Konstantina Patiraki
Sunderland
Summary
Special Educational Needs specialist with a strong academic background in Psychology and experience supporting pupils with ASD, ADHD and diverse learning needs in mainstream and specialist settings. Skilled in IEP implementation, behaviour support, differentiated instruction and one-to-one interventions. Committed to creating inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments through a calm, structured and child-centred approach.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Special Educational Needs Practitioner
Thornhill Park School
Sunderland
06.2024 - 11.2025
- Implement and monitor Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with teachers and therapists
- Adapt lesson materials using visual supports, simplified tasks, and sensory tools
- Support learners with ASD, ADHD, communication difficulties, and complex behavioural needs
- Apply safeguarding procedures, maintain confidential records, and deliver crisis support when required
- Work closely with multidisciplinary staff (SLT, OT, Psychologists)
- Provide feedback to parents and contribute to progress reviews
- Promote social skills through structured interactions and modelling
- Assist in creating behaviour support plans and applying de-escalation techniques
Self-Employed – Private Tutoring Services
Freelance
Sunderland
01.2025 - Current
- Assessed each child’s learning needs by observing attention, reading comprehension, working pace, and areas of difficulty.
- Developed personalised learning plans targeting reading, writing, spelling, grammar, or core maths skills depending on each child's gaps.
- Reinforced reading skills through phonics practice, guided reading, comprehension questions, and vocabulary building.
- Strengthened core maths skills using hands-on activities, step-by-step explanations, and real-life examples (fractions, problem-solving, operations)
- Provided gentle SEN support, including extra processing time, visual schedules, simplified instructions, and scaffolded learning tasks.
Swimming teacher
Acqua Plus
Hersonissos
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Instructed children aged 3–10 essential swimming techniques and water safety skills, adapting instruction to individual ability levels.
- Designed structured lesson plans focusing on skill progression, confidence-building, and safety awareness.
- Ensured a safe learning environment by enforcing water safety guidelines and supervising all pool activities.
- Promoted social development through cooperative group games that encouraged teamwork, turn-taking, and positive peer interaction.
- Supported children’s emotional development by fostering empathy, patience, and respect during shared activities.
Education
MSc - Psychology (conversion)
University of Sunderland
Sunderland 09.2023 - 11.2024
BA Hons - Childhood Studies
University Of Sunderland
Sunderland 09.2019 - 07.2023
ECCE - English
University of Michigan
United StatesA2 -
Sorbonne Universite
FranceLevel 3 Certicate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance - Intermediate (Ballet)
Royal Academy of Dance
LondonLevel 2 Certicate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance - Intermediate Foundation (Ballet)
Royal Academy of Dance
LondonSkills
Positive Behaviour Strategies & Visual Supports
Strong Communication with Pupils, Staff & Parents
Behaviour Management & De-escalation
Knowledge of Safeguarding Procedures (KCSIE, reporting protocols)
Maintaining Confidential & Accurate Records
Certification
- ECCE, 12/01/15, University of Michigan
- A2, 07/01/15, Sorbonne Universite, France
- Intermediate, 05/01/16, Royal Academy of Dance, London
- Level 3 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Intermediate (Ballet), 05/01/13
- Level 2 Certificate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance: Intermediate Foundation (Ballet), 05/01/13
- Enhanced Certificate DBS, 01/01/20, Child And Adult Workforce Childhood Studies Student.
Timeline
Self-Employed – Private Tutoring Services
Freelance
01.2025 - Current
Special Educational Needs Practitioner
Thornhill Park School
06.2024 - 11.2025
MSc - Psychology (conversion)
University of Sunderland
09.2023 - 11.2024
Swimming teacher
Acqua Plus
06.2023 - 08.2023
BA Hons - Childhood Studies
University Of Sunderland
09.2019 - 07.2023
A2 -
Sorbonne Universite
Level 3 Certicate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance - Intermediate (Ballet)
Royal Academy of Dance
Level 2 Certicate in Vocational Graded Examination in Dance - Intermediate Foundation (Ballet)
Royal Academy of Dance
ECCE - English
University of Michigan