Rowan Avery
Special Educational Needs Teacher | QTS | Autism & Speech, Language and Communication Needs
London
Professional Summary
Qualified Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher with hands-on experience delivering differentiated, structured learning for primary pupils with autism spectrum conditions, speech and language barriers, and complex developmental needs. Experienced in writing measurable EHCP objectives, implementing communication aids, and fostering inclusive, calm classroom environments that build pupil independence.
Teaching & SEN Experience
Briarwick Academy Trust
London
SEN Class Teacher (ECT)
Sept 2025 – Present
- Lead daily classroom instruction and individualised learning plans for a primary nurture group of eight autistic pupils and learners with moderate learning difficulties.
- Collaborate with speech and language therapists and educational psychologists to integrate targeted targets into Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Design differentiated visual timetables, Colourful Semantics sentence strips, and low-stimulus learning zones to enhance task engagement.
- Monitor progress using small-step assessment trackers and facilitate termly EHCP review meetings with parents and local authority caseworkers.
Elmwood Bridge Learning Centre
London
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Sept 2021 – Jul 2024
- Delivered structured one-to-one literacy and numeracy interventions for Key Stage 2 pupils with profound communication barriers.
- Implemented Attention Autism attention-building interventions during morning transition sessions to support focus and reduce transition anxiety.
- Assisted lead teachers with sensory regulation schedules, Makaton signing, and documentation for statutory assessment reviews.
Special Educational Needs Learning Support Assistant
Sept 2018 – Jul 2021
- Supported three pupils with complex social communication difficulties across mainstream classroom environments.
- Prepared adapted visual resources, social stories, and sensory break routines under the guidance of the SENCO.
Education
UCL Institute of Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) · Special Educational Needs · London, United Kingdom · Pass with Commendation · Sept 2024 – Jun 2025
Completed teaching placements in specialist resourced provisions across Key Stages 1 and 2, focusing on tailored literacy interventions and structured sensory integration strategies.
Goldsmiths, University of London
Bachelor of Science (BSc) · Psychology · London, United Kingdom · Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) · Sept 2011 – Jun 2014
Conducted undergraduate research in developmental cognitive psychology, examining early social communication development in children.
Curricular Projects
Sensory Literacy Hub Project
Oct 2025 – Mar 2026
- Developed a structured sensory-friendly classroom library with colour-coded readability levels and interactive communication cards.
- Tracked reading engagement across two terms, recording sustained independent reading intervals for six non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils.
Skills & Expertise
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
Differentiated Instruction
Attention Autism Intervention
Colourful Semantics
Makaton Signing
Positive Behaviour Support
Sensory Regulation Strategies
Small-Step Assessment Tracking
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Phonics and Early Numeracy Adaptation
Languages
English
C2
British Sign Language (BSL)
B1
Certifications & Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Department for Education · Jul 2025
Team Teach Level 2 Positive Behaviour Support
Team Teach Ltd · Apr 2024
Volunteering
Havenlight Community Inclusion Hub
London · Jan 2022 – Dec 2023
- Weekend Session Support Volunteer
- Facilitated weekly supported play and sensory art workshops for neurodivergent children aged 6 to 11.
- Assisted lead family support workers in setting up accessible visual schedules and low-arousal quiet spaces.