Jo-Anne

The SEN (Special Educational Needs pupils) that I have worked with include: Autism (ASD), Moderate learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, Downs Syndrome, Bi-polar, psychotic tendencies, ADD, OCD, ADHD, PDA, anxiety and general behaviour difficulties caused by early years trauma and attachment issues. At times supporting these pupils and their parents to achieve a diagnosis or change in EHCP or educational placement. I have liaised with a wider range of professionals for safeguarding, LAC and young offenders. I welcome a challenge and I am driven to achieve the best possible outcomes for the individuals I work with.

My skills and experience working with students with autism: I am a confident and experienced teacher with a passion for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of students whilst achieving their educational outcomes outlined in their EHCP’s. Accumulating over 22 years’ experience working in secondary education provisions for pupils with special educational needs.  I have an extensive knowledge of SEN ranging from autism (ASD) to SEMH which have caused pupils to become disaffected with their learning and therefore had a detrimental effect on their attainment. I have throughout the last two years worked with a variety of students with Autism in care homes and home settings to re-engage their interest in learning. By creating an individual learning package based around their hobbies and interests to reintroduce maths and english and a thirst for learning. Devising timetables and schedules with PECs and basic makaton where needed, allowing learning through fun with clear boundaries to help lead them back into school or college placements.

My skills and experience working with students with challenging behaviour, and social and emotional needs: Working in and being the headteacher of a school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties I have developed strong behaviour management underpinned with nurturing principles. Building trust in relationships with pupils has allowed me to challenge them without causing conflict. Within this role it has been important to identify barriers to learning and devise strategies to enable them to engage in their learning, develop their self-worth and take ownership of their own learning. I have devised a reward system and set personal learning goals which have linked into learning outcomes from EHCPs.

Working with EHCPs, CAMHS and students with Mental Health Needs:  I am a fully qualified teacher with a BA Hons. in Education and NPQH, I have taught in mainstream secondary and special schools. I have considerable experience of teaching in and leading in secondary settings. I have a good working knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice, Education Health and Care Plans liaising with CAMHS to strengthen the resilience of children with mental health issues. I began working in SEN in 1998 and moved from an MLD setting to a SEBD provision in 2006 which then became SEMH. I have developed my personal journey from working as a member of the SLT in a special needs school to a 1:1 tutor for a young adult with mental health difficulties, Asperger’s and PDA in a specialist mental health care home. Working with students with PDA both within schools and on a 1:1 basis, it has been important to develop clear boundaries for safety and to enable learning whilst balancing this with fun learning that allows for their creativity to help them engage in all areas of the curriculum whilst developing their personal and social interactions.