Understanding children. Supporting inclusion. Building confidence.
Every child experiences the world in their own way. When we take the time to understand how a child learns, communicates, relates to others and responds to their environment, we are better able to provide meaningful support.
Whether you are a parent seeking guidance, a professional navigating a complex situation, or a school working to create a more inclusive environment, I offer personalised, practical and compassionate support grounded in both experience and evidence-informed practice.
About Me
My name is Paola, and I am a SEND and child development practitioner with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, families and educators.
Throughout my career, I have worked alongside children and young people from infancy through to adulthood, with a wide range of developmental, communication, learning, sensory and emotional differences, including autistic children, ADHDers, non-speaking children, and individuals with complex developmental profiles and high support needs.
My work is informed by a lifelong engagement with Montessori education, child development, SEND and inclusion, and continues to be enriched by my work as a SENDCo.
I believe that understanding comes before intervention. Rather than focusing solely on behaviours or difficulties, I seek to understand each child in the context of their strengths, relationships, environment and individual way of experiencing the world. Through observation, collaboration and reflection, I support families and educators to develop approaches that are practical, respectful and responsive to each child's needs.
My goal is not to change who children are, but to help create the conditions in which they can thrive.
Support for Parents and Families
Understanding your child starts with understanding their experience.
Parenting can feel overwhelming when a child is struggling, particularly when answers are not immediately clear. Sometimes behaviours, emotional responses or developmental differences can leave families feeling confused, worried or isolated.
I provide individualised support to help parents make sense of their child's unique profile and identify practical ways forward.
Together we can explore:
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emotional regulation and wellbeing
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neurodivergence and developmental differences
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sensory processing and everyday challenges
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communication and relationships
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school-related concerns
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behaviour and the needs that may sit beneath it
Whether your child has a diagnosis, is awaiting assessment, or simply presents questions that you are trying to understand, support can begin at any stage.
Consultations are available online and can be tailored to your family's needs.
Support for Educators and Schools
Creating environments where every child can belong, participate and thrive.
Supporting children with diverse needs can be both rewarding and complex. Educators are often expected to balance competing demands while responding thoughtfully to individual differences.
I provide SEND consultancy, training and professional support for schools, and education professionals.
Areas of support include:
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neurodiversity and inclusive practice
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emotional regulation and wellbeing
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behaviour and communication
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sensory needs
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planning, implementing and reviewing support for children with additional needs
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navigating sensitive and complex conversations with compassion and confidence
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inclusive classroom and school environments
My aim is not simply to provide strategies, but to help professionals develop a deeper understanding of children and family's experiences so that support becomes more responsive, sustainable and effective.
Get in Touch
If you are looking for support with your child's development, SEND-related concerns, family wellbeing, professional practice or inclusive education, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Email: hello@walkwithU.com
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