All about me
Hi, I’m Sara. I'm the founder for Inclusion at Heart.
I’m a qualified SEN (Special Educational Needs), Primary teacher and SENCO with over 13 years of experience in special education. I have 6 years of experience teaching across EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to KS4 (Key Stage 4) in special schools and alternative provisions within mainstream settings, working in schools in the South West and recently spent 3 years teaching in a British International school in Dubai, UAE.​​​
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I have experience working with students with a wide range of needs, including Autism, Down’s Syndrome, EAL, PMLD, MLD, SLD, SpLD and Dyslexia.
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I’m also a qualified TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher and have taught EAL (English as an Additional Language) to children and adults in India, the UAE, and the UK.​​
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From a young age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My journey, however, was not without its challenges. After initially not achieving the necessary grades for a PGCE, I remained determined. During this time, I gained invaluable experience working in different special schools, where I held roles as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), and Unqualified Teacher. These positions allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and deepen my understanding of special education.
At 27, I finally enrolled in a PGCE program after obtaining the required GCSE grades and completing a degree, eventually qualifying as a teacher and most recently as a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
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A key motivator for my career was having a close family member with additional needs. This experience fueled my desire to support students and families facing similar challenges. Through this personal connection, I have developed a deep understanding of the emotions and circumstances that many parents and families face, allowing me to build strong, empathetic relationships with families in similar situations.
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After spending ten years working within the UK education system, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of living and working in Dubai. During my time there, I developed a passion for working in Alternative Pathways within mainstream schools and gained valuable insight into how the inclusion system operates in Dubai's educational landscape. It was here that I became a qualified SENCO, further honing my skills and expertise in supporting students with additional needs.
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Upon returning to the UK, I founded Inclusion at Heart, a personalised tutoring service aimed at providing academic support to students. Through this initiative, I also offer outreach sessions to schools and families, drawing on my knowledge and experience to help support students in their educational journeys. My mission is to create inclusive, tailored learning experiences that empower students and support schools in fostering an inclusive environment for all.