Specialist Areas – Professional Focus

I am a SEN specialist, SEN Teaching Assistant, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, and Thrive Licensed Practitioner, with experience supporting children and young people with additional needs. I began my career in education as a Teaching Assistant in an SEN school before progressing to the role of HLTA, and I have continued to develop my knowledge through a wide range of specialist training.

My training includes Thrive practice, TIP training, attachment, PDA, ODD, grief, loss and change in young people, FASD, Elklan speech and language support, supporting SEN, understanding Autism, behaviour management, epilepsy awareness, Norfolk Steps, and Team Teach. I have also completed a Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools and an Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

My work focuses on building positive, trusting relationships with young people so they feel safe, understood, and better able to engage with the world around them. I support children and young people with their social, emotional and mental health needs, helping them to understand themselves, build personal relationships, and develop the skills they need to move through school and later life with greater confidence.

I can also support parents as they navigate the often complex SEN support system in the UK. For many families, understanding what support may be available, what questions to ask, and how to communicate effectively with schools can feel overwhelming. Drawing on my experience in SEN education and my specialist training, I can help parents feel more informed, confident, and prepared when discussing their child’s needs. This may include helping families better understand their child’s social, emotional, communication, or learning needs, supporting them to organise their thoughts before school meetings, and guiding them in how to advocate calmly and clearly for appropriate support.

I believe that every young person deserves to experience success. My approach is calm, supportive and relationship-led, with a focus on helping each individual access education, develop confidence, and work towards their own potential in a way that feels achievable for them.