Who am I?
Dyslexia Specialist and Assessor
I am a dyslexia specialist teacher & assessor with 25 years of experience of working in schools in teaching, SENCO and specialist advisory capacities, as well as assessing individuals for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). I hold an OCR Level 7 diploma in teaching and assessing learners with specific learning difficulties and a current Assessors’ Practising Certificate. I am also a parent with experience of working in the community with children and families.
Qualifications
BA in English Literature, University of Cambridge (1994)
MA in English Literature, University of Cambridge (1997)
Post Graduate Certificate in Education, University of Wales, Aberystwyth (1996)
OCR Level 7 Diploma (SPLD) (2016)
What is my ethos?
My aim is to equip, enable and empower schools and parents to support students in meeting their full potential. I am passionate about inclusion and equality and I strongly believe that every child can learn, given the right environment and support. Over my 25 years working in local authority education, I have seen how the right intervention, understanding and adjustments can be made to make all the difference for students with specific learning difficulties and dyslexia, and my work practice is driven by a desire to enable this to happen at grass roots level in schools. I believe that a strong partnership between specialists, parents and schools is absolutely vital and I always seek to partner with the good work that is already being done in schools and local authorities, and to support parents in doing the same.
Learning is the one thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets
Leonardo Da Vinci
My Special Strengths and Qualities Superpowers!
Hugely Pragmatic
I am hugely pragmatic; just as no two children are the same, nor are two schools. I take time to consider each context and/or child in order to achieve best possible outcomes.
Flexible & Creative
I am flexible and creative, and unafraid to think outside the box in order to get results.
Empathy & Compassion
I work with empathy and compassion combined with a passion for learning and a belief in every child’s ability to achieve.
Enthusiastic & Passionate
I am enthusiastic and passionate in my work as well as being a lot of fun to work with.
Specialist Expertise
I have a proven track record of combining specialist expertise with accessibility. I know how to make specialist expertise engaging and practical for the non-specialist and for the child. I know that the adults working in the classroom at grass roots level are the most important people in a child’s school life – and it’s my job to enable and equip them to make the necessary adjustments and provide the best quality teaching.
Comprehensive & Supportive Communication
Clear, comprehensive and supportive communication is a high priority and I do it well.