Mary A

• About Me

My name is Mary, and I am a dedicated SEND Teacher and Science Specialist with a strong foundation in Chemistry Education and over a decade of experience supporting learners across primary, secondary, and post-16 education. I am passionate about helping students with complex needs—including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and behavioural challenges—overcome barriers to learning. Whether in a mainstream classroom or specialist provision, I create inclusive, engaging, and structured environments where every student can thrive.

Teaching Experience

Currently, I teach at New Regents College in Hackney, London, a pupil referral unit (PRU) where I deliver cross-curricular education—including Maths, Science, and Literacy—to students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. My previous experience includes roles as a Special Needs Assistant at Nightingale Primary School, a SEND Teaching Assistant at Ambitious College for post-16 learners, and a volunteer Maths tutor at EM Tuition. Internationally, I worked as a Chemistry teacher for three years in Nigeria, where I also taught in early years and secondary settings. Across all roles, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to adapting lessons and environments to meet individual student needs.

Specialist Skills and Certifications

I hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education from the University of Jos, Nigeria. I am trained in positive handling, equipping me to safely support students during behavioural crises in a calm and professional manner. I also hold a Level 3 certificate in Makaton, enabling me to use signs and symbols to support students with communication challenges. Additional skills include the use of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), sensory integration techniques, assistive technology, and behaviour management strategies tailored for students with a range of needs.

Subjects and Areas of Expertise

I specialise in working with children and young people with autism, ADHD, SEMH, and learning difficulties. My academic subject expertise includes Chemistry and General Science, as well as Maths and Literacy. As an autism specialist, I design visual, low-demand learning tasks that reduce anxiety and increase engagement for neurodivergent learners. Whether I’m teaching atomic theory to Year 9 students or helping a non-verbal 10-year-old develop early numeracy, I focus on making content accessible, relevant, and fun.

Inclusive Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centres around building strong, trusting relationships with students and helping them grow in confidence and independence. I believe in the power of a tailored, inclusive curriculum to transform lives, and I collaborate closely with parents, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure my learners receive consistent support across all settings. My lessons are highly structured yet flexible, incorporating sensory breaks, visual supports, and simplified instructions to suit individual learning profiles.

Supporting Emotional and Behavioural Needs

As a PRU and SEND specialist, I am skilled in supporting children who present with challenging behaviour due to trauma, unmet needs, or neurodivergence. My training in positive handling, combined with proactive behaviour strategies, allows me to maintain safety while prioritising student dignity and de-escalation. I’ve led the implementation of personalised behaviour plans and regularly contribute to Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews. 

• About Me

My name is Mary, and I am a dedicated SEND Teacher and Science Specialist with a strong foundation in Chemistry Education and over a decade of experience supporting learners across primary, secondary, and post-16 education. I am passionate about helping students with complex needs—including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and behavioural challenges—overcome barriers to learning. Whether in a mainstream classroom or specialist provision, I create inclusive, engaging, and structured environments where every student can thrive.

Teaching Experience

Currently, I teach at New Regents College in Hackney, London, a pupil referral unit (PRU) where I deliver cross-curricular education—including Maths, Science, and Literacy—to students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. My previous experience includes roles as a Special Needs Assistant at Nightingale Primary School, a SEND Teaching Assistant at Ambitious College for post-16 learners, and a volunteer Maths tutor at EM Tuition. Internationally, I worked as a Chemistry teacher for three years in Nigeria, where I also taught in early years and secondary settings. Across all roles, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to adapting lessons and environments to meet individual student needs.

Specialist Skills and Certifications

I hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education from the University of Jos, Nigeria. I am trained in positive handling, equipping me to safely support students during behavioural crises in a calm and professional manner. I also hold a Level 3 certificate in Makaton, enabling me to use signs and symbols to support students with communication challenges. Additional skills include the use of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), sensory integration techniques, assistive technology, and behaviour management strategies tailored for students with a range of needs.

Subjects and Areas of Expertise

I specialise in working with children and young people with autism, ADHD, SEMH, and learning difficulties. My academic subject expertise includes Chemistry and General Science, as well as Maths and Literacy. As an autism specialist, I design visual, low-demand learning tasks that reduce anxiety and increase engagement for neurodivergent learners. Whether I’m teaching atomic theory to Year 9 students or helping a non-verbal 10-year-old develop early numeracy, I focus on making content accessible, relevant, and fun.

Inclusive Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centres around building strong, trusting relationships with students and helping them grow in confidence and independence. I believe in the power of a tailored, inclusive curriculum to transform lives, and I collaborate closely with parents, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure my learners receive consistent support across all settings. My lessons are highly structured yet flexible, incorporating sensory breaks, visual supports, and simplified instructions to suit individual learning profiles.

Supporting Emotional and Behavioural Needs

As a PRU and SEND specialist, I am skilled in supporting children who present with challenging behaviour due to trauma, unmet needs, or neurodivergence. My training in positive handling, combined with proactive behaviour strategies, allows me to maintain safety while prioritising student dignity and de-escalation. I’ve led the implementation of personalised behaviour plans and regularly contribute to Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews.