Liana P

About me, my expertise, qualifications and SEND experience

As a highly qualified and experienced teacher, I am dedicated to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, as well as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and speech and language difficulties. With over 20 years of experience across primary, secondary, and specialist settings, I have taught maths throughout primary school and English at secondary school, developing a deep understanding of the unique challenges learners face at different stages of their education. My experience as an inclusion lead has further enhanced my knowledge of SEND and provided me with valuable insights into creating effective, individualised support plans. I am also trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), Draw and Talk, and Play Therapy, which allow me to support students’ emotional well-being alongside their academic progress. I tailor my teaching strategies to meet individual needs, using a variety of approaches such as multi-sensory techniques, assistive technology, and personalized resources. I create a fun, engaging, and light-hearted learning environment where humour and enthusiasm play a central role in helping students feel relaxed and confident. By fostering an atmosphere where students feel comfortable to laugh, make mistakes, and enjoy the learning process, I aim to make education enjoyable while ensuring that every learner feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through patience, encouragement, and innovative teaching methods, I ensure that all my students have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Creating a relationship

I begin by building a strong rapport with each student, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and understood. To maintain engagement, I use a variety of methods such as hands-on activities, visual aids, and interactive games that make learning fun and accessible. I often incorporate technology, as it can be an excellent tool for creating dynamic and personalised learning experiences. By breaking tasks into manageable steps and using positive reinforcement, I help students feel a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence. I also create an environment where students can take breaks as needed, allowing them to manage their focus and energy. Flexibility is key; if one method isn’t working, I adapt quickly to find an alternative that suits their learning style. By keeping sessions varied, supportive, and encouraging, I ensure that SEND children remain engaged, motivated, and empowered to succeed.

The importance of helping students with emotional regulation

Supporting children with emotional regulation is central to my teaching approach. I create a calm, safe, and predictable environment where children feel secure enough to express their emotions and learn strategies to manage them effectively. I teach mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and grounding activities to help children recognise and calm their emotions before they escalate. I also incorporate visual aids, such as emotion charts or feelings wheels, to help children identify and label their emotions, which is the first step in managing them. By breaking down situations that trigger emotional reactions and discussing them in a supportive way, I encourage children to reflect on their feelings and find healthy coping strategies. I use positive reinforcement to celebrate small successes and build confidence in their ability to regulate their emotions.

How I help students communicate

• Use visual timetables and limit sensory distractions.
• Be patient and allow extra time for processing.
• Include frequent movement breaks.
• Use hands-on and interactive tasks to sustain engagement.
• Use scaffolding techniques (providing supports that can be gradually removed as independence grows).
• Simplify and repeat instructions.

How I teach students with ASD

Teaching individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires a thoughtful, individualised, and supportive approach. I begin by Identifying the student’s strengths, challenges, and interests, before tailoring teaching strategies to match their learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, kinaesthetic). This is achieved through: visual supports, breaking tasks into smaller steps, incorporating the student’s interests, implementing positive reinforcement, using structure and predictability, teaching social and communication skills, using technology, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and always being patient and flexible.

How I teach students with ADHD

When teaching children with ADHD, I focus on creating a structured and engaging learning environment. Understanding that attention and focus can be challenging, I use a variety of strategies to keep them engaged, such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual aids, and incorporating hands-on activities. I make learning interactive and fun, often using games and technology to sustain interest and motivation. I build in regular breaks and opportunities for movement, helping to channel their energy positively. Patience and flexibility are key as I provide clear instructions, offer frequent encouragement, and celebrate every small success to boost confidence. By fostering a supportive and understanding atmosphere, I help students with ADHD feel confident in their abilities and ensure they have the tools and strategies to succeed both academically and socially.

How I teach English

Teaching English to children with special educational needs (SEN) requires a personalised, nurturing approach. I use multi-sensory learning to reinforce learning and retention. Language is simplified, visuals are used, and repetition is essential. Every learner with SEND requires something different. My approach is to find the key to engaging learning, provide positivity, praise, and nurture

How I teach Maths

I am passionate about helping children and young people build confidence and enjoyment in learning maths. I create engaging, interactive, and accessible lessons tailored to individual needs, ensuring everyone can succeed. Using games, technology, humour, and practical activities, I make maths relatable and fun, breaking down concepts into manageable steps. I celebrate every success, however small, to build confidence and encourage a positive attitude. By fostering a supportive and happy learning environment, I aim to make maths less daunting and help learners discover their potential.