Experience and Qualifications
Services are provided by me, Sarah Culliford, a specialist teacher with over 30 years teaching experience.
After completing initial teacher training and gaining qualified teacher status I taught in a UK primary school.
I later gained a post-graduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia). I am qualified to provide specialist tuition for students with specific learning difficulties. I can administer a range of assessments including those to diagnose dyslexia and for Examination Access Arrangements.
I hold an Assessment Practising Certificate (20/APC04122), validated by SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and my name is included in the list of assessors on their website.
In the 1990s I worked with a charity in Nepal. Part of the time I taught in an international school. The pupils were from different countries speaking a variety of first languages. During this time I started to learn to speak, read and write Nepali. This experience gave me fresh insight into the challenges of learning to read and write.
On returning to the UK I taught in several schools. In the last, I was the literacy coordinator and developed the phonics teaching throughout the school. I completed Reading Recovery training and supported pupils struggling with literacy. I also provided interventions for pupils with maths difficulties.
My experience in Nepal was beneficial as I had responsibility for students for whom English was not their first language. I went on to obtain a post-graduate certificate in teaching students with English as an additional language.
In 2014 I started working with the national charity Dyslexia Action providing specialist tuition and assessments. Sadly the charity closed this part of its work at Easter 2017. However, support of children and families affected by dyslexia is continued by ex Dyslexia Action staff like myself working independently, and maintaining a professional network. Tuition, assessments and advice are available through SC Dyslexia.
I have a current DBS certificate. I am a full professional member of the British Dyslexia Association and The Dyslexia Guild. Professional development is ongoing to ensure knowledge and skills are up to date.
My certificates are available on request, for inspection when assessment or tuition is booked.
