Reading with Purpose

As we start a new year, I wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. 

This year has been named the National Year of Reading, with the slogan Go All In. . Find out more here and watch the powerful video while you snack graze and feast on reading! National Year of Reading 2026 | Go All In

In a year that can feel full of competing priorities, it is worth remembering:

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

For many schools, that first step is simply doing a small number of things well, consistently, and inclusively.

Rather than offering a programme or checklist, it supports schools to reflect on culture, adult modelling, access, and inclusion, and how small, intentional decisions can make reading and writing feel possible, meaningful, and enjoyable for all learners.

A thoughtful and timely read for the National Year of Reading.

Read more HERE

• Read for Good: motivating kids to love reading and helping disadvantaged children - using audio books and multi modal ways into texts for all.

• 1 in 10 Making the Invisible Visible: Dyslexia from a Childs perspective - The video is a useful starting point for professional discussion around reading, writing, assessment, and everyday classroom routines, particularly in the context of the Year of Reading. Many learners experience dyslexia or significant literacy needs, yet many continue to struggle in classrooms that were never designed with them in mind. The 1 in 10 video is a timely reminder that inclusion begins with noticing what is often invisible and responding deliberately.

• Find out more about the free training coauthored by myself and Helen Ross https://www.1in10.co.uk/freeteachertraining 

What a year!

Thank you for the opportunity to work alongside so many committed educators, leaders, and partners.

Over the past year, my work has continued to centre on inclusive literacy, practical classroom impact, and supporting schools to respond to increasing complexity of need. This has included consultancy with schools and trusts, INSET and network training, national conference contributions, writing, and collaborative project development.

Some highlights from the year include:

• Progressing my forthcoming book Writing for All, co-authored with Claire Harrison, which focuses on inclusive writing pathways and effective implementation

• Writing articles and contributing to national conversations around literacy, SEND, and inclusion

• Delivering INSET, trust-wide training, and consultancy across reading, writing, memory, executive function, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• Speaking, leading sessions, and recording for national conferences and education shows — with several key events coming up over the next six weeks, which I’ll be sharing soon 

• Launching and growing the podcast Catching Up with Sarah & Ginny with Ginny Bootman

• Developing new collaborations, including work with Dr Helen Ross and the early stages of an Alliance for Inclusive Literacy, bringing together partners committed to equitable access to literacy

Please do take a look at my Reading for All and Writing for All training options to complement the work your school is doing for the National Year of Reading

Looking Ahead

The year ahead is already shaping up to be a busy one. I remain committed to providing practical, evidence-informed support that helps schools remove barriers and raise outcomes for all learners. 

Thank you for your continued engagement, trust, and conversation. I am very much looking forward to what the year ahead brings. 

To find out more about working with me please do book a Discovery Call.

Sarah