BEYOND THE BOOKS: A HOLISTIC PATH TO PROGRESS

Expert SEND Lead & Therapeutic Educator

With over 25 years of expertise in the classroom and beyond, I founded A Different Approach Tutoring and Therapy Services Ltd to provide a unique, holistic bridge between education and emotional well-being. My journey began in the classroom, achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in 1999, before moving into school leadership as a SENDCo in 2003 and Assistant Headteacher in 2019.

Why "A Different Approach"?

 I chose this name because I have seen firsthand that for many learners, traditional environments—despite a school's best efforts to provide reasonable adjustments—can become a barrier to progress. My mission is to combine specialist tutoring with evidence-based therapeutic methods, creating bespoke pathways for learners who require a different approach to thrive. 

 Specialist SEND Toolkit & Evidence-Based Interventions

As a SENDCO-qualified Lead, I deliver High-Impact Section F Provision with a highly specialised toolkit of interventions designed to remove barriers to learning and meet the specific statutory requirements of an EHCP. From sensory communication to formal academic screening, ADA delivers the "small-step" progress that traditional settings often struggle to track.

Accredited Therapeutic Pathways: Certified practitioner in The STILL Method® (Anxiety), LEGO® Based Therapy (Social Communication), and Drawing and Talking (Emotional Processing).

Speech, Language & Communication (SLCN): Expert delivery of Intensive Interaction, Objects of Reference, PECS/AAC, Blanks Levels of Language, and Information Carrying Words.

Neuro-Inclusive Strategies: Implementation of  The Zones of Regulation®, Social Stories, Comic Strip Conversations, and bespoke Visual Schedules (Widgit/Visual Timers/Choice Boards).

Specialist Academic Screening & Support: Initial Dyslexia, ADHD, and ASC screening; individualised Literacy and Numeracy programmes using specialist Dyslexia strategies and assistive technology.

Tracking "Small-Step" Progress: We use the Birmingham Toolkit and PIVATS SEMH frameworks to provide the granular data required for Annual Reviews and high-needs funding oversight.

SEND Strategic Consultancy

At A Different Approach Tutoring and Therapy Services Ltd, we provide expert consultancy to help Local Authorities and schools meet their statutory duties under the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014.  We are available for short-term "deep dive" projects, interim casework support during peak periods, or long-term strategic partnership work. We are registered on the In-Tend Portal and are compliant with all LA procurement and safeguarding standards.

Professionalism & Accountability

As a Limited Company, we are a trusted partner for Local Authorities, schools, private families, adults and care homes. We pride ourselves on rigorous professional standards, maintaining a comprehensive Provider Compliance Pack—including statutory policies, robust risk assessments, Enhanced DBS (update service), and specialist insurance—to ensure every session is safe, ethical and legally sound. Whether we are delivering EOTAS packages in the community or providing therapeutic support in schools, our focus remains the same: building the confidence, resilience, and skills needed for life.