Helping dyslexic thinkers discover their incredible
Think Differently,
Teach Differently.
If your child struggles with reading, spelling, writing, and finds it hard to stay organised and keep up at school, I can help. Every child has their own unique way of learning. By understanding how they learn best and building on their strengths, I design 1:1 lessons tailored to them using multisensory approaches and strategies that reflect how they think.
My aim is to make learning feel enjoyable and achievable, while helping children build the confidence to recognise what they can do.
I offer diagnostic assessments and specialist tuition, delivered with warmth and expertise, either face-to-face or online.
Meet Mary-Ann
Hi! I'm a specialist teacher and diagnostic assessor based in Reading.
My dyslexia assessments are evidence-based and follow SASC guidelines, with clear, practical reports that give families a better understanding of their child’s individual profile, along with helpful guidance for home and school. Where appropriate, reports can also be used as evidence for Disabled Students’ Allowance.
For those I tutor, I create personalised lessons that build on each learner’s strengths and interests. I use fun, creative and multisensory activities to make learning engaging, achievable and memorable. I want children to feel successful and leave each lesson thinking, “I can do this.”
Whether I’m assessing or teaching, my aim is to help every learner understand themselves a little better, grow in confidence and reach their potential.
My Qualifications and Experience
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BA Hons in Modern Languages with Philosophy (Bristol)
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Level 7 Diploma in Assessing and Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/SpLD, (Helen Arkell)
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Level 5 Diploma in Assessing and Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/SpLD, (Helen Arkell)
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PATOSS membership
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APC
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Enhanced DBS
I've taught at primary and secondary level and am currently a specialist teacher at
a leading prep school. Previously, I was a creative in advertising, which has helped shape how I design my lessons, ensuring they're fun and memorable.
How the assessments works
Each assessment follows a well-defined, step-by-step process aimed
at understanding an individual's learning style, strengths, and areas needing support.
The investigation
Once your assessment date is confirmed, I'll send questionnaires for you and your child's school to complete. We can liaise directly with the school to gather educational information. A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.
The Report
After I receive the final 50% deposit, I’ll send out your detailed report with personalised recommendations within three weeks. Once you’ve read through it, we can arrange a call to go through the results and answer any questions.
The Assessment
Our diagnostic assessments look beyond reading and spelling to understand how your child learns. Using a variety of age-appropriate activities we build a clear picture of their strengths and any areas where additional support may help. Assessments typically last 3–3½ hours and can be arranged over one or two sessions. Assessments can be at your child's school, in your home, or at my home study.
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The Lessons
Using your child's personalised learning plan, every session is carefully tailored to their strengths, interests and goals.
Lessons are multisensory and engaging. They're packed with games and activities designed to develop literacy skills, confidence, independence and metacognitive strategies.
After every session, you'll receive a short update so you always know what we've been working on and how your child is progressing.
The Intro
Every child learns differently, so my first step is getting to know yours.
Through fun activities, games and conversation, I'll discover how your child learns best, what motivates them and where they need support.
If they've already had a diagnostic assessment, I'll use this to guide their tuition. If not, I'll carry out a simple Learning Profile during the first few sessions to build a personalised learning plan that's tailored to their individual needs.
It's all about creating a relaxed, positive environment where confidence can grow from day one.
The Review
Learning isn't a race, and every child progresses differently.
After 20 sessions, I'll review your child's progress, celebrate what's been achieved and identify the next steps.
I'll update their learning plan and set new goals where needed. This keeps tuition purposeful, motivating and enjoyable, always building on their success.
How Tuition Works
Specialist tuition is personalised and multisensory, designed to help learners develop effective strategies and build confidence.
