My Story

 

I began my career in education 24 years ago as a primary school teacher. Early in my career, I developed a strong interest in supporting children with additional needs and went on to achieve the National Award for SEN Coordination. I have since spent many years working as a SENDCo, supporting children with a wide range of learning, developmental and emotional needs.

 

Throughout this experience, I came to recognise that supporting a child’s academic progress cannot be separated from their emotional wellbeing. A child who feels safe, understood and valued is far more able to engage, learn and reach their potential. I also developed a strong appreciation of the important role families play and the difference that can be made when schools, families and professionals work together.

 

Working closely with a range of professionals, including Educational Psychologists and other specialist services, has significantly influenced and shaped my practice. My growing interest in children’s emotional wellbeing led me to train as a Drawing and Talking Practitioner and Senior Mental Health Lead, further developing my understanding of the emotional factors that can influence a child’s confidence, behaviour and ability to learn.

 

More recently, I specialised in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), with a particular focus on dyslexia, gaining my AMBDA qualification and APC. I am also an approved tutor on the British Dyslexia Association’s list of approved tutors, reflecting my commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-informed specialist dyslexia support. These qualifications and professional experience enable me to undertake full diagnostic dyslexia assessments and provide specialist teaching and tutoring tailored to individual needs. This combination of experience led me to establish Insight Dyslexia Services, bringing together my specialist knowledge of dyslexia, SEND, education and emotional wellbeing.

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What sets my approach apart?

 

I do not see myself simply as an assessor. For me, an assessment is the beginning of understanding how a child learns, rather than the end point. I am equally interested in what happens after a diagnosis and in helping children, families and schools understand what practical support will make a meaningful difference.

 

My extensive experience in primary education gives me a particular understanding of the needs of younger learners. While dyslexia support is often associated with older pupils and students, I am passionate about the importance of early identification and intervention. Recognising a child’s needs early and putting the right support in place can have a significant impact on their confidence, self-esteem and future learning.

 

My background in teaching, SEND, mental health and Drawing and Talking enables me to take a holistic approach. I consider not only a child’s literacy and learning profile, but also their emotional wellbeing, individual strengths and the experiences that may be influencing their ability to learn.

 

I am passionate about helping children recognise and develop their unique strengths and talents. I take a calm, nurturing, friendly and highly individualised approach, creating a supportive environment where children can build confidence, resilience and a positive sense of themselves as learners.

 

I support schools and families through specialist assessment, advice, targeted strategies and individualised support, with a focus on practical approaches that can be successfully applied in real classroom and home settings.

Alongside Insight Dyslexia Services, I continue to work part-time within the primary school where I have been based for the past 24 years. I also work with SEND Hub North West, supporting schools and families through specialist assessment, advice and targeted strategies. In addition, I provide individual specialist tuition to pupils through my private practice.

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My aim is simple: to help every child understand how they learn, recognise their strengths and feel confident in their ability to succeed.