Ciddy

My Summary

My Experience

I am a fully qualified and experienced primary school teacher. I have many years experience working in schools as well as working for supply agencies and on a temporary basis in many nurseries and childcare settings, and working as an after school nanny and babysitting extensively for children aged 6 months to 12 years old, including overnight.
I have worked a lot with children on the Autism Spectrum, both in professional roles and due to living with my friend and her son who is on the spectrum and providing relief often.

My focus as a teacher is on starting with the child and adapting my teaching to suit their needs and interests. I do not use worksheets, but create my own resources and lesson plans based on what I learn about my students. I believe learning is at its best when learning through play and creativity, so always encourage my students to take part in projects based on merging their interests with their needs through creative writing, storytelling, cross curriculum projects, etc.

Some examples of my recent students:
- A 9 year old with Autism and ADHD diagnosis and maths trauma - Teaching Maths in a non threatening way, designed around the student's interests and building up skills slowly over time
- Home educating 6 year old - We spent longer weekly sessions on project based learning, investigating her artistic interests, practising forest school skills and working on early reading
- A 13 year old sci-fi fan learning English as a Second Language - He is currently writing a short story based on fantasy illustrations he chose
- A 10 year old who is learning Spanish at school but struggles with self-esteem - We used my recent travels in Central America as a starting point for discussions about the Humanities, resulting in her writing a nonfiction report on Honduras and Guatemala, and practising some Spanish along the way!
- An 8 year old passionate about saving the planet and endangered animals but not confident with writing - We researched facts about endangered animals together, then wrote both a nonfiction text about them, and a short story about a character trying to save the world!
- An 8 year old Spanish speaker at a low level of English who loves singing, teaching through songs and actions
- Phonics teaching with early years and children working at a lower communication and language level - I use puppets, songs, stories and games in every lesson to engage them in hands-on, stimulating learning experiences based on their specific interests.

Special Education Needs
I also have extensive experience working with Special Needs, particularly communication needs such as Autism and ADHD. I am passionate about language development and giving all children equal opportunities, through accounting for their requirements and equipping them to deal with the outside world.
- Worked as a Support Worker for Autism Family Support with children aged 8 to 17 years old.
- Taught in several schools with high SEN needs, including ASD, Down’s Syndrome and Global Delay
- TalkBoost communication training
- Lived for several years with a child with Autism who attends a Special Needs School
- Use of puppets for storytelling and language development, I recently began a handmade puppet business to aid teachers and parents

Forest School
As a believer that everyone learns best while enjoying themselves and following their own interests, I love the Forest School approach, and believe it is something everyone should experience! I currently work as a Nursery Manager at an Outdoor Forest School Nursery. I also work with local families to provide Forest School experiences on their own or public land, including using tools and practising fire lighting. Activities are child and environment-led but may include:
- learning to light fires using flint and steel
- creating puppets and characters using natural materials
- using hammers, screw drivers and knives for real tasks and/or craft activities
- using ‘spotter’ sheets and books to go for sensory walks
- telling stories and reading books about the outdoors
- learning to lash sticks to create wooden frames, journey sticks and more

Please get in touch if you like the sound of a tutor who has your child’s special skills and interests at heart!

My Qualifications

I have a degree in Early Childhood Studies, a PGCE in Primary Teaching and have done extensive study in the area of child development.
I am a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and have a basic First Aid qualification as well as an Outdoors First Aid qualification.
I am DBS checked.
I have done a lot of training around anxiety, trauma and Compassionate Communication.

My Availability

I am available on Thursdays.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £20.00 per hour
• Tutoring from £50.00 per hour

from £50/hour