Three years ago, I met a Year 10 student who hadn't spoken in school for 18 months. Selectively mute. Severe anxiety. The school had given up. Her mum was desperate.
First session? She wrote answers on paper instead of speaking. Fine by me.
By week 3, she whispered "thank you" at the end of a session.
By week 8, we were having full conversations about quadratic equations.
That's when I realized: traditional education isn't failing these kids. Traditional education was never built for them in the first place.
So I specialized. I got trained in trauma-informed practice, anxiety management, SEND strategies. I worked with councils, virtual schools, and families across the UK.
Now I only work with students who struggle with mainstream education. Because they deserve someone who actually understands.