Looking Ahead: Building Strong Foundations
It's been a fabulous start to 2025 with the beginning of my school-based face-to-face work and online training.
Check out my latest feedback or click on image to find out more!
As we step into 2025, if I could share one piece of advice with every school, it would be this:
"We must change how we see our learners, rather than focusing on what they need to show us."
This perspective is the foundation of creating truly inclusive and impactful learning environments.
Literacy is not just reading and writing—it’s a voice, a connection, and a pathway to independence. For our learners, it’s the key to dignity and opportunity. We must be relentless, adaptable, and innovative because every breakthrough opens a door to their potential. Literacy is their right, and our responsibility.
This year, I’m excited to build on the momentum by revamping my website and online offerings. This will include providing courses for individuals, resources to support whole schools and organisations, and clearer signposting to guide educators and families through the support options available.
Date for your diary - SWALSS Conference 2025
In February I'm delighted to be hosting a Reading and Phonics Conference for SWALSS. This builds on the incredible work over the past two years of our Reading and Phonics network. It is an excellent opportunity to network, develop your curriculum for all learners, and deepen your understanding of inclusive reading practices.
Limited spaces are available—book now for just £50 for members or join SWALSS for a brilliant offer!
Inclusion Across the Curriculum
Inclusion isn’t limited to literacy—it’s a priority across all areas of the curriculum. Whether it’s maths, science, the arts, or physical education, every subject offers opportunities to foster creativity, critical thinking, and engagement. By addressing the specific needs of learners and embedding strategies that support memory, executive function, and metacognition, we can create a curriculum that works for everyone.
My top tips-
Focus on Growth, Impact, and Change:Â Use assessment frameworks that prioritise learners' development, engagement, and meaningful change in their learning journey, rather than simply measuring end outcomes.
Remove Barriers to Learning:Â Identify and address sensory needs, memory difficulties, challenges with executive functioning, and metacognition. Provide learners with tools such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, visual supports, and assistive technologies to create a more accessible and effective learning environment.
Centre Learning Around Stories:Â Stories are transformative tools that build vocabulary, foster empathy, and deepen understanding. They provide a powerful way to engage learners and create meaningful connections. Check out Mary's webinar below.
Empower Through Professional Development:Â High-quality training equips educators with the skills and confidence needed to implement inclusive practices effectively across the curriculum, fostering impactful change for all learners. This is a great read :) https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/dyslexia-defintion-how-teachers-and-schools-can-help
Partner with Families:Â Collaboration with families strengthens the support network for learners, ensuring consistency between home and school environments while enhancing opportunities for success.
Explore More
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Neurodiversity Celebration Week offers free resources and events to promote awareness and inclusion.
Whole School SEND: Whole School SEND (WSS) provides free tools and training to help schools implement effective SEND strategies.
Prof. Amanda Kirby - Do-IT Solutions: Do-IT Solutions offers innovative approaches to neurodiversity and inclusion across education and employment.
Why Work With Me?
With over two decades of experience as an educator, researcher, and consultant, I provide practical, research-backed strategies to help educators and organisations overcome challenges and achieve meaningful change.
Let’s work together to create lasting impact.
Get in touch to explore training, consultancy, or tailored resources to support your goals.
Have a wonderful term, Sarah :)
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