About D&D Focus
From My Story to Yours
I know what it’s like to feel stuck - to wish I’d noticed the signs earlier and done more to help.
When my son was diagnosed with dyslexia after his GCSEs, everything changed. Around the same time, I discovered I was dyslexic too. And suddenly… it all made sense.
As a teacher with over 30 years’ experience - and now a dyslexia and dyscalculia specialist - I’ve supported hundreds of families just like yours.
Because it’s not just about strategies. It’s about helping children believe in themselves, build resilience, and know they can thrive - exactly as they are.
Imagine This ...
- Watch your child walk into school feeling calm, confident, and ready to learn - instead of anxious or defeated.
- Hear them say, “I can do this,” and truly believe it - even when things feel hard.
- Replace meltdowns and homework battles with peaceful routines and real progress.
- Feel empowered knowing exactly how to support your child - no more guessing, Googling, or second-guessing yourself.
- Celebrate growth not just in reading or spelling, but in your child’s mindset, resilience, and self-belief.
- Enjoy a stronger, more connected relationship with your child - one built on trust, understanding, and teamwork.
- Know that your child feels seen, supported, and proud of who they are - neurodiversity and all.
Rise & Shine!
That’s why I created Rise & Shine - a step-by-step mentoring programme designed to help your dyslexic or neurodiverse child build confidence, emotional resilience, and the mindset they need to thrive - both in and out of the classroom.
No confusing strategies. No pressure to "fit the mold." Just proven, practical tools delivered in a supportive space - for parents who want to guide their child with clarity, calm, and connection.
Because when your child believes in themselves, everything starts to change.
Rise & Shine: The Empowered Child Programme
Personalised Learning Plan
Personalised Learning Plan
Personalised Learning Plan
Our comprehensive assessment process provides a detailed picture of your child’s:
- cognitive abilities
- academic skills
- confidence
- mindset
With these insights, we create a Personalised Learning Plan tailored to their specific needs. The plan is used for support at school, with a tutor and/or at home.
By addressing both the cognitive and emotional aspects of learning, the plan empowers children to recognise their strengths, overcome challenges, and approach learning with resilience.
With the right strategies in place, children gain the tools they need to feel capable, motivated, and in control of their learning journey.
Expert Support
Personalised Learning Plan
Personalised Learning Plan
Melanie is passionate about helping children with learning differences unlock their full potential.
With decades of experience in education, diagnostic and teaching, she specialises in identifying each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Her goal is to provide clear guidance, practical strategies, and ongoing support - empowering families to make real progress.
Navigating learning difficulties can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to do it alone. Whether working with parents, schools, or tutors, Melanie takes a collaborative and compassionate approach to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Family Balance
Personalised Learning Plan
Monthly Support Calls
The Family Balance Session with a Personalised Home Plan is designed to give parents the tools, strategies, and confidence to create a calm, structured, and supportive home learning environment with personalised strategies that work for your child.
Together, we’ll develop a customised plan that includes:
- Daily routines tailored to your child’s learning style
- Practical home learning techniques that reduce stress and boost progress
- Simple accommodations to support focus, independence, and emotional wellbeing
- Parenting strategies to strengthen connection and build resilience
Your family will feel more balanced, more empowered, and more supported - every single day.
Monthly Support Calls
Monthly Support Calls
Monthly Support Calls
Monthly support calls provide ongoing support, guidance, and problem-solving to ensure continuous progress.
These sessions offer a dedicated space to address challenges, refine strategies, and celebrate successes. They are tailored to individual needs through 1:1 calls and provide a sense of community and shared learning through group calls.
Mini-workshops
Monthly Support Calls
Toolkits & Support
These online mini-workshops are designed to give you the tools, confidence, and clarity to better support your child with learning differences - starting with one of the most important skills of all: how to advocate for your child.
Each workshop offers practical strategies, expert insights, and step-by-step guidance you can start using right away - no overwhelm, no jargon, just real help that makes a difference.
Toolkits & Support
Monthly Support Calls
Toolkits & Support
Carefully designed toolkits are filled with resources created specifically for children with learning differences. These practical tools help reinforce key skills, boost your child’s confidence, and make learning more accessible - both at home and in school.
You can also have access to email support, so you’re never left feeling unsure or alone. Whenever you need expert advice or a little extra guidance, we’re just a message away.
Ready to Rise - Don't Wait!
Limited spaces available for families ready to thrive.
“Is this programme only for children with a diagnosis like dyslexia or ADHD?”
Not at all! Whether your child has a diagnosis, is waiting for one, or simply learns differently, Rise & Shine is designed to meet them exactly where they are - no labels required.
“My child’s confidence is really low. Will this actually help?”
Absolutely. In fact, rebuilding confidence is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on small, achievable wins that create real momentum - the kind your child feels every day.
“What if my child refuses to participate?”
You're not alone - and it's okay! This programme is designed with gentle strategies to meet resistance with compassion. You'll learn ways to invite participation without pressure or overwhelm.
“We’re already so busy. Will we actually have time for this?”
I hear you - that's exactly why Rise & Shine is built for real family life. The strategies are simple, flexible, and designed to slip into your daily rhythms, not add more to your plate.
“Do I need special skills to support my child through this?”
Nope! You already have what it takes - you just need the right tools and a little guidance. I’ll show you exactly how to support your child in ways that feel natural and doable.
“How do I know if this is really the right fit for us?”
If you’re looking for a nurturing, strengths-based approach that honours your child’s unique way of learning - and you’re ready to walk alongside them with new tools and confidence - Rise & Shine was made for you.