Ruth

My experience with special educational needs

My work bridges lived experience, academic research and hands-on practice, offering support that is both compassionate and evidence-informed. I have over 15 years of experience supporting children and young people with additional needs across schools, early years, family services and community settings. I have worked as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Youth Coach, Family Support Worker, SEN Advisor for a large grassroots football club, and an online English Teacher, ensuring neurodivergent children can access education with confidence. I deliver personalised online English tuition for children learning English as an additional language and those needing tailored literacy support, while nurturing confidence and a love of reading. I hold a Degree in English Language and Literature, and a Level 7 Masters Diploma in SEND, with my research on supporting autistic learners recognised as exemplar standard. I also developed a sensory regulation app to support emotional wellbeing.

A bit about me

Hello, I’m Ruth. I’m an English tutor, autism coach and SEN advisor. My passion stems from lived experience. I am mum to two incredible neurodivergent children. My son is autistic, and my daughter has dyspraxia, dyslexia and proprioceptive sensory challenges. Supporting them has shaped both my career and my commitment to helping every child reach their potential by embracing their unique learning style. I have experience on both sides of the school gate, and I have seen the transformation that happens when a child feels truly understood. In primary schools, I was praised for building strong relationships, adapting learning through multisensory approaches and leaning into the child's special interests. I’ve also been invited to speak at Teachers Talk Connect next month, on understanding behaviour as communication and choosing connection over correction, a message that sits at the heart of both my professional work and my life as a parent.

My teaching philosophy

My approach is neuro-affirming, strengths-based and deeply person-centred. I believe in connection before correction, because children learn best when they feel safe, understood and valued. I create calm, predictable and engaging sessions tailored to each child’s unique learning style, interests and strengths. Confidence is is something we build together, step by step. I gently weave emotional literacy and sensory regulation strategies into academic learning, recognising that wellbeing and progress go hand in hand. Education should fit the child, not the other way around. Above all, I want every child to leave sessions feeling capable, confident and proud of who they are.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

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