Hi, I’m Becky. I am a special school teacher, a mum of two, and the creator of SENDland.
Right now, my daily life involves teaching a wonderful, energetic class of seven autistic boys aged 7–12 in a special school setting. I absolutely love my job, but my path here wasn't entirely traditional.
Where It All Began 🧠
My passion for this work started back during my university days while studying Psychology. I was fascinated by the social brain, educational psychology, and language acquisition. Around that time, I took a job working in adult day centres for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
I fell in love with the work. I had always wanted to teach, but I knew I wasn't ready straight out of university. Working with those adults was my lightbulb moment: I could combine my passion for SEND with teaching.
Finding My Alignment (and Unlearning the Rest) ❌
When I did my teacher training, I had to train in mainstream schools because there weren't any special school routes near me. Let's just say... it confirmed exactly where I didn't belong!
In September 2018, I walked straight into a special school, and I haven't looked back since.
Over the years, I’ve taught primary-aged learners across a mix of PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities), SLD, and complex medical needs. Today, I specialise in autism, which is my absolute passion.
While I enjoy the curriculum, my heart lies in supporting learners working at an engagement model level. I am deeply passionate about:
- 🗣️ AAC & Communication: Giving every child a functional voice.
- 🧠 Regulation: Prioritising sensory and emotional safety over compliance.
- 🤝 Relationship-Building: Creating connections before curriculum.
Early in my journey, I was actually encouraged to take a job as an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapist. I am so thankful I didn't. As my practice evolved, I realised just how much compliance-based approaches go against my core values.
In fact, I started SENDland because I deeply struggled to find online spaces and resources that aligned with true, neuro-affirming values. I wanted resources that work with children, not against them.
5 Fast Facts About Me (Off Duty) ☕
When I am not laminating resources or thinking about communication boards, here is what my life looks like:
- 🛡️ The Boy Mum Life: I live in a lovely market town with my partner and our two boys (aged 3 and 7). As a family, we love a day out - especially if it involves castles, Romans, Vikings, or knights!
- 🏡 Home-Birds at Heart: While we love exploring new places, we are total home-birds when the weekend rolls around. You can usually find me reading a good book.
- 🏃♀️ Couch to 5K: I have recently started the Couch to 5K running programme. Wish me luck!
- 🍫 Festive Chocoholic: My absolute favourite meal in the entire world is Christmas dinner. The rest of the year, I am fueled heavily by chocolate.
- ♾️ A Personal Note: Practising neuro-affirming care isn't just professional for me - it's personal. I highly suspect that I am ADHD and autistic myself, though I am excellent at putting off booking that official assessment!
Let’s Reflect and Grow Together 🌱
SENDland started because I couldn't find my community - but through sharing my journey, I have found my tribe. I love helping other educators and parents reflect on their own practice to build calmer, safer environments for our kids.
I’ve learned so much from this community already, and I want to walk alongside you.
How you can get involved today:
- 💬 Introduce yourself! Drop me a message on social media. Are you a teacher, TA, SENCO, or parent? What age group do you support?
- 💌 Join the Club: Sign up for our monthly newsletter for practical, overwhelm-free tips sent straight to your inbox.
- 🛠️ Grab a Time-Saver: If you need a little help planning for sensory or engagement needs this week, check out our Environment Audit or the Neuro-Affirming Planning Bundle over in the shop.
Thank you for the incredible, vital work you do every day. Let's create classrooms where every child belongs.
With community and care,
Becky x
Becky x