About me

I'm a qualified practitioner with over 25 years of teaching experience in school, college and community settings

I believe that children with dyslexia deserve an education that helps them to be happy and fulfill their potential.

My story
My qualifications and professional memberships

Pupils responded to her inclusive, creative and inspirational approach
Caroline Francis, former Deputy Head Teacher, Cotham School, Bristol

My story

I began teaching creative subjects in mainstream education 25 years ago, first as a class teacher then course leader, post-16 tutor and curriculum team leader. I worked with children and young adults in school, college and community settings, originally specialising in dance, which I taught across all key stages, including A-Level.

During this time I worked with thousands of young people and noticed two key things:

Anxiety issues grew proportionally to league-table and exam-related pressure. This was particularly evident in older students and those who didn’t fit the cookie-cutter shapes mandated by a system with an increasingly narrow focus.
Children with dyslexia seem attracted to creative subjects, where they can benefit from tailored, specialised support and learn techniques that help with their wider studies.

This made me reflect on my own experience as a student (I am dyslexic) and a parent (one of my daughters has both dyslexia and dyscalculia).

It inspired me to shift focus. I became a specialist teacher so that I can better support the increasing number of children who don’t quite fit our education system’s mould.