About Helen Jameson
Teacher, Researcher, Author & Educational Consultant
I am a highly qualified teacher, with more than thirty years teaching experience in both state-maintained and independent schools.
My special interest is in educational research focusing on effective teaching and tuition that ensures learning is thorough, meaningful and creative. I have spoken at international conferences and my research work on the importance of play for reading, writing and problem-solving in KS1 and beyond has been published by the Open University Press.
In 2009, I completed my post graduate research at Cambridge University and was awarded a master’s degree (MPhil) with one of the highest marks in the education faculty.
My thesis examined how children make meaning when reading, particularly when synthesising pictures and texts. This is a critical skill in today’s fast-paced environment where we are often expected to absorb multimedia information at speed.
Studying metacognition and the ways in which children think about their learning continues to fascinate me. The more I understand about this, the more effective and inspirational I can be as an educator.
My Aims
In my work with children and families, I aim to:
- make all my clients and pupils feel valued, safe and listened to
- accelerate each student’s progress
- build every student’s self-confidence as a learner
- inspire curiosity and creative thinking
- encourage students to ask questions and make suggestions
- develop students’ learning strategies so they become independent, resilient learners who are unafraid of making mistakes and will keep trying even when they find learning challenging
- empower parents to support their child’s education effectively
- encourage students to develop intrinsic pleasure and satisfaction from learning that will last a lifetime!
Exceptional Teaching Leads to Inspired Learning
My Key Attributes and Skills:
- Qualified teacher (MPhil, PGCE)
- Enhanced DBS check – with subscription to the update service
- 30+ years teaching experience working with adults and children aged 5 – 13 years
- Skilled in accelerating children’s progress and inspiring learners to reach their potential
- Specialist in preparing children for 11+ and entrance assessments to highly selective schools like The Perse, Cambridge
- Empathetic – the wellbeing of my students is at the heart of everything I do
- Treats each child as a unique individual and prepares work according to their needs and interests.
- Strong focus on boosting children’s confidence and resilience to learn effectively
- Extensive local knowledge of schools in Cambridge and Ely
- Independent – no affiliation to any agency
- Honest, unbiased advice and guidance.
- Regular engagement in CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- As a married, mother of three, with 5 young grandchildren, I have a realistic understanding of family life
- Patient, kind and caring
- Passionate about making learning interesting, relevant and fun.
My Academic Background and Teaching Career
First Degree
After graduating from the University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Psychology, I went on to qualify as a teacher (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education). I then spent seven happy years teaching in Inner London primary schools before moving to East Anglia, where I taught in state-maintained First and Middle Schools in Suffolk and Essex.
Early Work Experience
After my three children were born, I worked part-time for several years as a supply teacher and tutor for evening classes in Adult Literacy and Numeracy. I also ran an Educational Guidance Service, worked as a volunteer youth club leader and taught in schools for children with special educational needs and emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEND).
Research Interests
After meeting many children and adults who had lost confidence in their ability to learn and consequently failed to reach their potential, I became passionate about finding ways to engage learners.
I began my research by studying for an Advanced Diploma in Early Years at Homerton College (University of Cambridge). My work was published in academic journals and I was asked to present my findings at several events, including speaking at an international conference in the USA.
Published Work
I was also asked to contribute a chapter to Professor Janet Moyles’ book ‘The Excellence of Play’ (2nd, 3rd & 4th editions). This book is regularly used for teacher training and professional development.
Putting Research into Practice
My research demonstrated the importance of building good relationships with pupils, getting to know them as unique individuals with their own interests and strengths. This is often best facilitated when teaching individuals and small groups of children, utilising practical equipment, tools, artefacts, games and stories to promote learning, boost confidence and unlock potential.
Working in Independent Schools
In light of my research, in 1999 I moved into the independent sector. While teaching in a leading, independent preparatory school in Cambridge, I saw the immense benefits all children derive from being taught in small classes with lots of individual attention. I was delighted to be asked to run extension classes in Maths and English for gifted and talented pupils.
Master’s Degree – University of Cambridge
In 2008, I secured a year’s secondment to study for my MPhil (Master of Philosophy) at the University of Cambridge. My research involved children with a wide range of abilities, including those considered to be gifted and those with SEND.
Inspired Learning is Born!
My research compounded my belief that all children benefit from bespoke, individualised learning opportunities. Therefore, in 2013, I set up my private tuition business, Inspired Learning.
I specialise in providing a bespoke service, so I do not work for agencies or schools. Neither do I employ other tutors or work with large groups, ploughing through set texts or automated computer programs. Instead, I tailor my work to your child’s individual needs and requirements. This may cost a little more but you and your child will undoubtedly benefit from my personal service, based on a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Private Tuition
Whether it is to boost confidence, help identify and address gaps in learning, improve exam technique, promote excellence for children with particular gifts and talents or encourage sustained concentration and creativity, I am able to offer a private tuition service which is individually tailored to each student.
Empowering Parents
After I started tutoring, I quickly realised that many parents want help and guidance in other areas connected to their child’s education. Therefore, in addition to tuition, I now offer a unique educational consultation service for parents who would like to discuss how to maximise their child’s educational potential.
Educational Consultancy Service for Parents – further information
My Hobbies & Interests
I enjoy spending time with my family and our two dogs, Mabel and Crumble. We love walking, swimming and exploring interesting new places together.
I also love reading, writing, being creative and learning something new, so my hobbies often involve a mixture of all four! Challenging myself to continue learning is intrinsically rewarding for me and helps me empathise with my pupils too.
I have attended short courses and used books and online resources to learn how to sew, quilt, crochet, paint, collage and monoprint using gel plates.
I am mindful of ecological concerns and enjoy the challenge of creating art, clothes and journals from discarded items that might otherwise become landfill.
I exhibit my work during Cambridge Open Studios and at the ‘Summer at the Beach’ Arts Festival. You can see more of my work here.
