Julie M.

Hello and welcome to my profile.

MY TEACHING BACKGROUND

I've been teaching for nearly 40 years in a variety of roles.

After training as a Junior School teacher, I taught Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 as a class teacher.

I've been a full time SENCO in a large Junior School, which secured me a post with the Local Authority as a Specialist Support Teacher. I qualified as a Specialist Teacher (Dyslexia) and supported pupils with a wide range of SEN and ALN in primary and secondary schools.

I managed the Learning Support Service (a team of specialist teachers) for the Local Authority and delivered accredited training courses to schools.

I trained as an NVQ Internal Verifier to oversee accredited courses for Specialist Teachers (Dyslexia)

As Primary Lead for Looked After Children, I worked closely with the Head of the Virtual School in the Local Authority to monitor progress, and to provide assessment and support for pupils.

Following the Local Authority's decision to disband the Learning Support Service due to budgetary pressures, I have worked exclusively as an independent private tutor since 2016.

MY STUDENTS

In addition to Primary and Secondary aged students, I tutor FE and HE students who require support with written assignments.

Students who are likely to be affected in their learning for GCSE English Language and Literature by Specific Learning Difficulties, such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, ASD and ADHD are especially welcome.

I have extensive experience preparing pupils for the 11+ Test. I encourage an early start in Year 4 to allow for specific learning issues in English and Maths. 'Strong' students who require 'coaching' for the Test are welcome from the beginning of Year 5.

MY PHILOSOPHY

I believe that every child I tutor has the capacity to learn, to develop and to do great things if they are given the chance. In getting to know my students, I set them in the right direction, mentoring them when necessary and helping them to develop a range of skills and abilities that give them the best chance to succeed in their learning.

One to one tuition allows me to nurture a student's capabilities and develop growth in confidence, knowledge and a positive attitude, both as a learner and an individual. Confidence and self-esteem are important factors to develop alongside academic skills.

MY APPROACH

My approach as a Specialist teacher is to provide personalised, multisensory tuition that is structured and cumulative, delivered in small steps, with time built in for overlearning, reinforcement and revision.

I'm patient, with a warm personality and a sense of humour. I'm approachable, listen actively to parents and students so that we can work successfully as a team. I regularly advise parents about resources, activities, strategies and approaches to support learning, self-esteem and confidence.

I endeavour to provide an environment in which students enjoy their learning. To this end, I am flexible in my teaching approaches. Lessons are interactive to involve students in 'learning how to learn best'.

Learning materials are tailored to suit the interest and needs of my students, to build on existing strengths whilst supporting and reducing the effect of weaknesses and difficulties. Wherever possible, in developing early literacy and numeracy skills, I encourage the ability to 'see it, hear it, think about it, say it, do it, touch it and move it'.

Please note, that every opportunity will be given for students to make the most of the sessions and the support provided. In order to achieve their learning goals and especially to achieve the grades they want in their GCSEs, students will be encouraged to participate to the best of their ability, to engage with the learning tasks, ask questions if they are uncertain and, most importantly, to do their best.

TUITION SESSIONS

I tutor students on an individual basis at my home, where I have access to a wide range of resources.

Sessions last for one hour.

Online sessions are offered as an alternative for students who can work well in this way. In addition, online sessions are often used flexibly to account for bad weather or emergency situations where students cannot attend in person, which avoids cancellations.

I always provide verbal feedback at the end of a session and will follow up with a telephone call or an email if there is something to discuss in more detail.

MY HOURLY RATE

My hourly rate reflects my knowledge, skills, specialist training and qualifications, as well as my commitment to delivering high quality tuition.

COMMUNICATION WITH NEW STUDENTS/PARENTS

Prior to the first session, I provide a Handbook via email to parents/older students to answer FAQs, to outline my cancellation policy and provide banking details, etc. The Handbook is updated each academic year to accommodate anything new that will improve the arrangements.

A section is included in the Handbook for parents/older students to complete with their contact details and to acknowledge that they have read and agreed the arrangements for tuition. I'm flexible about arrangements, but the Handbook acts as a useful framework to help keep things organised.