About Sarah

A little about me

I've spent around 25 years assessing but I'm definitely not someone who believes an assessment should feel cold or clinical. My approach is thorough and professional but also relaxed, friendly and very human.

I originally trained as a teacher and have worked across further, higher and adult education as well as tutoring children and training other educators. I later specialised in dyslexia assessment and support, developing further expertise in assessing children and young people and then delving into maths and dyscalculia.

One of the most important parts of my work is looking beyond the obvious. Someone may come to me wondering about dyslexia or dyscalculia but I always consider the wider picture and whether something else - such as ADHD, autism, language difficulties or dyspraxia - may also be worth exploring.

I'm very open about my findings and regularly provide referral letters or signpost clients to other professionals where this could be helpful. Over the years, I've worked with thousands of children and adults, including people with autism, ADHD and anxiety, and carried out assessments for organisations including social services and the emergency services.

My work is increasingly international too. I regularly assess people aged 11+ who live overseas, either online or when they travel to the UK, and I'm always happy to develop links with schools (including British international schools) and other organisations around the world.

Away from assessments...

When I'm not working, I'm usually watching sport (especially darts and Liverpool FC), playing jazz piano, travelling or listening to an extremely varied collection of music - anything from Anna Lapwood to YungBlud. I'm also a regular host on the body-doubling website Flow.Club and a member of Rebel Badge Club which even has a summer camp for adults!

• 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

• OCN Level 4 Workplace Assessor Programme to conduct workplace needs assessments and consider reasonable adjustments

• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education (Open University)

• Current Patoss SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC holder)

• Certificate of Education (initial teaching qualification)

• QTLS (Qualified Teaching and Learning Status)  

• Level 3 Certificate in Neurodivergent Strategy Coaching (Workplace)

• Universal Coaching Alliance Certificate in ADHD Coaching

• Association for Coaching Award in ADHD Coaching

• Level 3 Counselling Skills       

• Various CACHE level 2 qualifications such as Understanding Autism and Understanding Behaviour That Challenges

• Fellow of the Dyslexia Guild

• Fellow of the Society for Education and Training

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

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

• British Dyslexia Association Approved Workplace Needs Assessor (AWNA)

• Professional Patoss Member

• Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialists in Higher Education

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

• Student Member of the Universal Coaching Alliance

• Department for Education teacher reference number: 9904685

• I hold a clean enhanced DBS record (on the DBS update service)

• I hold professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance

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

• I regularly attend training/webinars, especially with Praxis Pro

• I engage almost daily with other professionals from around the country through closed Facebook groups