Gail C

About me, my expertise, qualifications and SEND experience

I am a passionate and inclusive teacher who believes every child, regardless of ability, should reach their full potential. I work with home-schooled children, including those with ADHD, autism, and SEMH needs. My approach focuses on understanding each child’s individual needs and creating a calm, engaging environment where learning can thrive. I use a wide range of effective strategies to support, motivate, and build confidence in every learner. By building positive relationships and working collaboratively with families and professionals, I help students develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

I am a parent of two children, and my husband and I have previously been foster carers. I have extensive experience working with children through my voluntary role as a Group Lead Volunteer at our local Scout Group. In addition, I serve as a Trustee for an educational charity, supporting initiatives  promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.

How I teach students with [ Autism and ADHD]

My lessons are carefully planned using inclusive, strength-based approaches that recognise each child’s individual needs. I create structured, supportive learning environments with clear expectations, adaptable teaching strategies, and a strong focus on emotional regulation and wellbeing. Spending time getting to know children helps to ensure they are regulated and calm throughout the lesson.

I break learning activities into clear, manageable steps, with regular breaks built in to support focus and regulation. I use a range of engaging strategies, including manipulatives, games, songs, and videos, to maintain motivation and accessibility. Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to support understanding and memory retention. Where appropriate, I use personalised resources such as PECS, visual supports, and child-centred reward systems to enhance communication, engagement and progress.

How I teach Maths

I have experience teaching Maths across all primary year groups. I place a strong emphasis on linking mathematical concepts to real-life contexts, helping children understand both the purpose and relevance of their learning. Through the use of manipulatives, hands-on activities, and physical movement, I support deep conceptual understanding. I also incorporate children’s individual interests into lessons to increase engagement, enjoyment and confidence in Maths.

How I teach English

I tailor English teaching to meet the needs of children with SEND by building learning around their individual interests and strengths. This approach increases motivation and engagement while supporting meaningful progress in reading and writing. I nurture imagination through structured storytelling and vocabulary development, and explicitly teach core skills such as phonics, handwriting, and sentence structure. I use evidence-based resources, including Colourful Semantics, to provide clear visual and practical support, helping children develop confidence, independence, and effective communication skills.

How I help students with focus, attention and emotional regulation

I support students with their focus, attention, and emotional regulation by providing lesson structure and consistent routines, which help to reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety within lessons. By building strong, trusting relationships and gaining a deep understanding of each child’s needs and interests, I design engaging lessons that spark imagination and sustain attention. Learning is broken down into short, achievable tasks and delivered through a variety of activities, with regular movement breaks to support regulation. I use practical resources and visual prompts to make learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful.