Sally

I am an experienced teacher specialising in primary education and special educational needs. I studied for my PGCE at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and I have over 13 years experience teaching in mainstream primary schools. I have taught classes across EYFS, KS1, KS2 and have worked as a KS2 intervention teacher. Enthusiastic, caring and thoughtful in my approach, I am passionate about giving all children positive learning experiences and helping them gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive.

I have daytime availability (Tues / Wednesday / Thursday). I sometimes have weekend / holiday / evening availability, please ask.

Tutoring Experience

I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary) in 2008 and completed my Induction period in 2009. I am experienced in preparing engaging lessons for a wide range of abilities, ages and interests. As well as whole class lessons I have taught groups in schools for children with SEND and booster classes. From 2021 to 2023 I tutored children in a school as an intervention teacher as part of the covid catch-up programme, and I am currently working again as a class teacher. This range of experience means I am skilled in using ongoing observation to identify a child's next steps, adapt my teaching in the moment as needed and bridge any gaps in learner's understanding or skills.

Tutoring Approach

I offer engaging and personalised tuition to help your child gain confidence and progress. Through working one-to-one with a student, it is possible to work with their preferred learning styles.

Maths: I am able to cover all areas of the curriculum or a focus on particular areas of difficulty. I use a range of resources and approaches to ensure students have a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts taught and are then able to use and apply them independently. I have experience in using different approaches to teaching maths including those developed by the NCETM (National centre for the excellence in the teaching of mathematics); and in using Numicon both as a teaching tool and as a personalised intervention programme. For children of all abilities I enjoy using puzzles and problems to nurture their mathematical curiosity and resourcefulness, and love seeing their confidence grow in communicating mathematically and exploring relationships.

English: I am experienced in teaching phonics, reading and writing at different levels. I am experienced in teaching systematic phonics and coordinating catch up phonics interventions. I also use a range of multi-sensory approaches to help children develop and remember sounds and words. I received regular guidance and training from a reading recovery teacher over two years whilst teaching in Y1. I love using books to inspire and engage children, and to develop cross-curricular learning. I have trained and used talk for writing (oral rehearsal with story maps and actions) and tales toolkits (oracy and storytelling), and I use shared writing to develop children’s skills and motivation in writing.

SEND
I have worked with many children with SEND over my teaching career, and as a support worker prior to undertaking my teacher training. I understand that every child is unique, with different needs that need to be met in order for them to really thrive. So my first priority is always to get to know a child well and understand their interests and anxieties. Over the years I have developed a range of approaches to draw from, through working in schools under the guidance of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and autism advisors. I have experience of working with children with anxiety and PDA, as well as other conditions such as ADHD, dyspraxia, those who have SLCN and difficulties with memory. I am very calm and patient in my approach, giving children the time they need to communicate. I am used to breaking down learning into smaller chunks, and adapting the pace and style of a session depending on a child’s focus and understanding. I use movement breaks, practical activities, visuals and sensory resources to cater for a variety of learning styles. I have experience in implementing strategies and interventions suggested in professional reports and EHCPs, and monitoring progress towards multiple targets. I have specialist knowledge in the needs of autistic children through both lived experience as a parent and specialist training: I have a specific qualification as an accredited PACT therapist (Level 2 Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy: PACT is an NHS-approved early intervention for social communication difficulties and autism that supports child communication and social engagement.)

English as an Additional Language
I am very experienced in working with children who have English as an additional language. I am able to help them access the primary curriculum and make the rapid progress needed to feel confident at school. I have also taught English as a foreign language to primary classes in Spain.

I offer a free 20 minute call to parents before the first session to discuss your child's needs in more depth, and a progress report each half term.