SEND Tutoring chats to Laura Kerbey who’s an Autism and Education Consultant

Episode Introduction

Today on SEND Tutoring’s Podcast we have an Autism and Education Consultant and Author, Laura Kerby

Laura Kerbey has been working with autistic children and young people for over 21 years.

Laura started her teaching career as a lecturer in the Supported Learning Department of a large Mainstream College teaching Numeracy, Literacy, Life Skills and Childcare. She also worked as the Life Skills coordinator at a residential college for young people with severe physical disabilities. Laura specialised in Autism in 2002 when she became the Autism Champion for the Surrey College Network, she then became Assistant Head Teacher, then Head Teacher at an independent special school for autistic children.

Laura is the author of “The Educator’s Experience of PDA” which was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing in 2023.

In March 2013 Laura founded Positive Autism Support and Training (PAST.) PAST provides support to families who have autistic children and other associated conditions.  In March of 2023, PAST became Positive Assessments Support and Training.

In October 2018 Laura launched KITE Therapeutic Learning Services with a colleague.  KITE provides bespoke therapeutic learning programmes for children who are unable to access school due to high anxiety or other needs.  The majority of children accessing KITE are autistic with a PDA profile.

As well as working closely with young people and families Laura works as an Educational Consultant working with schools, colleges and universities providing training and advice to ensure that the needs of neurodivergent learners are fully met. The autism and PDA training programmes that Laura has developed at Levels 2 and 3 are accredited by The Open College Network (London Region) and recognised by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF.)  In March 2020 Laura spoke at the first-ever conference on PDA in the United States.

Laura has a degree in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education Autism) a PCGE in Life lifelong learning and holds NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). Laura also has a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and an NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Working with Students with ADHD.  Laura has also completed a Level One Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and ADOS Training.  Laura is neurodivergent herself and received a diagnosis of ADHD in her forties.  Laura’s eldest son has ADHD and her youngest son has a rare neurological condition.

1. What is an Autism and Education Consultant, please tell us the main facets of your job.

2. What are some of the barriers to learning that autistic students face?

3. What is PDA? If you have PDA do you have Autism too?

Laura Kerbey is an independent consultant.

We spoke about how there’s a distinct lack of understanding in schools and how the education system is not fit for purpose, particularly in secondary schools. The structure is too rigid and has catastrophic effects on children’s mental health. It is a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you have any questions on the topics discussed in this podcast, or are looking for help finding a specialist one-to-one tutor for your child, book a free consultation with us today, we’ll be happy to help.