About Sarah 

Background and experience

I qualified as a teacher in 1999 and my class teaching experience spans further, higher and adult education as well as delivering initial teacher training and INSET sessions, and tutoring children. For more than 20 years, I've specialised in dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Although my initial post-graduate qualification focused on assessing those aged 16+, I then did further studying and mentoring to provide specialist dyslexia tutoring and assessments for children and young people..

Having worked with thousands of children and adults over the years, I bring a wealth of experience to the full diagnostic assessment which is conducted in a professional but very chilled and friendly manner. I've extensive experience of assessing people with additional needs such as those with autism, ADHD and mental health conditions including anxiety, and I've completed assessments for social services and the emergency services. I'm an international dyslexia assessor as I regularly assess people aged 11+ living abroad and I've had clients fly to the UK specifically to see me. I'm always open to forging new links with schools and organisations including those abroad and I can offer assessments that are during daytime hours whatever your time zone. Please see HERE for lots of testimonials from past clients.

As well as being mum to two adult children, I spend my spare time watching all types of sport (especially darts and Liverpool FC which I've supported for more than 40 years), travelling, running my own bucket list website that sets out to inspire others and regularly volunteering at a youth group for young people in school years 6-8. I'm also a very active member of the Rebel Badge Club that has countless merit badges which adults throughout the world have fun working towards!

Relevant qualifications

  • MA Lifelong Learning (University of Sussex)

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Dyslexia Diagnosis and Support (London South Bank University)

  • Dyslexia Alternative Pathway CPD (Edge Hill University) for teaching and assessing children and young people

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education 

  • Current Patoss SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC holder)

  • Certificate of Education (teaching qualification)

  • QTLS (Qualified Teaching and Learning Status)  

  • Level 3 Counselling Skills       

  • Various CACHE level 2 certificates including Understanding Autism and Understanding Behaviour that Challenges.           

I completed training in adult ADHD at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience in London with UKAAN. 

Professional memberships

  • Fellow of the Society for Education and Training

  • Fellow of the Dyslexia Guild

  • Professional Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA - up to 18)

  • Professional Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA FE-HE)

  • Professional Patoss Member

  • Member of the National Association of Professionals Concerned with Language Impaired Children                           

Other relevant information

  • I hold a clean enhanced DBS record (last carried out in 2024)

  • I hold professional indemnity insurance

  • I'm registered with the Information Commissioner's Office

  • I regularly attend face-to-face and online training, take part in webinars and engage almost daily with other professionals from around the country through closed Facebook groups