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Every child learns differently. We're here to help yours thrive.
ABOUT ME
Melanie Smith
Hi, I'm Melanie.
I've been a teacher for over 30 years, a SENCo, and since 2012 I've specialised in dyslexia — supporting children, families and schools to understand how a child learns and get the right help in place.
My journey into this work is personal. My own son was diagnosed with dyslexia after his GCSEs, and around the same time, during my specialist training, I discovered I was dyslexic too. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of what it feels like from the inside — and they shaped the way I work with every child and family I support.
I believe that great specialist teaching is about more than strategies and skills. It's about building confidence, developing resilience, and helping children see themselves differently — as capable, creative learners who can absolutely achieve their goals.
My qualifications
I hold a postgraduate diploma in dyslexia, a postgraduate certificate in dyscalculia, and a Masters in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). My Masters research focused on short-term memory — one of the key challenges for many dyslexic learners — and how strengthening memory skills leads to lasting progress.
I am a member of PATOSS (the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties), and I use the latest assessment materials, working to the new SASC 2024 definition of dyslexia. You can be confident that everything I do is fully up to date.
Outside of work
When I'm not working, you'll find me doing pilates or yoga, out horse-riding, or — when the wind is right — kite surfing. I like a challenge, which probably says a lot about why I love this work.
