Katie Potts

I am an experienced educational professional with over 15 years experience as a Teacher and Teaching Assistant. I feel my experience of Special Educational Needs and teaching different age groups is an added edge. I have an ethos that strongly encourages pupils to be themselves by allowing them to express their ideas and suggestions, to give them the opportunity to be in control of their learning experiences. I feel it is important to allow children to learn in an environment where they feel able to ask questions of their own learning and my teaching, which creates a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. Moreover, I believe that children learn best through a variety of experiences, whether inside or outside the classroom with the pupils leading with their own interests. I ensure I cater for the needs of all children as well as their preferred learning styles, this includes the use of team teaching, resources to support lower ability pupils, differentiation and challenge for mastery. I am totally committed to ensuring full inclusion and equality within the school, I have experience of successfully teaching and supporting children with a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including those with Autism (ASC); Social, Emotional or Mental Health difficulties (SEMH); Speech, Language and Communication Need (SLCN); as well as those with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those attending UK schools from abroad through my international experience in Zanzibar. I have high expectations of each and every pupil, to empower them to reach their full potential and to encourage respect within the school environment. I have developed a variety of behaviour management strategies during my experience but always set clear boundaries from the beginning and follow school policies in place. Another particular strength of my teaching and support is my ability to effectively use Assessment for Learning techniques. I encourage students to reflect upon their success by providing peer and self-assessment opportunities and inviting them to consider what they want to learn and how to achieve their goals.