Alex F

This full bio will tell parents about you and your service, your teaching style, and any unique approaches you might use. It should be approx. 1 page of A4. The headings below should be used as a guide.

About me, my expertise, qualifications and SEND experience

I have been teaching for 25 years and private tutoring for 9 years.  I qualified at Roehampton Institute with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.  In recent years I have been working with children with SEND, both in a mainstream setting, and one to one tutoring. I love tutoring one to one – its truly my dream job!

How I teach students with Autism, ADHD and ODD

I initially engage students with an exciting activity , tailored to their particular interests/ likes. Then extend this into a fun and exciting learning activity and encourage turn taking.   The sessions can be short, or longer according to the child’s engagement, interspersed with reward activities that are play based, and big movement breaks.  I am patient, flexible, positive and I tune in to the mood and feelings of the student to get the best possible outcome from the sessions.

How I teach Maths / English

I feel it is really important to make activities as fun and engaging as possible.   Playing learning games and writing on magnetic boards are examples of how I keep maths and writing sessions interesting.  Outside learning works well for many children, for example jumping on the right answer in a game, so I include this where appropriate.

How I help students communicate

I give clear and simple instructions,  with repetition, trying to use the same type of instructions each time so that the student becomes familiar with them.    I give them time and space to speak, and encourage them to repeat my words when learning something new. I use positive reinforcement with smiles , words, stickers or other rewards to encourage best behaviours.

How I help students engage with learning

I demonstrate the learning activity myself and encourage the student to join in.  I usually start with an exciting activity to catch the students attention. Using a variety of resources such as games to keep sessions interesting.

How I make lessons fun

I plan interesting and fun activities for our learning.   This can include songs, games, art, outside activities etc.  I am upbeat and enthusiastic which helps the child to enjoy the learning.

How I help students with focus, attention and emotional regulation

I make sure that I know as I can much about the children I work, e.g their likes and dislikes so that the learning can be as enjoyable for them as possible.  For example, one boy that I  work with likes time quietly to himself if getting overwhelmed so we build a small den and he looks at books in there with  my torch.  Another child responds well to a light up toy and bubbles to calm and regulate.   Whatever the method I use, I believe it is important to make time for the child to be helped to refocus or regulate to get them in a place where they are happy to learn again.