Interview: Chloe Metcalf – Educator, SEND Specialist, and Advocate for Inclusive Learning

Working in the education recruitment sector, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible people whose stories show just how rewarding, challenging, and meaningful a career in education and SEND can be. I wanted to share Chloe Metcalf’s journey because it captures that spirit perfectly; from changing career direction, to shaping young lives in the classroom, to building her own successful SEND tutoring and consultancy business. Chloe’s story is inspiring, honest, and full of insights that I believe will resonate with anyone considering a career in education or looking to take the next step in their journey.

Part One

I’m always fascinated by the journeys people take into education, and Chloe Metcalf’s story is no exception. From corporate law to becoming a teacher, she’s followed her heart to make a real difference.

In this first part of her story, Chloe shares what inspired her to retrain, the challenges and rewards of teaching in areas of high deprivation, and how her experiences shaped the SEND specialist and consultant she is today.

Background & Career Journey

After a couple of years working as a corporate lawyer, I was disappointed to discover that I wasn’t using my intelligence and skills to make a positive contribution to society. I retrained as a teacher with a passion to support young people to believe in themselves, be the best they can be, and, in doing so, shape our communities for the better.

I worked in an area of high deprivation for my first seven years in teaching. Concentration levels, trust in the education system, and willingness to engage in learning were often low. We had to really understand what made each child tick and make every lesson engaging, purposeful, and fun. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it honed my teaching skills more than any other school could have.

When my third child finally slept through the night at two years old, I decided it was time to focus more on my career. So, I took the whole family to Borneo and accepted a leadership role at the International School in Brunei. It was a joy to positively influence a whole community of teachers, pupils, and families - nurturing a culture that valued professional growth and dedication to young people’s development. Leadership in the UK can be more complex, with an education system that’s often change-weary and stretched thin by political interference and long-term staffing shortages. But the core purpose remains the same: keeping children’s best interests at the heart of every decision and nurturing a positive, unified teaching team.

I’ve always loved the challenge of unlocking learning for children when others have struggled to reach them, and that’s exactly what I do now through my tutoring and consultancy. I get to know each child: how they think, how they learn best, and what motivates them. Then I tailor their learning around those insights.

Working one-to-one means there’s no compromise. I can give each pupil my full attention and design support that meets their needs exactly. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that direct impact. I’ve always been an employee, so I’m proud to now be self-employed, succeeding at it, and truly enjoying it. My experience as a private tutor has shown me the importance of individualised education.

Part Two

Education never stands still, and Chloe has seen the sector shift and evolve in so many ways. In Part Two, she reflects on the changes she’s witnessed in classrooms, the growing focus on SEND inclusion, and how technology has impacted teaching. Her perspective is both inspiring and honest, showing how much has improved but also where challenges remain.

I’ve been teaching long enough to see initiatives and teaching trends come and go and then come back again! Teaching itself hasn’t been revolutionised; good teachers have always taught children well, regardless of which initiative is in favour. The biggest difference now is the staff shortage, which makes it harder to recruit and retain the right people for each role. Trends in SEND roles have emerged as schools adapt to these challenges.

It’s great that teachers now get protected planning and preparation time, and that newly qualified teachers have extra study time. The increase in specialist teachers for subjects like Music, PE, and Modern Foreign Languages has really improved the quality of primary education across the board. I’ve also welcomed the move towards less cluttered classrooms and the growing awareness of how to adjust learning environments for different sensory needs. It’s encouraging to see schools becoming more mindful of how the physical space impacts children’s ability to focus and feel calm.

The degree of need among pupils seems to be higher and more complex in mainstream classes compared to twenty years ago. With demand for specialist school places still very high, this trend looks to continue.

There’s now a far greater understanding of the many barriers to learning children may face. Pupils who might once have been labelled as “difficult”, “naughty”, “shy” or “odd” are now better understood and supported. There’s been a real drive to reduce “out in the corridor” interventions and create more inclusive classrooms where everyone learns together.

That said, inclusion only works with the right support in place. It’s not about having pupils physically present but unable to access learning. True inclusion is knowing each child and teaching in a multi-sensory, scaffolded way so they can genuinely participate. And if that means additional small-group or one-to-one support, then that’s what inclusion looks like for that pupil.

Part Three

If you’re considering a career in teaching or SEND, Chloe’s advice is invaluable. In Part Three, she offers her guidance for aspiring teachers and teaching assistants — from the qualities that matter most, to the rewards that make it all worthwhile, to the career pathways beyond the classroom.

Go into teaching because you care deeply about children, not because it’s an easy or “safe” career. It’s demanding, emotionally and mentally, but also one of the most rewarding jobs there is. The small wins - a breakthrough moment, a smile, a thank-you - make every bit of effort worthwhile. Stay curious, compassionate, and open to learning. The best teachers grow alongside their pupils.

Time, workload, and wellbeing are the biggest challenges. Teachers are expected to be everything; educator, counsellor, administrator, mentor, and it can feel relentless. My advice is to stay grounded in what matters: the children. Keep perspective, set boundaries, and lean on your colleagues. A good laugh and supportive team make all the difference. Focus on progress, not perfection - flexibility and resilience will serve you well.

It’s the moments that remind you why you chose this path; when a child’s confidence grows, when they finally believe they can achieve, or when a family tells you how much you’ve helped. Those moments stay with you forever. Knowing you’ve played a small part in shaping someone’s future is the most incredible feeling.

For those interested in SEND, what skills or qualities are most important?

Compassion, understanding and acceptance are essential together with some creativity. You have to truly see each child - their strengths, quirks, and individuality and accept their perspective before doing the journey of change together. Flexibility and curiosity are key, as is collaboration with families and professionals. And don’t underestimate the power of humour - it helps you connect, de-escalate, and bring joy into the learning process.

Education offers so many avenues: leadership, SEND specialism, curriculum design, teacher training, consultancy, or even policy work. There’s also a growing space for educators in mental health, coaching, and educational technology. For me, moving into tutoring and consultancy has been a fantastic way to use my experience flexibly while still making a real difference.

Part Four

In Part Four, Chloe talks about the current landscape of SEND in education. She shares her optimism about growing awareness and inclusive practice, but also highlights the very real challenges schools face around resources, training, and time. Chloe’s insights into the evolving role of teaching assistants and strategies that truly work for children with additional needs are both inspiring and practical senploy vlog on classroom strategies.

How do you think awareness and support for SEND has improved in schools?

Awareness has grown enormously, both in schools and in society. There’s a wider understanding of neurodiversity, and more teachers are seeking out strategies and support. Teachers have such a lot to do in every lesson - as it is standard practice for one adult to teach thirty students in a classroom, meeting every need and overcoming every barrier single-handedly is a big ask of any human. However, Inclusion is no longer just a buzzword - it’s becoming more a part of everyday practice. It’s heartening to see more empathy and more willingness to adapt.

The biggest hurdles are time and resources. Schools want to do the right thing, but without enough funding, training, or staff, it’s difficult to meet every need effectively. Collaboration between schools, families, and agencies can still be patchy too. Inclusion needs to be supported by structure, not just sentiment, that’s how we make it meaningful.

Teaching assistants are the backbone of inclusive education. Their role has evolved far beyond classroom support; they’re skilled practitioners, intervention specialists, and trusted adults for so many children. I’d love to see even more recognition and professional development opportunities for TAs. When they’re empowered and valued, outcomes for pupils improve dramatically classroom tips for TAs.

Relationships first, always. Children need to feel safe, understood, and valued before they can learn. From there, flexibility and creativity are key: use visual supports, movement breaks, and multi-sensory methods to make learning accessible. Celebrate progress loudly and often. Most importantly, listen to the child; they’ll tell you, in their own way, what works best for them.

Part Five

In our final part, Chloe looks ahead to the future of education. From flexible roles and staff wellbeing to the opportunities (and challenges) of AI, she gives us a glimpse of what could shape the next decade. Chloe also shares her hopes for a more compassionate system – one where wellbeing, creativity, and confidence are valued as much as academic achievement latest thoughts on SEN future.

I think we’ll see more flexible models such as job shares, hybrid roles, and new pathways into leadership. There’ll also be a stronger emphasis on staff wellbeing and emotional intelligence. Education will continue to shift towards skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration - the human qualities that technology can’t replace.

It needs to. Recruitment should focus more on values and mindset - we can train skills, but we can’t train passion. Retention depends on building supportive cultures, realistic workloads, and flexibility.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the difference I’ve made to children who’d lost faith in themselves - the ones others had written off. I’m proud of the teachers and support staff I’ve mentored who’ve gone on to flourish. I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to my values: that education should be inclusive, joyful, and rooted in kindness.

If you could change one thing about the education system today, what would it be and why?

I’d change the culture of fear and pressure that’s taken hold. We need to move away from constant scrutiny and box-ticking, and back towards trust, creativity, and genuine learning. Both teachers and pupils need the freedom to take risks and grow. Education should be about developing whole humans, not just producing results.

What keeps you motivated to work in education after so many years?

The children - always. Their humour, resilience, and honesty inspire me daily. There’s nothing like seeing a young person realise their potential and know you’ve helped them get there. That sense of purpose, helping children believe in themselves is what keeps me going. It never gets old.

A message from our Founder, Amy Allen

‘Chloe’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and compassion that lie at the heart of education. From her early days in the classroom to her current work as a tutor and consultant, she has stayed true to her belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.

I’m so grateful to Chloe for sharing her story and insights as part of this series. If you’ve been inspired by her journey or would like to learn more about her work, I encourage you to connect with her and explore the difference her expertise makes in the lives of young people and families. Chloe can be contacted via SENsational Tutors. Please visit https://www.sensationaltutors.co.uk/tutors-list/chloe2/