. These experiences have shaped how I connect with others. I value warmth, humour, and honesty, and I always try to create a calm and encouraging space where people can feel safe to be themselves. I’ve always had a strong sense of purpose in my work, and I’m passionate about inclusion not just in theory, but in everyday practice. I believe that everyone deserves support that fits them, not the other way around, and I’m proud to bring that belief into every tutoring session.

My teaching philosophy

My approach to tutoring and coaching is based on building a genuine connection and offering care. I take the time to understand each learner as an individual so I can create a space where they feel safe, supported, and ready to engage. I appreciate that school can sometimes be a difficult experience, so I focus on making learning feel relaxed and less pressured. What matters most is that the learner feels heard and encouraged. My experience means I am flexible. I adapt how I work to meet the individuals needs in the moment. Sometimes this means helping them build confidence; other times it is about making sense of something in a way that sticks. I bring patience, curiosity, and calm to every session. My goal is always to help learners feel more capable not only in the subject but also in themselves.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

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