Julie

I live and have taught in MEDWAY and KENT since qualifying as a primary school teacher in 1986.

As an enthusiastic and committed teacher, my aim is to make learning a personalised, interactive and successful experience for my students.

Teaching and independent private tuition is my profession, not a 'sideline' or hobby. My hourly rate reflects this, together with my knowledge, skills and experience of teaching.

I teach throughout the year, including sessions during the school holidays. In particular, the August sessions help students maintain their progress in learning and avoid the 'Summer Slide'.

Parents considering tuition for students preparing for the 11+ are encouraged to begin this process in Y4 to make the most of opportunities to address weaknesses in English and Mathematics in addition to the specific requirements of the 11+ Test.
'Strong' Y5 students who would benefit from additional familiarisation with the verbal and non-verbal requirements of the 11+ Test are encouraged to apply for 'coaching'.

I love teaching and working alongside children who find learning more difficult because I believe children often have overlooked strengths and untapped talents. Some learn 'differently' and I enjoy discovering how my students learn best and adapting my teaching to match their needs.

Teaching has never been just 'a job', but rather a 'way of life' that is both rewarding and frustrating; rewarding, because I have the opportunity to make a difference, and frustrating, because no child should struggle with learning and be left to fail.

Currently, I divide my teaching expertise between private tutoring, my role as a school Governor for SEND and completion of a Masters Degree.

Private tutoring gives me the chance to do what I am good at - helping learners overcome obstacles to learning, achieve success, develop confidence in themselves and the motivation to achieve the next step.

Fulfilling the role of SEND Governor is another way for me to make a difference. In sharing my knowledge and experience I aim to support the essential work of a primary school and impact on the quality of provision for pupils with SEND.

I have a great enthusiasm for life-long learning, which is why I am studying for a Master's Degree in Special and Additional Learning Needs with the University of East London and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology. There is always something new to learn and an opportunity to share my own knowledge and experiences in teaching.

Tutoring Experience

I've been teaching for more than 30 years, during which I've enjoyed a varied and rewarding career so far, as a class teacher, SENCO and specialist teacher (dyslexia) and manager of a peripatetic teaching service. Currently, I'm working as an independent, specialist private tutor.

I enjoy working with both primary and secondary school children, especially those with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, ADHD and ASD.

I am a member of PATOSS, the Professional Association for Teachers and Assessors for Students with Specific Learning Difficulties.

As a Specialist Teacher, I carry out my own informal assessments for learning and use these to create a personalised teaching programme for my students.

I read widely and attend courses, seminars and conferences to maintain my Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

I have worked successfully as a private tutor alongside my role as SENCO in the past and have now returned to this way of teaching, where I enjoy a unique and positive relationship with my students and their families.

I have completed TEFL training , having passed a 150 Hour course with 99.82% and a glowing letter of reference. Now, I offer bespoke lessons in English as a Foreign or Additional Language to children and adults.

I tutor F.E. and H.E. students who require support to improve the quality of their written assignments. My own academic writing has achieved a Distinction grade as part of my Masters Degree study and this has enabled me to build confidence and improve the skills of my mature students. Trainee teachers and PGCE students are especially welcome for daytime sessions.

My approach to supporting students on the autism spectrum studying for GCSE English Language and Literature has been effective in helping most achieve above predicted grades.

Tutoring Approach

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 do my best to set them in the right direction, mentoring them when they need this and providing the type of educational skills that will give them the best chance to achieve. One-to-one private tuition allows me to nurture a student's capabilities - to nourish, develop and encourage growth in confidence, knowledge and attitude, both as a learner and as an individual.

My approach as a Specialist Teacher is to provide personalised, multi-sensory tuition, that's structured and cumulative, delivered in small steps, with time built in for over-learning, reinforcement and revision.

I'm patient, with a warm personality and a sense of humour.
Confidence and self esteem for my students are equally important factors to develop alongside their academic skills.

My pupils enjoy what they are learning and, to ensure success, I am flexible in my teaching approaches. Lessons are interactive and involve learners in 'learning how to learn' best.

Learning materials are tailored to suit the interests and needs of my students. Lessons build on existing strengths whilst supporting and reducing the effect of weaknesses and difficulties. Wherever possible, in developing 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!'
Although working face to face is my preferred approach, I have embraced online tuition during 'lockdown' and my students have continued to enjoy their sessions and make progress. I send printable resources via email or Dropbox and use screen sharing to enable students to learn using interactive tasks and activities.
I am delighted to have resumed face to face sessions with students this Autumn. These take place in my home. Parents are welcome to stay, although most parents leave their child once they feel comfortable with the arrangement. I have an enhanced DBS certificate. I am happy to let parents look through my qualifications at any time.

I'm approachable, listen actively to parents and encourage them to be involved in their child's learning. I can advise parents on activities, resources, strategies and approaches to support their child's learning, self-esteem and confidence.

I am happy to liaise with class teachers and SENDCos and can attend multi-agency meetings by special arrangement.