Anne-Marie Barton
SEN/PDA Tutor & Family Support Worker
I'm Anne-Marie, I'm an experienced neurodivergent professional SEN consultant, and I understand the needs of families that have children with additional educational requirements. I started SEN teaching because I faced the same struggles that many other parents sadly face and I could not find tutors willing to match their teaching approach to the needs of my child.
My daughter became a 'school refuser' due to severe anxiety and undiagnosed ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition). I struggled to continue to work full time and care for my daughter, whilst she was not receiving an adequate education. I completed a course on SEN Law and completed a parental request for an EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) – thankfully, I was successful. My daughter went on to receive an education in an independent school, and now, as an adult, is equipped with the skills to become an independent adult.
During my time employed within schools and as an LA (local authority) provider of AP (alternative provision), I have gathered evidence for EHCPs and have a good understanding of them and the application process. Their aim is to specifically meet the needs of the individual child. As a professional my role is to support and achieve the required actions and recommendations identified within each child's EHCP. I am qualified in SEN law (level 4) and have successfully supported families in SEN law matters.
If you require assistance, I also provide a service to help in completing the EHCP application.
I have been a carer throughout my life and have personal, as well as professional, experience of supporting individuals with Autism (ASC - Autistic Spectrum Condition), mental health problems, visual impairment, SPD (Severe Profound Disability / Sensory Processing Disorder), selective mutism and severe anxiety. As a neurodivergent individual with a late diagnosis of ADHD (combined type), PMDD and Dyscalculia, I understand the difficulties faced by those who are neurodivergent. I know the impact on an individual's life, relationships, and ability to work, as well as the confusion and impact of a late diagnosis/misdiagnosis.
I have worked within education for 15 years plus. I have also worked as a volunteer to help support families via a well-known organisation in Surrey. As a local authority approved tutor, I have provided SEN support for three local education authorities. I provide support for families in the role of a support worker and provide support for behavioural difficulties, anxiety, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), mental health and emotional regulation.
Please contact me for more details, or to discuss how I may be able to help you and your family – there is no obligation.
I understand the importance of my CPD and that every individual is unique, as are their needs. I am a continued learner, learning an incredible amount from my clients and other professionals, which is invaluable.
In addition to supporting families full-time, I am a part-time Psychology student (in my fourth year). I am keenly interested in mental health, special educational needs, behaviour, emotions, consciousness, cognitive science, extrasensory perception (particularly in children/young people), and Physics (quantum).
SEN/PDA Tutor & Family Support Worker