Meet Laura - Founder and Tutor
Hi, I’m Laura, the heart behind Nurturing Phoenix. My passion for education comes from personal experience—I know what it’s like to feel unheard in a traditional classroom.
💡 A Different Approach to Learning
I didn’t always fit in at school. Anxiety and overwhelm made learning difficult, and the support I needed just wasn’t there. But a short time with a caring, understanding tutor through the Hospital Education Service changed everything. That experience inspired me to create an education that truly puts children first.
❤️ Why I Started Nurturing Phoenix
Throughout my teaching career in mainstream and specialist settings, I saw more and more children struggling with anxiety and barriers to learning. As both an educator and a parent, I understood the fight for the right support—and I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.
My Experience
✨ Highly Experienced SEN Teacher with 10+ Years of Expertise
📚 Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
🛡️ DBS-Registered with the Update Service
🏫 Extensive experience teaching and supporting young people across diverse settings, including mainstream schools, specialist provisions, and home education
🌈 Specialising in supporting neurodivergent learners (e.g., ADHD, autism, dyslexia), using neurodiversity-affirming practices that celebrate individual differences and strengths while tailoring approaches to meet unique needs
💖 Trauma-Informed Practices – Incorporating a trauma-informed approach to create safe, supportive, and responsive learning environments where all students can thrive
My Expertise & Growth
🎓 Master’s Degree (MSc) in Psychology
🍎 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Science Specialism
📜 Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Social Sciences
🧠 Level 2 & Level 3 Certifications in Sensory Processing
🛡️ Safeguarding Children & Young People
🏠 Child Protection Training
⚠️ Prevent Duty Awareness
🌈 Specialist Training in Neurodiversity – Focusing on Autism, ADHD, PDA, Dyslexia, Multi-Sensory Learning, Speech & Language Development, Emotional Literacy, Anxiety, Trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
🌈 My Neurodiversity-Affirming & Therapeutic Approach
I support students in building confidence, embracing their identity, and thriving—academically, socially, and emotionally.
What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Mean?
💡 Recognising and valuing individual differences
💡 Embracing neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity, not a deficit
💡 Encouraging self-acceptance and celebrating strengths
Lived Experience & Personal Approach
🧠 As a proudly neurodivergent person, I understand the challenges and stigma that can come with it.
🧠 This shapes my approach—helping students:
✔ Recognise and use their strengths
✔ Develop strategies to manage difficulties
✔ Have a voice in decisions that affect them
Challenging Stereotypes & Promoting Inclusion
🚀Being neurodiversity-affirming means actively challenging discrimination and creating spaces where all ways of thinking and learning are valued.
🌈 Benefits of a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
✅ Focus on Strengths – Recognises and builds on each student’s unique abilities
🏡 Safe & Supportive Environment – Fosters trust, acceptance, and belonging
📅 Clear & Predictable Routines – Reduces anxiety by providing structure and consistency
🚫 Challenges Stereotypes & Bias – Promotes a more inclusive and accepting society
🎧 Supports Sensory Needs – Adapts the environment to ensure comfort and focus
💙 Emotional & Social Support – Helps students develop self-regulation and confidence
🤝 Collaboration with Families & Specialists – Works as a team to ensure the best support.
🗣️ Respect for Autonomy & Self-Advocacy – Encourages students to make choices and have a voice
📚 Personalised Learning – Adapts teaching methods to suit different needs and learning styles
🎨 Engaging & Inclusive Teaching – Uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with:
🔹 Multiple ways to present information
🔹 Different ways to engage learners
🔹 Flexible ways to express knowledge
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