PATOSS Professional Member
I've spent more than 25 years working with children, young people and adults, across mainstream and specialist education in Nottinghamshire. For the past 10 years, I've specialised in assessment, working with over a thousand children, university students and adults to better understand their individual learning profiles.
After completing my degree, I continued my studies in psychology and joined the British Psychological Society (BPS). I later completed postgraduate specialist training in Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) and became a registered assessor with PATOSS.
Along the way, I've spent many years working as a SENDCO, so I understand assessment from both sides. I know the pressures schools face, the support that is realistically available and, importantly, how assessment findings can be turned into practical strategies rather than simply sitting in a report.
My interest in the relationship between learning and emotional wellbeing led me to complete an Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I also worked for NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), providing mental health advice, consultation and training to schools and other professionals, including nurses and GPs.
That experience continues to influence the way I approach assessment. Difficulties with learning don't always sit neatly in one box. Attention, anxiety, confidence, memory, coordination, previous experiences of education and emotional wellbeing can all be part of the picture.
SpLDs genuinely fascinate me because no two people are the same, so no two assessments are quite the same either.
We're also learning more about neurodevelopment and learning differences all the time. I continue to train, read and research so that my practice develops alongside that understanding.
Current Professional Registration and Memberships:
Current Assessment Practice certificate (APC) and full Associate Membership with The Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Relevant Qualifications:
2017 - Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies
2012 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education of Pupils with SpLDs
2008 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education of Pupils with SLD / PMLD
2007 - Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology
2002 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education (QTS)
1. Comprehensive Assessment: I use a wide range of tools and approaches to identify strengths and challenges accurately. This will include pivoting to explore alternate possibilites when dyslexia (for example) is not identified. This will reduce the need for repeated referrals and assessments.
2. Holistic Approach: I consider educational and mental health needs, understanding that SpLDs often coincide with other SpLDs or conditions like anxiety, depression, or Speech Language and Communication Needs and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This allows clearer identification and more refined support.
3. Expertise and Experience: With a (long) background in psychology, teaching, special needs education and mental health , I can offer a very broad assesssment and wide ranging, effective guidance / interventions. I have extensive experience of all of the learning difficulties described and many more, as I now approach my 25th year in this field.
