Support for schools

Consultation 

Consultation involves working in collaboration with those who know the child or young person best, in order to clarify concerns, identify a pupil’s needs and to plan the next steps.

This can be done through individual education plans, or outcome based interventions. Where possible, I operate, using a ‘plan, do, review’ cycle.

Consultation can be with parents and teachers.

I can also run consultation drop in sessions at schools, where teachers can meet with me to discuss issues or concerns.

Interventions

Interventions for learning and/or emotional well-being

• Delivering individual interventions

I can deliver interventions directly to children or young people, for example, working with a  young person to develop their emotional well-being, through outcome based interventions using principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.

I have also completed stage one of Video Interaction Guidance. This approach is a strength based intervention aimed at enhancing communication within relationships, by reflecting on  positive video clips, thereby supporting professions to make changes where desired.

Interventions can also focus on directly promoting children and young people’s literacy, numeracy and language skills.

• Delivering small group interventions

Small group interventions can be organised depending on the number and ages of pupils.

Example’s of different  groups:

• Supporting pupils to develop their ‘Thinking Skills’ by developing a ‘Growth mindset’. Research has shown that children with a growth mindset do better in school. Children who have a growth mindset behave differently when confronted with a challenge, and end up learning from their mistakes instead of being paralysed by them.
• Supporting children to develop Mindfulness. This programme will support children to develop concentration and self-awareness.
• Managing exam stress: This group will work on developing a) general relaxation and stress management;  b) strategies to manage worry and anxiety- provoking thoughts; and c) practical skills for studying.

Training

I offer different types of training for school staff at schools. Below are some of the trainings that I offer.

Training session details will be negotiated directly with schools, depending on their needs. Training sessions, can range from one hour to a whole day training.

• Supporting emotional well-being for pupils

Emotional wellbeing is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success and satisfaction in later life, yet there appears to be a general trend towards decreased levels of well-being and a rise in stress and anxiety.

This training will focus on supporting children and young people to develop positive mental health and to develop their resilience.

• Supporting pupils who need additional help at school: Writing effective individual education/learning plans

This training will support you to develop effective Individual Education Plans IEPs (aka Individual Learning Plans).  IEP’s are working documents designed to assist staff in providing specific support and systematic monitoring and evaluation of an individual pupil’s progress. The plans are particularly valuable for children/young people who require additional support. They play an important part of assessment, learning, support and achievement.

• Precision Teaching

This training will enable staff to implement a teaching programme to meet the needs of an individual child or young person who is experiencing difficulty learning core skills, such as spelling, reading and maths.

• Supporting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/pupils with Social Communication Difficulties

This training aims to develop a better understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or social communication difficulties, as well as ways of supporting children at school.

• Supporting children with a diagnosis of Dyslexia

Many pupils struggle in acquiring proficient literacy skills. This training will focus on identifying pupils with specific literacy difficulties, as well as ways in which to support pupils.

• Supporting transitions 

Moving from primary to secondary school, or from kindergarten to primary school involves many changes and can be stressful for any pupil. This can be especially so for pupils with special educational needs, or those who need extra support at school. This training will aim to give you a better understanding of the issues that young people can face upon transition, as well as practical strategies and ideas to support a well planned transition.