Having worked in education as a primary school teacher for almost 20 years and a SENDCo for 12 years, one of the most common questions a parent asks is if their child might be dyslexic. As a teacher, it can be very frustrating when you can’t provide a definitive answer. This frustration and drive to support the education and development of children is what led me to start exploring this area of need.

Initially, I studied to become a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) and this gave me a much broader experience and knowledge to be able to support and guide both young people and their families but not the more specific knowledge that I needed to understand and support dyslexic learners. Several years later, I embarked on the Level 5 dyslexia course that developed my knowledge about how to teach and support dyslexic learners. Then I continued my career as both a teacher and dyslexia tutor.

More recently, I returned to study the Level 7 dyslexia assessor course, which now enables me to assess and provide guidance for young people and their families – ultimately giving parents the answer and advice that will help them to understand their child needs and how to help them.

I continue to work in education as a deputy, teacher and SENDCo and now as a dyslexia assessor for Dyslexia Herts. I have been privileged to work across 3 local authorities, in different areas and have worked with some very talented professionals that include Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists.

I thoroughly enjoy my role as an assessor as it gives me the chance to have an in-depth understanding of children’s profiles and provide some specific advice and guidance to both parents and children.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my dog and husband and experiencing the wonderful food and culture that this country has to offer.