26/01/2025
Had to share this beautifully put post! The Autistic SENCO describes potential challenges of neurodivergent learners so well, and the level of effort and perseverance that may go into tasks. We need to be recognising this and giving credit where it's due! 🌈
There’s quite a lot going on here that not everyone might see...
This is Number 2, 5 years ago drawing a pie chart. Easy you might think, but not so when you’re neurodivergent.
To answer the question he’s had to:
• Add up the data in the chart (this may or may not have been done correctly, it depends on whether he’s feeling calm. If not then working memory issues creep in and he’ll find manipulating the numbers mentally difficult).
• Divide 360 by the sum of the data he’s just added together. This is another step where things can go wrong.
• Once he’s divided he’ll get an answer and use that to work out the size of the angles he needs to draw on his pie chart. Lots to go wrong here too.
• He’s got his angle sizes, he now needs to check they all add up to 360 degrees.
He’s ready to begin drawing the pie chart!
• He has to use the protractor well to be able to accurately draw the angles. Turning it to where it needs to be is a huge manipulation demand for someone with fine motor skills issues. Having dyspraxia and hyper mobile fingers for Number 2 means that his fingers don’t always go what he wants them to and things like drawing a line using a ruler can be challenging. Using a protractor is tough for him.
• He’s got to hold the information about the angle size in his head while trying to move the protractor to where he’d like it to be.
• He’s got to see past all the information on the protractor and filter out what he doesn’t need (which scale to use) to just focus on what he does.
(Remember he’s still holding the size of angle in his head and trying to move the protractor.)
• Once he’s drawn a line he might look at it and see that it’s not straight because the protractor moved while he was trying to hold it.
• This then makes him cross as he knows it doesn’t look right. He’s now trying to handle his emotions and can feel his stress levels rising.
• He puts the protractor back on the line ready to measure the angle. He might have forgotten the size so will have to have another look.
• He’s drawn the second line but again, the line is not straight. He can feel the tears welling.
This continues until all the angles have been drawn. This will have taken him much longer than his peers, than the time he will have been given in class to do it which means he probably won’t have finished. At home he’s given the time he needs to do the task.
• He doesn’t want to check his answer because he really can’t face going through all that again. He’s set apart from his peers that can do this.
He sits and watches his brother whizz through the same work having absolutely no issues whatsoever.
He thinks he’s rubbish and the day goes downhill from there.
It can be easy to label a child who produces a messy piece of work as ‘lazy’, ‘doesn’t try hard enough,’ or that they, ‘don’t care enough’ but this cannot be further from the truth.
It can be easy to label a child who is angry and annoyed and quick to become frustrated as a child who has ‘behaviour problems.’
It is easy to think that a child who does not finish their work has a lower intelligence than their peers.
It is very easy to right off neurodivergent children or make hugely wrong assumptions about them based on what you *think* you see rather than understanding and acknowledging the hidden struggles that may be happening in their brains and bodies.
25/01/2025
✨Self-Care Saturday 💜✨
I've been working on my tax return this morning – I may not have maths anxiety, but I'm realising I do have an element of "administration anxiety"! 😅 This reminded me that we all have different strengths and that it's okay to reach out for support when needed. ✨
Now I'm taking a breather with my (now customary) weekend coffee. 😆☕ Taking a moment for yourself can make all the difference, especially when tackling tasks that feel overwhelming.
So, here's your reminder to show yourself kindness when things feel tricky – just like I encourage my learners to do with maths! 🌈
Are you treating yourself to something relaxing too, like a cosy drink or a walk outside? I'd love to hear what helps you reset!
Hope your Saturday is a good one! 🎉
P.S. I made my coffee all swirly, and I think it’s so pretty. What do you think? I think it looks like a galaxy in a cup! 🌌
22/01/2025
Wellness Wednesday: Celebrating Wins!
Oh gosh, what a day! Wednesdays are always my busiest, but I’m so proud of all the learning we achieved today. 🌟
In my group classes, we:
🔢 Explored place value
📊 Extended our knowledge of data and sampling
📐 Tackled nets and surface area
✏️ Sketched quadratic graphs
🎲 Played games and had so much fun! 🎉
Then, in some great one-to-one sessions, we worked on simultaneous equations and a variety of higher GCSE topics!
It’s been non-stop, but celebrating these small wins makes the hard work so worthwhile. Every step counts! 😅
What’s your biggest win today? Whether it’s finishing a task, learning something new, or taking a moment to rest, I’d love to hear about it! 💬
21/01/2025
I'm so sorry - I tried everything I could but there's been some sort of update to my streaming software and it's no longer letting me stream 😔 I'm working on getting it sorted as we speak and will stream the class asap (but will cancel for today- I'll keep you updated) - thanks so much for your patience 🌈
21/01/2025
Apologies everyone, I'm having technical issues - hoping to be with you for the live asap 😬
20/01/2025
🎉 Free I/GCSE Maths Class Tomorrow! 🎉
Exciting news – a new series of my free I/GCSE maths classes start tomorrow (Tuesday 21st Jan)! Perfect for home-educated or worldschooling learners looking for extra support and guidance through the curriculum 😊
We'll be covering much of the content needed for Foundation Tier GCSE maths (and the popular Edexcel International GCSE spec. A)
🕙 When: Tuesdays at 11:30am
💻 Where: Facebook Live and YouTube (see Linktree link in the comments)
🎯 Who: Ideal for learners studying early / Foundation GCSE content! All are welcome!
👛Cost: Absolutely free - no catch! 😆
Any questions? Feel free to comment below or drop me a message! 🎉
Looking forward to seeing you there! 🎉
20/01/2025
✨ I want to let you in on a secret...
..There’s no such thing as a “maths person”!
Maths is for everyone. With the right approach, anyone can succeed at it! 💡
Unfortunately, the way maths is shown in the media often highlights certain genders, cultures, or personality types enjoying or excelling in maths more than others. It’s time to challenge those stereotypes together! 🌟
Think about a maths success story from your life - it doesn’t have to be huge. Maybe you figured out a tricky calculation, solved a puzzle, or even helped someone else. If you can’t think of one, don’t worry - our brains can sometimes hide our wins. But I promise, they’re there! 🌈
Let’s celebrate all kinds of maths success - big or small. Share your story if you’d like, and let’s show the world that maths is for everyone. 😊🎉
19/01/2025
First trip out since Monday – off to the supermarket for supplies and, of course, a mocha in the café! ☕ Brought my trusty to-do list and some excellent stationery to keep me on track.
Hope you're all having a lovely day! 🌈
18/01/2025
Just a reminder that 3 of my small group GCSE / IGCSE classes currently still have places available 🎉
My small group classes are only £12 per hour-long session, and offer a relaxed, flexible learning environment where each student feels confident and supported 🎉
✨Small, supportive groups: Max 6. learners per group, ensuring individual attention.
✨Flexibility: no need for cameras or mics and a variety of ways to access materials and communicate, allowing learners to engage in the way that works best for them.
✨Interactive resources: Each session includes an optional individual "Bitpaper" of class materials, offering flexible practice during or after class.
✨Tailored for diverse needs: I aim to adapt to each learner’s pace, helping them build maths skills in a comfortable way.
✨Brand new weekly Zoom drop-in support sessions or text chat support included, for when you need a little extra help 🌈
I work closely with families to ensure a flexible, fun, and welcoming learning experience – perfect for neurodivergent learners or anyone who may feel anxious about maths or learning. With my background and approach, I aim to make learning both effective and enjoyable 😊
Feel free to reach out for more info or to book your place! 😊
Claire Miller - Maths Positive 🌈
17/01/2025
🎉 Free I/GCSE Maths Classes Are Back! 🎉
Exciting news – my free I/GCSE maths classes start next Tuesday (21st)! Perfect for home-educated or worldschooling learners looking for extra support and guidance through the curriculum 😊
We'll be covering much of the content needed for Foundation Tier GCSE maths (and the popular Edexcel International GCSE spec. A)
🕙 When: Tuesdays at 11:30am
💻 Where: Facebook Live and YouTube
🎯 Who: Ideal for learners studying early / Foundation GCSE content! All are welcome!
👛Cost: Absolutely free - no catch! 😆
Any questions? Feel free to comment below or drop me a message! 🎉
Let’s make maths more positive together – see you there!
17/01/2025
Don't forget to share the SHARE!
😆🎉
A quick round up of just some of this week’s free and affordable shares! Head to our group to find out more information 👀
Perhaps some of these sessions could be a match for your child or someone you know?
Please SHARE the share so it grows and helps more families (and also tutors looking to grow their small business in an ethical way).
Michelle has been running affordable Art and well-being sessions, Nicola had her first FREE live ukulele session and Claire’s free iGCSE Maths lessons are starting on Tuesday.
The great toilet roll debate also rumbles on!
There are more! More than we can verify so please do your own due diligence. The group SHARE - Sharing Home And Remote Education (lots for free!) is run by three tutors - Amy, Claire and Sarah.
You can find us on our pages Amy Tuition Up Claire Claire Miller - Maths Positive and Sarah Maths Web Tutor. We all believe in making sure free and affordable sessions are included in our provision).
We follow the same rules as tutors using the group and only promote our free and affordable lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are completely transparent about any costs.
More expensive options - we try and be as affordable as possible here too but do also offer smaller group options with more support - are only advertised at the weekend. And you can advertise your small independently run businesses then too! ~ Sarah
17/01/2025
Such a great initiative from University of Leeds. Thanks for sharing Tuition Up 🌈
READ THIS ⤵️ To followers in Palestine (or those with connections) a parent has told me about this opportunity from the University of Leeds
Last year I volunteered teaching English sessions to children in the West Bank. And the previous years I taught a few sessions at the University of Gaza 😢
👀 In the comments
I feel this is worthy of sharing far 💔
16/01/2025
A lovely overview by The Autistic SENCO of a show I discovered only last night. She's put what I was thinking into words so well! 😊 I'm looking forward to watching more 🎉
Why Patience is a Step Forward for Representation
When it comes to on-screen representation of autism, it’s rare to see characters that are not only nuanced and relatable but also portrayed authentically by someone who truly understands the experience. Patience, the new TV series from
Channel Four, does exactly that. Starring Ella Maisy Purvis—a talented AuDHD actor who brings her lived experience to the role—Patience gives us a rare and meaningful glimpse into the life of an autistic person navigating independence, employment, and relationships.
At its heart, Patience follows the journey of its titular character, an autistic woman with an extraordinary knack for puzzles and patterns, as she builds a life for herself. What’s refreshing about the series is that it doesn’t confine her to stereotypes, even though some familiar traits are present. Patience struggles with social cues and thrives in structured environments, traits many autistic people can relate to. Yet, she’s also fully her own person—quirky, determined, and deeply human. This balance of familiar traits and individual complexity reflects the diversity of the autistic experience.
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the show is how it portrays Patience as employed and independent. These are milestones that society often assumes are out of reach for autistic individuals, but they aren’t inherently unattainable. In fact, the series draws attention to real-world barriers: only 22% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time employment (a statistic that’s echoed in many countries). This makes Patience’s story both empowering and a call to action. It’s not that autistic people can’t work or live independently—it’s that the world often isn’t set up to support them in achieving these goals.
What also sets Patience apart is the authenticity that Ella Maisy Purvis brings to the role. As someone who is both autistic and has ADHD, Purvis imbues Patience with a depth and credibility that’s often missing from portrayals of autism. The show is a reminder of why it’s crucial to cast neurodivergent actors to tell these stories; they bring an understanding and nuance that can’t be faked.
Critics may point out that some of Patience’s traits lean on stereotypes, like her special skill and her challenges with social situations. But the reality is, these traits aren’t universal, nor are they inaccurate—there is no single way to “be autistic.” By showing a character who fits some common traits while breaking away from others, Patience adds to the broader tapestry of what autism looks like.
What’s most moving about Patience is its celebration of humanity. It doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but it doesn’t define Patience by them either. She’s more than her diagnosis—she’s a whole person with dreams, relationships, and agency. For autistic viewers, this can be a powerful mirror. For everyone else, it’s a reminder that autistic people belong in every corner of life, not as exceptions, but as part of the fabric of society.
15/01/2025
Today, my body told me loud and clear - it’s time to slow down. So, I’m embracing a much gentler Wednesday than usual. 🌈
It started at the airport on my way home, with a familiar tickle in my throat - a sign since my recent flu that I’m pushing too hard and need to rest 😔 Unfortunately, I still had a long journey ahead and didn’t manage to catch up on sleep fully. So after a busy day of classes on Tuesday I fell asleep early, and woke up today feeling drained and with a sore throat.
Sometimes, our bodies know what we need before we do. 🌱 Learning to listen can be hard, but it’s so important.
How does your body let you know when it’s time to take a break? And how do you take care of yourself when it happens? I’d love to hear your experiences, if you'd like to share 😊💬
14/01/2025
Yesss! 😊🎉 So pleased to be working alongside Maths Web Tutor and Tuition Up to promote low-cost and transparent options for home educators! 🌈
Weekly Round Up!
Thanks to all the brilliant tutors sharing free and low cost classes in SHARE - Sharing Home And Remote Education (lots for free!) this week 🤩
Here are some teasers! Who is offering free ukulele lessons from Monday? Who has a FREE lesson running today - and pretty much every Friday - today? Who started a free block of SIX free Maths minecraft lessons this week? Who has an amazingly good value games club subscription? Who has a small group, low cost, times table club? How has launched some affordable Art and Well-being sessions? Who has shared a FREE GCSE lesson?
As an admin of the group and a home ed. parent, thank you - Sarah