Preparing for Secondary - How to support your child with dyslexia through transition

Anita Janjua and Alix Mumford are co-directors of Access to Literacy. They are Lambeth-based specialist teachers and assessors with over 15 years of experience, as well as over 25 years of experience as class teachers. They have worked for both Wandsworth and Lewisham local authorities. Their Access to Literacy team now work in over 15 Lambeth schools (both primary and secondary), and are passionate about teaching pupils with dyslexia, as well as supporting parents & teachers through a wide range of training.

Understanding the process of getting a dyslexia assessment for my child and what this entails

Anne has worked in education for nearly 30 years as a Teacher, SENDCo and LEA advisor. She now works independently as a Dyslexia Specialist and consultant, speaking at several conferences across the country. She currently works with several schools in Southeast London providing staff training, parent talks and Dyslexia assessments. She carries out private Dyslexia assessments in her own home and is currently training to be a Dyscalculia Specialist.

Struggling with Homework? Using technology to help with learning at home

Carol Allen is an education advisor for ICT and Inclusion currently supporting Alton District, Illinois and previously LGFL (London Grid for Learning), Hartlepool LA and North Tyneside LA. Recognising, as an English specialist, that communication lies at the heart of all effective teaching, the majority of her work has centred on creative and engaging use of technology to support communication in its widest sense. She focuses on easy to replicate practice which is fun, achievable and creates communication enhancement opportunities.

Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and co-occurrence with dyslexia

Jennifer trained as an SLT in 2003 and has since worked within the NHS, charity and independent sectors. She currently runs London Communication Clinic and also works as part of a multidisciplinary team in neurodevelopmental assessment.

She is the author of Early Sociocognitive Battery, a resource book for educators and parents of children with Autism Spectrum Condition. She volunteers for the Le Jeune Charity for children with Down Syndrome, and as Clinical Tutor at Anna Freud Centre.

Parenting Successful Dyslexic Learners

Jo Rees is a qualified teacher, SENCO and specialist Dyslexia teacher and assessor with 25 years of experience working in education. Diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult and parent of three children with dyslexia, Jo is passionate about raising awareness of Dyslexia and its real impact. She is an active advocate, speaker, and mentor, supporting people to recognise and manage dyslexia positively in a variety of ways. Jo is the author of two books about Dyslexia and is currently writing her third. She hosts her own podcast and is a well-known dyslexia social media content creator.

Access Arrangements for Exams for Secondary School

Leda is a SEN Advisor, Access Arrangement Assessor, and SpLD Specialist Teacher. She is an experienced trainer and project manager in the area of disability, community, basic and vocational education, who supports teaching and learning across schools and colleges.

Morph Mastery: Exploring spelling meaningfully

Louise Selby is a freelance specialist teacher, assessor, trainer, consultant and author of “Morph Mastery”. She has worked in a number of SEND settings, most recently for 11 years in the advisory service for Specific Learning Difficulties at Hertfordshire Local Authority.

Louise’s passion is in enabling, equipping and empowering staff in schools at grass roots level to meet learners’ needs.

Brilliantly Dyslexic: Building confidence, breaking barriers

Marcia Brissett-Bailey is a leading advocate for dyslexia and an award-winning author. Recognised as one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in the UK, an Alumni Game Changer, Diversity Award winner, and Rising Stars 100 honouree, Marcia empowers neurodivergent individuals to embrace their strengths.

Passionate about helping other dyslexic individuals find their voice, she champions assistive technology to increase access in education and the workplace. Through speaking, coaching, and advocacy, Marcia inspires confidence, resilience, and authentic success.

Dyscalculia and Maths Difficulties

Rob is the co-founder of The Dyscalculia Network, a platform that provides training and advice for teachers and parents of pupils who have maths difficulties.

Rob has over 15 years of experience teaching, where he was Head of Maths at Emerson House and Head of Learning Support at Westminster Abbey Choir School. He is a qualified Educational Assessor (including Access Arrangements CPT3A), and holds an OCR Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Understanding and Supporting Spelling Difficulties

Sarah Styles is a highly experienced educator with a passion for helping pupils develop their literacy skills and self-confidence as learners. She has worked extensively in both primary and secondary sectors. 

Initially training as a primary school teacher, a particular interest in supporting pupils with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties led to her MA in Specific Learning Difficulties, with her final thesis focused on spelling difficulties. Sarah has worked for the Wandsworth Literacy and Numeracy Support Service for 12 years, most recently as manager.

Neurodiversity and Learning

Susana is a Neurodiversity specialist teacher and founder of ND Bright Brains Ltd with 18 years of experience as a Chemistry teacher. Since 2020, she has specialised in Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, OCD, Dyspraxia, and Giftedness, holding roles such as Head of Chemistry, Head of Year 12, and SEN Teacher. Susana has trained over 900 teachers, and delivers courses to teens and parents.

Beyond the School Gates: Dyslexia in teenagers and adulthood

Toni is a distinguished figure in neurodiversity, diagnosed with dyslexia at 17 and autism at 40. In 2022, she launched “Think Differently With Us,” offering CPD-certified training programs. These programs enhance workplace inclusivity and provide essential support for parents. Her work leverages personal and professional insights to empower neurodiverse talents. Toni holds a PGCert in Psychology of Kindness and Well-being in the Workplace and a Level 4 certification in SpLD, combining expertise and empathy to champion inclusive environments.

Understanding Minds, Changing Futures

Victoria Bagnall is a neurodivergent educator, speaker, and author dedicated to creating more inclusive systems for neurodiverse children and young people. A Cambridge graduate and co-founder of Connections in Mind, she specialises in executive function and neuroinclusive practice, working with schools, families, and public sector organisations across the UK and beyond. Victoria translates complex neuroscience into practical strategies that empower parents and educators to support every child’s learning journey.