BEd, MA Deaf Education, National Qualification for Head teachers (NPQH), Specialist Teacher, PGCert SENCO, SpLD APC, BSL Interpreter, The Listening Program and Movement Program Provider and ADOS2 (autism) trained. Member of Patoss, Dyslexia Guild and SASC.
I have over 25 years of experience working with children with additional needs in primary, secondary, special school, and other specialist settings. Originally, I trained as a BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter and then changed my degree to a B.Ed. I trained as an English teacher and taught in both primary and secondary schools. Eventually, I trained as a Teacher of the Deaf. Teaching Deaf children to read is a real challenge as dyslexic characteristics are usually present. After 15 years, of teaching reception to sixth form, I moved to a SENCo position at a large secondary school, with a Resourced Provision for Autism. During the 8 years leading on whole school SEND I completed the National Qualification for Head Teachers to develop and support whole school leadership skills; being a visible leader in SEND, safeguarding and Positive Behaviour, Intervention and Support (PBIS), alongside leading Autism and supporting new teachers. I have a passion for language and accessibility to learning. This position allowed me to produce and analyse bespoke therapeutic and academic interventions, administer SEND reviews for other schools, and provide advice and support to voluntary support groups. After that, I worked for a Local Authority leading on the Resourced Provisions across the City for ASD and SEMH provisions. Therefore, I have a wealth of experience at all key stages in the classroom and at Local Authority level, and am extremely passionate about a child-centred approach and supporting the independence of young people.
