About me
I have been a teacher for more than 25 years working in both the state and the independent sectors within Solihull and still work part time in a local school so as to ensure my teaching knowledge is up to date and covers the latest initiates. I have worked at several schools including Solihull School, Dorridge Primary School, St Patricks CE Earlswood and Balsall Common Primary School.
I have also tutored for 20+ years.
My Specialist Areas
Having worked at Solihull School and having my own children at Solihull School, I am extremely experienced in and knowledgeable about the entry requirements and exam preparation needed for this and other independent and grammar schools. I have tutored for more than 20 years sharing my knowledge and teaching children the relevant exam technique needed to pass the entrance exams with outstanding results.
I fully prepare your child for the entrance examinations whether it be 6+ through to 11+.
Before embarking on our first session, I will have a clear idea from you, the parent, as to what you wish to achieve from the sessions, whether it be preparing for comprehension, creative writing or maths or all three.
I provide all resources and have numerous past papers from hundreds of private and grammar schools which I can use if exam technique preparation is required.
My teaching experience has been across the 3-11 age range but primarily in KS2. I continue to work part time in a Solihull School in order to ensure my knowledge and skills are up to date and current. I have tutored for 20 years, preparing children for the 11+ exams in comprehension, creative writing, maths, verbal & non-verbal reasoning.
I am also competent with SATS preparation, and the expectations involved with these, having been an external examination marker for KS2 SATS.
I have experience across KS1 and EYFS and am skilled in phonics and early learning needs.
I not only work with children taking examinations but also work with children who need support and encouragement in their educational journey. Dedicated one to one tuition really benefits all children and can boost their confidence hugely.
My Qualifications and Experience
- 2:1 BEd (Hons) Degree from Exeter University
- Maths subject lead
- Broad experience with KS2 for 25+ years
- Experience in both state and private sectors
- Expertise in entrance exam preparation
- Marking of KS2 SATS external examinations
- Experience of teaching children with learning difficulties/SEN/SEMH/Autism/Dyslexia
- Creation of Needs based plans
- EHCP plan delivery
- Plan and deliver 1:1 and small group interventions in school settings and as a tutor
- Fully insured
- First aid trained
- DBS checked
- Trained in safeguarding
Why tutoring?
Having tutored for over 2 decades, I have seen the immense leaps 1:1 and small group working can have to an individual. I want to continue making a positive impact on the lives of these young people and help them achieve their goals.
I have always wanted to work with children, even as a little girl when I used to play schools! The personal rewards when a child grasps something for the first time or suddenly has that 'wow' moment is unbelievable.
Working on a 1:1 basis is extremely rewarding as I see children develop and flourish in a short space of time. Their confidence grows in a 1:1 or small group environment where they are not afraid to ask questions, make mistakes and challenge themselves further.
I am encouraging, passionate, enthusiastic and show an affinity to the students in my care. I am inspiring and varied with my teaching styles, ensuring creative and stimulating tasks and challenges take place within my teaching. Ultimately, I aim to help each child reach their full potential and guide them to be the best they can be.
I also believe that if children are engaged with their learning, they will achieve better results and a better understanding of their subject area.
I recognise that every child is an individual with their own needs and requirements. Before we start our tutoring journey, I will have had a conversation with you as the parent, ensuring that I understand what both you and the child and hoping to achieve in the long term so that when I plan my sessions, they are tailor made and unique to them. I will always be warmly honest with parents and believe communication is key to helping every child achieve.
Why choose me?
It is without doubt I have the experience and expertise to help guide and nurture your child, whether it be to gain more confidence, support them in areas of difficulty or prepare them for important exams. But there is more to tutoring and working with children than this.
I strongly believe that all children are entitled to a broad range of experiences and opportunities, which should be delivered with knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm. Children should see learning as enjoyable which will encourage them to be life-long learners. I strive to enhance and extend each child’s learning potential. I desire for children to have aspirations, to have a thirst to learn more and to be the best they can be. It is important children have resilience to face challenges and to have a growth mindset mentality. The power of yet. It may be that your child feels they can't do something. But I want to encourage them to think that it's purely they can't do it...yet! With my support and scaffolding whilst tackling tasks children will develop these skills.
I will work tirelessly to enable and empower your child to develop as a happy, literate, numerate and independent young person who is able to take their next step on their learning journey.