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
Certificate in Solution Focused Practice (2018) Distinction
Foundation Skills in Counselling (2012) Wessex Counselling BACP
Various Mindfulness Courses with Everyday-mindfulness.com from 2012