Lindsay T

About me, my expertise, qualifications and SEND experience

I’m a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, specialising in teaching English/Literacy and 1-1/small group teaching of students with SEND, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, SEMH and other additional needs. I take a flexible approach that combines academic support with more holistic practices such as mindfulness and creative approaches. With extensive experience in teaching early literacy , EAL and communication, I focus on creating engaging multi-sensory learning spaces. calm. My aim is to build confidence, encourage a positive mindset towards learning, and support students in developing the skills they need to grow both academically and emotionally.

How I teach students with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and SEMH

Inclusion is at the core of my teaching practice and I believe in teaching (and reaching) children at their own special and individual place of need. I have wide experience of teaching children with SEND including those with Autism (ASC), ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) needs and working memory and attention difficulties. My focus is always on developing trusting and meaningful relationships that create a safe, supportive learning environment. By tailoring my approach to each unique child, I help students feel valued, understood, and confident in their abilities.  My sessions are designed to empower students by celebrating achievements and promoting a growth mindset. Through patient guidance and carefully structured challenges, I help young people rebuild self-belief and resilience, particularly those who may have experienced setbacks in their education.
For students with challenges around working memory, executive functioning, or attention, I use structured, evidence-based techniques such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual organisers, and embedding active recall strategies. These methods support information retention and application while reducing overwhelm. During my lessons I will always work at the pace of the child and the targets we set and know we can achieve together.

How I teach Maths / English [edit or delete as needed]

I teach maths in a way that feels clear, fun, and manageable. I break things down into small steps and use practical multi-sensory resources, visual aids, and everyday examples so they can see how maths works in real life.  I often use games, repetition, and lots of encouragement to help build confidence and enjoyment.

How I help students communicate

I help children develop their communication skills by creating a calm, supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I always give plenty of thinking time to enable the child to process their thoughts. As an English as an Additional Language (EAL) accredited teacher, I understand the importance of  using clear language, visual prompts, and simple questions to support understanding. I encourage conversation through play and role play activities helping students build confidence in speaking and listening. I recognise that there are many ways to communicate and adapt my approach to each child’s needs, using strategies like visual organisers to support in organising thoughts. I enjoy finding opportunities to bring creative approaches into teaching language and use art as a support to develop oral and written language – drawing time is thinking time!

How I help students engage with learning

I use my experience of creative planning to design fun, interactive and multi-sensory sessions that are tailored to students’ interests, making learning enjoyable and accessible.I create lessons which will pique the child’s curioristy and engagement. Getting to know the student, their interests and motivators, is essential to my planning and I will then finds ways of intergrating this into my planning. My passion is creative literacy and I  love to use innovative apporaches in teaching reading and writing.

How I make lessons fun

Learning should be fun, engaging and child-centered. I plan games, interactive activities, and practical tasks to create enthusiasm. My experience as an art teacher is intergrated into my planning and I am always looking for ways to facilitate creative expression. Lessons should be child-focused, creating an environment where they feel free to explore, take risks, and genuinely enjoy the learning process.

How I help students with focus, attention and emotional regulation

The foundation of my practice is developing a teacher-child relationship whereby the child feels safe – then all else follows. Working with children with SEND, development trauma or EBSA for example, requires building trust and confidence, which are as important as boosting academic achievement. My specialist training in mindful approaches to children’s growth gives me an excellent understanding and skills base to work with children who may be feeling challenged or left behind. I use brain breaks, a variety of grounding techniues, breathing exercises and games to support focus and attention.