My experience with special educational needs
I taught English for 20 years in London schools. Alongside my subject specialism, I coordinated SEN support, managed exam access arrangements and delivered personalised learning support lessons to students with a wide range of needs. I have been a GCSE examiner and specialise in teaching AQA GCSE English Language and Literature. After leaving the classroom, I worked in a Local Authority, producing and reviewing EHCPs. I understand how overwhelming the SEND system can feel for parents and I'm always happy to share my insight and experience with those navigating it.
A bit about me
I’m neurodivergent myself, which I think gives me a unique ability to understand and relate to neurodivergent young people. I understand that GSCE English can be particularly challenging when you’re neurodivergent: the amount of quotes you’re expected to memorise; the randomness of the unseen texts; the vague, confusing exam questions that ask you to try and guess what the writer was thinking. I love meeting other neurodivergent people and - strange as it may sound - I enjoy working with students who say they hate English or find it really difficult. This is because I like helping students overcome difficulties and find creative solutions to their problems. Fun facts: For my Creative Writing MA, I wrote a novel from the perspective of my French Bulldog. I’m vegan. I’m passionate about animal rights. I’d love to rescue all the homeless dogs, although I currently only have space for one: Aurora, the greyhound.
My teaching philosophy
My approach to teaching is relational and responsive. Some students prefer a more business-like approach to tuition; some like more getting-to-know you time before or alongside lesson content. Making resources tailored to my students’ preferences is great fun for me: some like visuals; some want lots of model answers; some like quick-fire quizzes… Sometimes we work together on a shared document, taking turns to write parts of an answer or story. I’ll take the time to find out what works best for you and run with it. My students say I’m kind, patient and on their side.
Schedule
Time zone:
Tutoring specialisation
I’m providing tutoring sessions for students with these educational needs:
Subjects Provided
Primary
Secondary
GCSE Foundational level
GCSE Higher level
A-Level
University
Primary
Secondary
GCSE Foundational level
GCSE Higher level
A-Level
University
Primary
Secondary
GCSE Foundational level
GCSE Higher level
A-Level
University
Coaching specialisation
Specialisation
Primary
Secondary
GCSE
A-Level
University
Primary
Secondary
GCSE
A-Level
University
Teaching qualifications
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
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Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs & Disability
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Autism Education Trust (AET) Tier 2/3 or other advanced Autism training
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Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) Training (General)
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ADHD Specific Training (e.g., ADHD Foundation, Advanced ADHD courses)
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Advanced Behaviour Management/Support Strategies Training
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Trauma-Informed Practice Training
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Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
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Lego-Based Therapy Facilitator Training
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Specific Short Courses on SEND topics
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Record of Continuous SEND CPD
Reviews
13 reviews
Sasha
August 5, 2025
We were incredibly fortunate to have Michaela support our son with his English Language and Literature GCSEs. She was very engaging, attentive, and encouraging – quickly building a strong rapport with him and boosting his confidence. She provided excellent materials tailored to his needs and was always responsive and helpful whenever we had questions. Michaela was also very supportive as we navigated my son’s dyslexia diagnosis. She guided us through the process, helping us adapt his learning approach and ensuring he felt supported every step of the way. We’re very grateful for her help and highly recommend her to any family looking for thoughtful and skilled English tuition.
Brigid
August 30, 2025
Michaela tutored one of my children. Their experience was very positive. Taught hoe to read and answer A level questions confidently and, as a result, a great grade was scored!
Rachael
August 5, 2025
Michaela is an excellent Tutor. She tutored my son in English language after he got a grade 3 at GCSE. He needed a 5 to get onto his college course and with Michaela's help he got a 6! He hates English and has SEN: Autism, ADHD, and Tourettes, and she was brilliant keeping him engaged. She explained what the questions wanted him to do and how to analyse a text, which he never understood how to do before. Worth every penny! He is now starting a degree apprenticeship after going to college to do his level 3 civil engineering course. He would not be there if he didn't have Michaela's help. We're very grateful. I would be happy to recommend Michaela to anyone, especially if the learner has SEND.
Isabella Munoz
August 27, 2025
Miss Smith is the best english teacher I had. She had a huge posititve impact on my education and how i decided to go forward to do A-level english literature. Not only is she humurous with a sunny like personality, she is also supportive and keen on students wellbeing, as well as passionate on helping students with their own passions. She provides a wonderful atmsophere but also knows how to balance both being kind and being stern when she needs to be. Overall, she is supportive about her students studies and their wellbeings in class, with a sunny personality to boot! Iam grateful that she was my english teacher in secondary school.
Eilidh
August 27, 2025
Michaela is an exceptional English tutor whose neurodivergence gives her unique insight and empathy. She is understanding and affirming, creating a safe and supportive space for students. She also offers expert guidance to parents navigating the EHCP and SEND system.
Fayrus
August 31, 2025
Michaela tutored our daughter prior to GCSE. She rapidly built our daughter’s confidence & gave her the skills to achieve a top grade in English literature & language GCSEs. I would highly recommend Michaela as a tutor.
Will
August 28, 2025
Michaela is caring, knowledgeable, and always willing to help both student and parent. She’s a great communicator, always clear and precise in her explanations. An outstanding tutor - I highly recommend her.
Beatrice Robinson
August 29, 2025
Michaela is a wonderful teacher, I am grateful she was able to recognise my child's strengths and aproach teaching with patience, dedication and academic knowledge. Thanks to Michaela's encouragment, patience and support, my child is more confident and positive towards studies, homework, assignments, exams and her grades improved greatly. I recommend enormously Michaela, she is the one teacher that make all the difference in my child's education, giving me peace of mind. Thank you Michaela!!!
Laura
August 29, 2025
Michaela is one of the best and most experienced teachers I know. She has integrity and believes that children with SEND can do anything. That's what children and young people with SEND need - teachers that believe in them.
Ceri
September 3, 2025
Michaela is an experienced teacher, and she is specialised in teaching those with SEN. She brings dedication and compassion to her role and centres the student in her teaching. Highly recommended.
Michael
August 29, 2025
I worked alongside Michaela for many years. She is a dedicated and compassionate professional with an excellent work ethic. I always admired how Michael built such strong relationships with all the young people she taught, particularly those within SEN departments.
Sammie
August 29, 2025
Michaela supported our daughter in the lead up to GCSES. Our daughter has debilitating Long Covid & sensory issues, the school wasn’t providing any accessible tuition and we felt abandoned. Michaela's teaching style was a perfect fit, our daughter enjoyed the sessions and got the grades she needed to go to college… and she is now at uni. Something we couldn’t of imagined back then 😊
Catia
September 7, 2025
Michaela has tutored my son in English in preparation for his GCSE. Being dyslexic, he has always struggled with writing and found English papers very difficult. Michaela has been really patient and supportive, clarifying the expectation in each type of paper, providing material to support his thinking on different topics, helping him to organise his essays effectively and finally giving him the chance of lots of practice and constructive feedback! We have no doubt that her guidance has contributed substantially to him achieving well above our expectations at his GCSE.