I am a registered speech and language therapist with 18 years’ experience working with children and young people with a wide range of communication needs. I strongly believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to understand and be understood. In terms of my approach to work, I am passionate about working closely with parents and teachers as this is the best way to support children and young people who have communication difficulties. My aim is to work with schools and parents to provide effective interventions and specific approaches, based on a clear and shared understanding of the child and young persons needs, that can be easily integrated into the day. Small changes can make a big difference!
I have worked as an Educational Psychologist in a number of local authorities (most recently 14 years in Lincolnshire!), since qualifying in 2001. During that time, I have gained a huge amount of experience applying psychology when completing individual work, tribunals, and statutory work, as well as when engaged in whole school support. I have also developed and delivered training to support teachers and practitioners working with children and young people with many different needs. Training for foster carers has also been an area of particular interest for me. As has training and supervising Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), which I am thrilled to be continuing in my Associate role with Futures in Mind.
I have an interest in ‘Critical Incidents’, having spent time developing materials to support schools, children and young people. I have also provided direct support to schools who have experienced a critical incident, working alongside pupils and teachers to guide their practice and responses in light of current research.
When supporting children and young people, it is vital for me to ensure that their voice is central to planning and decision-making, in addition to building positive working relationships with teachers, parents and carers, so that better understandings and outcomes can be achieved.
I am really excited about working with Russel and Emma again (and getting to know Jo too!). I look forward to bringing my prior knowledge and experience, whilst introducing fresh and innovative approaches to my work, with schools new and ‘old!’
I am a practising Educational Psychologist with a wealth of experience gained from working across a range of local authorities. I have also previously worked as a school teacher in the primary sector and am presently an SEN Governor at a local Primary School. Over the course of my career, I have developed a specialism in supporting children with additional needs in the early years, in addition to a having keen interest in how to promote the emotional growth and wellbeing of children and young people. I have particular knowledge and experience of supporting schools in looking at the ‘bigger picture’; working with them to support change at a systems level to ensure the whole school community is meeting children’s needs in the most effective way. I am of the firm belief that we have to establish a positive feeling of emotional health and well being to provide pupils with a secure base to embark on learning.