Melissa

I started my career in Early Years working with preschool aged children (4-5 years old) which allowed me to understand the solid foundations that are built upon for lifelong learning and well-being as well as the importance of school readiness and the transition into reception. This sparked an interest to further my understanding of the elements which underpin education beyond this age, hence undertaking Education Studies where I graduated with an Upper Second Class Degree. I then undertook a Primary PGCE (5-11 years old) which allowed me to combine my learnt knowledge to real teaching practice to KS1 and KS2 where I obtained a primary Qualified Teacher Status.

Overall, I have 12 years experience working with children and I have an enhanced DBS Check which is on the DBS Update Service.

I prefer to teach English or Maths at primary level however I have knowledge of all the primary curriculum subjects so I am open to teaching other primary subjects. I can also offer support/interventions with Early Years, especially regarding behaviour and self regulation.

Tutoring Experience

I currently work with children between the ages 4-11 through being a preschool worker, supply teacher and tutor. This allows me flexibility to work with and teach students of differing ages and abilities across various educational settings through whole class, small group, interventions and 1:1 as well as different environments such as play based and structured so I have a good understanding of how learning develops and is built upon.

I have had the opportunities to implement school readiness programmes/phonic interventions, support emotional literacy, be a part of SATs preparation and I have worked with children experiencing Social and Emotional difficulties. These include: Behaviour Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Tutoring Approach

>I apply my knowledge of theory, research, pedagogical approaches and teaching styles to my work and personalise this to the individual child depending on their needs.
>I aim to make my lessons interactive as I believe in hands on learning and providing experiences to make their learning memorable. However, I understand that each of us has a preferred strategy to be most effective.
>I believe in a growth mindset approach.
>Once I know what the individual needs support with I will make my own mini assessment to identify the focus point.
>If necessary, I will use concrete tools to consolidate understanding.