Alison McDonnell

I am a specialist tutor with over 16 years of teaching experience and a strong background in SEND, including dyslexia, speech and language needs, and communication support. For the past two years, I have worked full time providing 1:1 tuition, offering personalised, structured intervention. My interest in dyslexia is both professional and personal, strengthened by completing the Level 4 Certificate in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention. I support learners with a wide range of profiles, adapting teaching to their strengths, needs, and learning styles. My approach is calm, empathetic, and highly individualised—focused on building confidence, closing learning gaps, and helping every pupil experience success.

Over the past two years, I have worked full time as a 1:1 specialist tutor, delivering personalised tuition each week to KS3/ KS4 pupils, providing targeted intervention, literacy support, and bespoke learning plans. My practice is grounded in adaptive, strengths‑based teaching, enabling pupils to re‑engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and make measurable academic, social, and emotional progress.

Before moving into specialist tuition, I spent over 16 years as a QTS primary teacher, SEN specialist, and subject leader across UK and international settings. My classroom experience spans EYFS to Year 6, with a strong record of delivering high‑quality teaching, leading whole‑school SEND and EAL initiatives, and implementing evidence‑based interventions. I have also trained and mentored staff as an ELKLAN tutor, supported communication development through Makaton and Six Bricks practice, and delivered targeted small‑group and 1:1 SEN programmes.

Now fully qualified with the Level 4 Certificate in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention, I bring specialist knowledge of dyslexia‑specific pedagogy, screening tools, and structured, cumulative intervention approaches. My work is informed by the SEND Code of Practice, NASEN training, and a deep commitment to ensuring that every learner can access a meaningful, empowering curriculum.