I have been a consultant teacher in SEND for 9 years, working in a number of schools across Sheffield, advising on the most effective ways of supporting pupils with SEND. I deliver training to colleagues in education on a wide variety of SEND issues, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, ASD, ADHD, speech and language weaknesses and motor skills difficulties. Many staff within schools are working in challenging situations, and a lack of knowledge and understanding around SEND can increase uncertainty and anxiety.
A major motivation for me is to support colleagues in developing knowledge and confidence, and, therefore, empowering them to improve their Quality First Teaching within an inclusive classroom.
I have a particular personal interest in maths, and investigating how pupils with SEND can be supported with their mathematical learning. I have attended annual conferences on Dyscalculia, and have developed an ‘Introduction to Dyscalculia’ training session which I have now delivered to colleagues in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. I have also led a series of workshops across the region for the South Yorkshire Maths Hub on Supporting SEND Pupils in Maths.
Prior to my current role, I was the Inclusion Manager and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at a Sheffield Primary School. During that role, I set up new systems for record-keeping and tracking progress of SEND pupils, established new systems of communication and reviews with parents and supported staff with whole-class strategies and interventions.
In addition to being an Specialist Leader in Education, I am a Professional Development Accredited Lead through the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics). I am also a member of the South Yorkshire Maths Hub Board.