I am a Frome based teacher of English who qualified with a PGCE from Bath University in June 1991. I have been working in education in the local area for over 30 years. I have worked at John of Gaunt, Hayesfield, Frome College, St Marks, Matravers, Westbury and Writhlington schools.
Since 2012, I chose to focus on Post 16 Pastoral and Academic mentoring at both Writhlington and more recently, Frome College.
I have always tutored English alongside my day job. I try to approach the subject from an innovative perspective which directly appeals to the interests and strengths of the individual child; I am an enthusiastic and fun teacher.
During lockdown, I offered my services free to friends who were trying to home school their children – as you can imagine, I was kept very busy. This experience led me to expand my age range to younger years as I discovered I had an affinity with primary age pupils. This has been a real delight; I am still working with some of the families I started with in 2020.
I have extensive experience of working with students with SEND needs such as dyslexia. In recent years there is an increasing volume of ASD and ADHD diagnoses; these students may benefit from support and encouragement with attendance, organisation, concentration and time management.
Over the years I have worked alongside students with varying social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs which requires compassion, empathy and patience. I am able to refer students on to other professional bodies such as counselling at Focus Frome or Wessex Youth Space. I can signpost to specialist guidance in relation to University/Apprenticeships.
I am passionate about the outdoors and regularly volunteer with Duke of Edinburgh expeditions; I am working towards being an assessor. I believe in inspiring young people to engage with nature at every opportunity.
Getting moving is so important if someone is struggling with the weight of a low mood or the stress of academic pressure. I am a keen cyclist, walker, horse rider and swimmer. I will be happy to encourage your child to explore the world outside their window. I believe encouraging others can be the catalyst to unleashing their greatness. I look forward to hearing how I can help your child.
Alison Blofeld BA (Hons), PGCE, MA
Member of The Tutors’ Association
Certificate in Solution Focused Practice (2018) Distinction
Foundation Skills in Counselling (2012) Wessex Counselling BACP
Various Mindfulness Courses with Everyday-mindfulness.com from 2012
