Sharon

My experience with special educational needs

I have over 20 years' experience, teaching children with many different special needs in primary and secondary mainstream schools and with groups and individuals. I've been trained in key techniques for supporting children who need more time, more resources and more encouragement with their learning. I have taught other teachers and professionals (in mainstream and special schools) about the best way to teach reading and writing to increase learners' confidence and expertise. I am trained as a school mental health lead so have a good understanding of social and emotional barriers to learning and approaches that make a difference.

A bit about me

I love teaching and have done this for twenty-two years. I've taught classes in every year group from Year 1 to Year 11 and have tutored primary- and secondary-aged children. My specialism is teaching writing and reading but I have also taught all primary subjects. I've supported children with lots of different needs including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety, to get to the next stage including teaching GCSE English. I am an AQA GCSE examiner and also spent several years as an adviser, teaching teachers how to get the best from their students. In my spare time, I love to cook, paint, sketch, do yoga and swim in a lake.

My teaching philosophy

No two learners are alike. I take time to get to know each student — their interests, strengths, and barriers to learning — and adapt my teaching to suit their individual style. Lessons are multisensory and practical, building key skills through activities that make learning meaningful and enjoyable. Parents value my calm, encouraging approach and the clear progress their children make — both academically and emotionally. My goal is not only to close learning gaps, but to nurture curiosity, resilience, and a lasting belief in their own potential.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

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