Karen A

About me, my expertise, qualifications, and SEND experience

I have over 20 years’ experience as a primary school teacher, having also been a Deputy Head and SEND Coordinator. I am a Family Learning Tutor, so I work closely with parents of neurodivergent children, for example, running support groups. I am a trained Family Links practitioner, strengthening the parent-child relationship through empathy, communication, and positive discipline.

I have a First Class Honours Degree in Primary Education.

How I teach neurodivergent students

I teach neurodivergent children by focusing on their individual strengths, interests, and sensory needs. My approach is flexible, relationship-based, and grounded in understanding each child’s unique way of processing the world. I prioritise creating a calm, predictable environment where learners feel safe, respected, and understood. Lessons are highly personalised, often using multi-sensory and interest-led activities to build engagement and confidence. I balance structure with choice, allowing children to take ownership of their learning while developing self-regulation and independence. Above all, I aim to reduce pressure, nurture trust, and celebrate progress in every form — academic, emotional, and social.

How I teach Maths / English

I teach Maths and English to neurodivergent learners using a personalised, multi-sensory approach that meets each child’s unique needs and learning style. Lessons are structured but flexible, breaking concepts into manageable steps and using visual, tactile, and interactive methods to reinforce understanding. I focus on building confidence and independence, linking learning to real-life contexts and the child’s interests to increase engagement. Reading, writing, and numeracy skills are developed through a balance of practice, repetition, and creative activities, with ongoing encouragement and positive reinforcement. I also integrate strategies to support attention, memory, and emotional regulation, ensuring that academic progress goes hand in hand with well-being and self-esteem.

How I help students communicate

I support students in developing effective communication by tailoring strategies to their individual needs and abilities. This includes using visual supports, social stories, gestures, modelling, and technology-assisted communication where appropriate. I focus on building confidence, encouraging expression of thoughts and feelings, and fostering active listening skills. Lessons and interactions are structured to reduce anxiety and provide predictable opportunities for practice, while celebrating all attempts at communication. By creating a supportive, patient environment, I help students improve their verbal and non-verbal communication, enhancing their ability to connect with others and express themselves with clarity and confidence.

How I make lessons fun

I make lessons engaging and enjoyable by incorporating hands-on, interactive, and creative activities that connect with each child’s interests and learning style. I use games, challenges, visual aids, storytelling, and real-life examples to bring concepts to life, turning learning into an active and motivating experience. Lessons are designed to balance structure with choice, allowing students to explore, experiment, and feel a sense of achievement. By celebrating progress and making learning meaningful, I foster curiosity, confidence, and a positive attitude toward both academic skills and personal growth.

How I help students with focus, attention, and emotional regulation

I help students develop attention and emotional regulation by creating structured, predictable, and supportive learning environments tailored to their individual needs. I use strategies such as visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, and timed tasks to maintain focus, alongside mindfulness, movement breaks, and sensory tools to manage energy and emotions. I teach self-awareness and coping skills, modelling calm responses and helping students recognise and label their feelings. Positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and clear boundaries help build self-control and resilience, enabling students to engage more effectively in learning and social interactions while feeling safe and understood.