Hi, I am Catherine Bates, a Selective Mutism Advisory Teacher and Private Tutor

― TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Since qualifying as a Primary School Teacher with a BEd (Hons) in 1992 I have had a variety of roles, both paid and voluntary, where I have worked with, and for, children. Whilst my own children were young I worked as a Supply Teacher for both Hampshire and Dorset, gaining experience in a range of schools and with all ages from 4 to 11. Over the years I have also had a number of Private Tuition assignments. I currently work part time in a Resourced Provision Unit attached to a mainstream Infant School, teaching Early Years and Key Stage 1 children with conditions such as Autism, Downs and Global Delay.

― EXPERIENcE OF SELECTIVE MUTISM

As well as my experiences in education, I have an adult son who went through 15 years of school with Selective Mutism (SM). When it first became noticeable, no one knew what was wrong and so I have spent many years researching this anxiety disorder and learning how I could support him and the schools he was attending. I have attended SM training with Maggie Johnson one of the country's leading SM therapists and since May 2015 I have been a volunteer for the charity SMIRA helping to advise both parents and professionals on strategies to help children overcome SM.

Over the years we have found that many professionals do not have training in dealing with SM and so, with my experiences both as a parent and a teacher, I feel I am the right person to be working with anyone who wants help and advice to overcome this little understood condition.

WHAT IS SELECTIVE MUTISM?

Yes, but early identification is important, so that some form of intervention can be planned. The condition may not improve spontaneously. If the child is not speaking after a time of 'settling in', then the school's SENCO should be consulted and expert advice sought.

Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder of childhood in which affected children speak fluently in some situations but remain silent in others. The condition is known to begin early in life and can be transistory, such as on starting school or on being admitted to hospital, but in rare cases it can persist right through a child's school life.These children usually do not talk to their teachers and may also be silent with their peers, although they may communicate non-verbally. Other combinations of non-speaking can also occur, affecting specific members of the child's family. Often the child has no other identifiable problems and converses freely at home or with close friends. He/she usually makes age-appropriate progress at school in areas where speaking is not required.

CAN SELECTIVELY MUTE CHILDREN BE HELPED?

Text in this section is supplied by SMIRA

SELECTIVE MUTISM SUPPORT

As an experienced Primary School teacher as well as a parent who has seen their child go through school with Selective Mutism, I can relate to both sides of the working relationship. I am happy to travel across Hampshire and Dorset to meet with anyone who would like to talk through how to support someone with SM as well as engaging in consultations via telephone, email or video call with those further afield. More specifically I can...

For Parents:

• Liaise with educational settings and professionals.

• Suggest strategies to help your child overcome SM in a variety of situations.

For Professionals:

• Confirm a lay diagnosis of SM.

• Suggest strategies for school to implement to help children overcome SM and related anxieties.

• Lead training for staff, tailored to your individual needs.

Costs
Charges start from £35. Please feel free to contact me to discuss particular requirements that you have and the best approach.

PRIVATE TUITION

As a qualified teacher, I have over 30 years experience of teaching children from Year R to Year 6, including those with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). For several years I was an external marker for end of Key Stage 2 SATS and so can give specific support in preparation for these.

I have been a Private Tutor for about 25 years, motivating and encouraging children of all ages and abilities. I use a range of strategies, always trying to make learning fun and interactive, and where possible, use games to reinforce new skills. I travel to the clients’ homes up to five miles without charging travel expenses but am happy to travel further for a small extra fee. I charge from £35 per hour.

If you have particular concerns about your child’s academic progress, I am happy to discuss this before you make a decision about tutoring.

― Z.N. (pARENT OF A CHILD WITH SM)

“Catherine has given my ten year old daughter extra Maths lessons for three years and my seven year old son English for a year now. They are such dfferent personalities and she has found suitable approaches to help them both so much. She has endless patience, is incredibly calm and has given them both the confidence and self belief to succeed in both subjects and surpass their school's expectations. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone.”

“When Catherine's son joined my year 7 tutor I had not had any experience of working with a child with SM. I did not understand the condition and did not know how to support him. Over the years Catherine gave me a lot of advice and would highlight articles that were very informative. With Catherine's help and guidance I was able to help her son feel happy at school and to achieve his full potential academically.”

― K.B. (teacher)

Testimonials:

― Parent of a tutored child

“Having struggled to get support for my 3 year old daughter with suspected SM, I came across Catherine Bates. Catherine was able to listen to my concerns with my daughter and fully understood the various situations we had found ourselves in over the previous months. Having limited knowledge of SM myself, I was struggling to see how to help my daughter in the best way with different scenarios we had faced. SM has been a big part of Catherine’s family and because of this she was able to use her experience and knowledge to guide me in the right direction with helping my daughter.”

― C.b. (SENCO)

"Cathy's experience of SM from the perspective of a parent, partnered with her professional experience as a teacher, has provided me and my colleagues with practical advice which has been shared with heartfelt concern and which has resulted is tangible results. Cathy has a relentless dedication to improving the life experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SM and her advice has been invaluable.”

DOCUMENTS

Through my work, I am sometimes asked to provide information that parents can share with other people about SM. Please feel free to share these documents with anyone who may find them helpful. Also, do let me know if there is a topic you would like to see covered.

SM Advice for sports coaches and those leading other extra-curricular activities

Advice around toileting in school

Contact me