About Me

I have been a primary school teacher for fifteen years. Before that, I spent many years working in before and after school clubs and nurseries for babies and toddlers. My favourite job of all is being Mummy to my two little girls, who are eleven and eight years old. This summer, I decided that it was time to leave the classroom and begin a new adventure. The main reason for this was to allow me to spend more time at home with my children. They are excited to be part of this new journey too!
Throughout my teaching career, I have worked across the whole primary age range, gaining a wealth of experience from Nursery to Year 6. Becoming a parent has made me realise that whilst mainstream school can be wonderful, it is not for everyone. Many children flourish outside of the classroom, where they are free to be their authentic selves and learn at their own pace, in their own way.
I have designed The Orange House Tuition as a place where children can feel safe to be themselves and know that their mental wellbeing is my number one priority. A place where they can thrive and enjoy their education.

When I was a little girl, my grandparents had a bright orange playhouse in their garden, which was, of course, called The Orange House. It was my safe place. My happy place. A place where I was free to be myself and explore and play with the people I felt most comfortable with. Thirty years later, my children have their own Orange House in our back garden (albeit a little less orange than the original!). The Orange House is a place for freedom, creativity, exploration, happiness and safety, which is everything my tuition sessions are about. So that is where the name came from!

My tuition sessions focus on building confidence and self-esteem and fostering a love of learning. My daytime sessions are perfect for children who are being educated outside of the main school system. My self-study courses are a great extra-curricular option for children who are attending school. These groups focus on the ‘fun’ parts of learning that there is often so little time for in the classroom, such as art, cookery and nature.

My sessions incorporate all of the things that I am most passionate about: mental wellbeing, stories, creativity, nature and environmental awareness. I have a geography degree and was sustainability leader at my last school, where I ran the eco council and nature club. I love teaching children about nature and the role we all play in taking care of our planet!

I am a neurodiversity advocate and have extensive personal and professional experience in this area, particularly with autism and ADHD. If this is something that is of interest to you, take a look at the Resources section for my list of recommended reading. I am here to support your child and family with fully inclusive sessions. Please do get in touch if this is something that you would like to discuss further.


I am really looking forward to getting to know you and your children and starting our journey together!

Natalie

Qualifications & Completed Courses

Education
  • BSc Initial Teacher Training (Key Stage 1 & 2) with Primary Geography Specialism – Newman University College, 2010 (First Class Hons)

  • Annual Safeguarding

  • Online Safety

  • Prevent Duty

  • Understanding Low Mood, Sadness and Depression in Children and Young People

  • Understanding Anxiety and Stress in Children and Young People

  • Understanding and Supporting Autistic Girls

  • Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Autistic Pupils

  • Stress Awareness

  • Understanding Autism

  • Autism and Social Interaction

  • Autism and Sensory Differences

  • Autism and Anxiety

  • Autism and Behaviour

  • Autism and the Teenage Brain

  • Autism and Girls

  • Pathological Demand Avoidance

  • Elle McNicoll Webinar

  • Being AuDHD with Dr. Emma Craddock

  • Understanding Your Child’s Mental Health: Managing Anxiety

  • Building Resilience

  • Low Level Disruption

  • Attachment Trauma

  • Anti-Harassment

  • Anti-Bullying

  • In the Wild – Connecting Children with Nature

  • Sustainable Education