Welcome to Blank Canvas Tutoring.

I am a highly qualified and experienced teacher and a parent with professional and personal experience of PDA, Autism, ADHD and SEMH needs. 

Over 20 years' experience supporting young people and adults to re-engage, build confidence and enjoy learning.

Extensive professional and personal experience of ASC, ADHD, PDA and SEMH needs.

Highly skilled in adapting for specific learning needs and creating inclusive, engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

Expert online tuition in English and maths including GCSE and Functional Skills, ESOL, EFL, IETLS and French. 

blankcanvastutor@gmail.com

 

A brief history of me:

  • 2004 Started teaching after university as an EFL teacher in France, Italy and Spain. 
  • 2005-6 Lead EFL programmes in the UK and Europe for English language learning kids and adults. 
  • 2007 Started teaching ESOL in West Yorkshire and managing a free learning centre for refugees and asylum seekers.
  • 2007-9 Worked with young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties as a manager of community learning and a tutor of various subjects including visual arts and creative writing. Qualified with  PGCE in Lifelong Learning. 
  • 2007-9 Taught literacy and ESOL to adults including preparation for Life in the UK tests.  
  • 2009-12 Taught various subjects including maths and English and managed foundation learning programmes in Leeds for young people with learning disabilities and SEMH needs.
  • 2012 -13 Managed NEET, ESOL and foundation learning courses at a large FE college in Lancashire. 
  • 2014 Qualified in GCSE English teaching and leadership and management.  
  • 2014-2020 Managed English, maths, foundation learning and ESOL courses in North Yorkshire. Established an alternative provision course for young people who were not in mainstream education. 
  • 2020 Delivered teacher training and lead a research project into developing oracy (spoken language) skills. 
  • 2021 Moved into SEND teaching at a special school in North Yorkshire whilst continuing to teach ESOL, maths and literacy online to adults. 
  • 2024 Established Blank Canvas Tutoring alongside SEND teaching in order to build in some flexibility to support my own neurodiverse kids who are not in mainstream school. 

A bit about me:

Besides teaching, I enjoy watching foreign films to remind me how to speak different languages. I am a music fanatic with a dangerous obsession with scouring charity shops for CDs. I am a juggler and founder of Skipton Circus Skills. I have a huge, overgrown allotment where I go to hide from the world and muck about with wood. I love to read, I play guitar and piano and occasionally perform at open mic nights. I love walking, exploring and camping with my neurodiverse family. I love dogs but own two cats who think they are the bosses of me, but I am growing to love them anyway! 

Get in Touch

For a free, no obligation phone call to discuss your learning needs, please use the Contact Dan button with a mobile number, a brief description of what you are looking for and preferred times for a conversation.