Tutoring Students with SEND: Strategies for Success

Kate Marriott









Tutoring students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As a tutor, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of these students by providing them with the extra support they need to succeed. In this blog, we will discuss some effective strategies for tutoring students with SEND.
1. Understand the student's needs
The first step in tutoring students with SEND is to understand their specific needs. This may involve reviewing their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or working with their parents and teachers to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Once you have a clear understanding of the student's needs, you can tailor your tutoring sessions to meet their specific requirements.

2. Use multi-sensory teaching techniques
Many students with SEND benefit from multi-sensory teaching techniques that engage multiple senses. For example, you can use visual aids, such as diagrams and pictures, to help students with visual impairments or dyslexia. You can also use hands-on activities, such as manipulatives or sensory bins, to help students with autism or ADHD. By using a variety of teaching techniques, you can help students with SEND stay engaged and focused during tutoring sessions.

3. Break down complex concepts
Students with SEND may struggle with complex concepts and abstract ideas. As a tutor, you can help these students by breaking down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable pieces. You can also use real-life examples or analogies to help students understand difficult concepts. By simplifying the material, you can help students with SEND build their confidence and improve their understanding of the subject.

4. Provide regular feedback
Regular feedback is essential for students with SEND, as it helps them identify areas of strength and weakness. As a tutor, you can provide feedback on assignments, tests, and class participation. The feedback should be specific, actionable, and focused on areas where the student needs improvement. You can also work with the student to develop a plan to address the areas of weakness.

5. Be patient and supportive
Tutoring students with SEND can be a slow and challenging process. It is essential to be patient and supportive, even when progress is slow. Celebrate the student's successes, no matter how small, and encourage them to keep working towards their goals. By providing a supportive and positive environment, you can help students with SEND build their confidence and achieve academic success.

Tutoring students with SEND requires a combination of teaching techniques and strategies that are tailored to the student's specific needs. By understanding the student's needs, using multi-sensory teaching techniques, breaking down complex concepts, providing regular feedback, and being patient and supportive, tutors can help students with SEND achieve academic success.

To learn more, take our free online courses:
• An introduction to Tutoring:
• An Introduction to SEND in the Classroom:
• An Introduction to Autism:
• Promoting Learner independence: Scaffolding for TA’s

View all of our courses here: Online Teaching Courses (prospero-learning.com)