Meet Melanie Smith, a Level 7 specialist teacher with expertise in dyslexia and dyscalculia. With nearly 30 years of experience, Melanie's teaching journey began as a Montessori teacher and later expanded to primary education. It was during her time in a bustling mainstream classroom that she realised the diverse abilities and challenges teachers faced in meeting each child's unique needs.
Driven by a desire to enhance teaching and learning for children with special educational needs, Melanie pursued the National Award of SEN Coordination, earning the title of SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This qualification equipped her with a deep understanding of various learning disorders and making applications to the local authority for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). These plans ensure children with special educational needs receive additional support within the classroom.
Melanie is passionate about empowering children and enabling them to thrive despite their learning challenges. Her expertise and dedication make her an invaluable resource for parents seeking support for their child with dyslexia or dyscalculia.
With a strong commitment to continuous professional development, Melanie has obtained a postgraduate diploma in dyslexia and a postgraduate certificate in dyscalculia, enabling her to effectively assess and teach children and adults in these areas.
Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete a Masters in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability), focusing on the crucial aspect of short-term memory. Recognising that memory difficulties are common among students with special educational needs, Melanie's teaching approach emphasises the development of lifelong memory skills for optimal learning outcomes.
Melanie firmly believes in the importance of assessment to identify weaknesses and guide targeted teaching. By tailoring instruction to each learner's specific level of competence, the brain gradually forms new synapses and pathways, fostering new learning opportunities.
Understanding the impact of dyslexia and dyscalculia on learners' self-esteem, Melanie is passionate about cultivating confidence using growth mindset techniques. She firmly believes that unlocking each learner's true potential hinges on instilling self-belief and fostering a genuine desire to learn and improve.
Melanie's unwavering dedication and belief in her students' abilities make her a trusted ally for parents seeking support for their children with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Together, they can embark on a transformative educational journey, paving the way for success and personal growth.
Driven by a desire to support more students, Melanie tailored online group tuition courses for students aged 7 to 13 years as there is a lack of specialist support available to meet current demand.
These thoughtfully crafted lessons address common areas of difficulty experienced by students with dyslexia. Each session is highly structured, incorporating a multi-sensory and interactive approach to maximise learning outcomes. By participating in group tuition, parents can benefit from reduced costs, while their children enjoy the convenience of learning from the comfort of home.
Mindfulness and positive thinking play a central role in Melanie's teaching philosophy. As a qualified Kundalini yoga teacher who embraces regular yoga practice, she understands the power of mindfulness. By infusing these principles into her lessons, Melanie cultivates a positive self-image, boosts students' confidence, and most importantly, instills a strong sense of self-belief. For parents seeking to explore yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques further for their children, Melanie is more than happy to provide guidance and advice.
Rest assured, Melanie Smith adheres to the highest professional standards. She is regulated by PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties), holding Teaching and Assessment Practising Certificates. Additionally, she is DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and insured, ensuring the utmost safety and security for her students.
With Melanie as your dedicated partner, you can confidently navigate the challenges of dyslexia, knowing that your child's educational journey is in capable hands. Together, you can unlock their full potential and pave the way for a brighter future.
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D&D Focus
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