Helen

Experience working with young people with SEN to develop trusting and supportive relationships

My career has combined teaching in both special needs and mainstream settings, including 15 years in a special school designated for pupils with SEMH needs and learning difficulties where many pupils had Autism Spectrum Conditions, communication difficulties, or ADHD. As part of this role, I also taught in an ASC satellite provision within a mainstream primary school. I have been Lead Teacher for Primary English, Humanities and Languages and a Mentor for several trainee teachers.

I build strong, trusting relationships with children by valuing their individuality and creating a safe, predictable learning environment. I use empathy, consistency, and clear communication to reduce anxiety and help children feel understood. I work closely with families and professionals to ensure a joined‑up approach, and I take time to understand each child's interests, triggers, and strengths so they feel confident and secure during sessions.

Experience working with young people with Autism (ASC)

Autism (ASC) experience

I have extensive experience supporting children with Autism across both specialist and mainstream settings. I use structured routines, visual timetables, ‘now and next' boards, social stories, sensory adjustments, and clear, calm communication to help children feel regulated and ready to learn. My lessons are highly visual and multisensory, and I break tasks into manageable steps to reduce overwhelm. I understand the importance of predictability, processing time, and personalised approaches for autistic learners.

Experience working with young people with ADHD

ADHD experience

I have taught many pupils with ADHD and understand the importance of movement, structure, and engaging, hands‑on learning. I use short, focused activities, visual prompts, task planners, and clear routines to support attention and reduce frustration. I incorporate brain breaks, sensory tools and practical resources to help children stay regulated and successful. My calm, consistent approach helps children feel supported rather than pressured.

Experience Working With Young People With SEMH

SEMH experience

For 15 years, I taught in a school designated for pupils with SEMH needs. I am skilled at understanding behaviour as communication and responding with empathy, structure, and emotional support. I use resources such as ‘Zones of Regulation', ‘Five‑Point Scales' and personalised strategies to help children to recognise and manage their emotions. I create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and engaged with their learning.

Experience Teaching Maths & English

Maths & English experience

I have taught English and Maths across KS1 and KS2, using a wide range of multisensory and scaffolded approaches. In English, I have used writing frames, ‘Widgit' symbols, word banks, and structured modelling to support writing. I have used phonics schemes and visual resources to teach phonics, spelling and reading. In Maths, I use practical resources to make abstract concepts accessible. I break learning into small, achievable steps and celebrate progress to build confidence.

Experience working with young people with speech and language needs

Speech and language experience

I use visual supports, simplified language, modelling, repetition, and structured speaking and listening activities to engage and motivate children with speech and language needs. I use drama, and role‑play activities to interest children and to embed learning.

Experience working with young people to boost their confidence and self‑esteem

Boosting confidence and self‑esteem

Building confidence is at the heart of all I do. I use positive reinforcement, achievable targets, and personalised learning to help children experience success. I celebrate small steps, encourage resilience, and create a calm, non‑judgemental space where children feel safe enough to challenge themselves and to make mistakes. My nurturing approach helps children develop self‑belief, independence, and pride in their achievements.

Specialist experience providing engaging sessions to inspire a love of learning

Inspiring a love of learning

I design creative, cross‑curricular lessons that make learning enjoyable. I use drama, role‑play, artefacts, visual aids and hands‑on activities to bring topics to life. I ensure that sessions are imaginative, motivating, and tailored to each child's interests and learning style.

Skills and experience supporting young people to develop their independence

Developing independence

I support children to become more independent by teaching routines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and using visual supports. I encourage problem‑solving, self‑regulation, and organisational skills, helping children take ownership of their learning. My consistent, structured approach empowers pupils to build confidence and independence over time.