^{Colette Duggan - Strategic Lead}

I am thoroughly excited to continue to drive the fantastic work of the English Hub and build on the successes of the past seven years. It is a privilege to work with professionals from such a variety of settings and witness the growth and development of the schools we work with. 

My own background as a secondary English teacher demonstrates my huge passion for empowering all students with the vital life skills of reading, speaking and writing, and ensuring the door is open for them to access the wonderful world of literature. Over my 16 years in education, I have worked in several settings across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, holding a variety of roles including Head of English, Lead Practitioner and, most recently, Assistant Headteacher. In each of these roles, I have embraced the opportunity to support colleagues to fulfil their professional potential at each stage of their career and to equip young people with a life-long love of reading.

^{Sophie Hirst - Hub Lead}

I am primary-trained, with a strong foundation in literacy development and a passion for improving outcomes for all learners. My most recent experience includes working for L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub as Teaching and Learning Lead, where I supported schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across a range of settings—including Primary, SEND, Alternative Provision, and Secondary—in the effective teaching of reading and writing.

As part of this role, I led a team of writing specialists, supporting schools across Lincolnshire and beyond, providing targeted, high-impact support in the form of audits and professional development. In addition, I have served as a local authority writing moderator for seven years, offering quality assurance and expert guidance in writing assessment at the end of Key Stage 2. I am thrilled to continue to develop these professional relationships within the role of English Hub lead.

I have also had the privilege to lead ECF at L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub, evidencing my passion to support teachers at every stage of their career to develop their practice to improve outcomes.  

Combined with a real love of literature and an understanding of the importance of quality and engaging texts, I look forward to working with schools to develop and promote a love of reading and support the provision of excellent phonics and early language teaching.

^{Ria Lane - Deputy Lead}

I’m really looking forward to joining the English Hub team and working alongside colleagues to support schools to strengthen reading provision and improve outcomes for children. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to build on the excellent work already taking place across the Hub and to work with schools across all phases. 

I have a particular interest in reading, with a focus on KS2 and KS3, alongside my wider strategic and quality assurance responsibilities. I enjoy working alongside school leaders and teachers to explore what makes the greatest difference for children and to support schools in developing approaches that are evidence-informed, sustainable and embedded across the school. 

My experience includes leading English and assessment projects for local authorities, facilitating the NPQLL and NPQSL and leading wider teams of reading and assessment specialists, supporting schools across the county. I’m passionate about developing the knowledge and confidence of teachers and leaders and supporting schools to make meaningful, sustained improvements in English. 

^{Lisa Cassidy - Strategic Development Partner} 

My name is Lisa Cassidy, and I am proud to be part of the Early Literacy and Language team this year. I have been working with Witham St Hughs English Hub since it started back in 2018. I am proud to have worked as Strategic Lead between 2018 and 2024. During 2025-26 I worked with the KS3 English Hub team as we began our journey supporting the development of reading in secondary schools and thoroughly enjoyed working as a literacy specialist within Key Stage 3 settings. This work led to my role as Strategic Development Partner, a role that is exciting and extremely rewarding, enabling me to work within a range of different schools, across all phases. I also lead on the Reading Ambition for All (RAFA) programme. I am a member of the Reading Ambition for All working party that focuses on ensuring the RAFA programme continues to develop in response to the latest research, training and government policy.

^{Carrieanne Nicolson - English Hub Administrator}

Hello, I am Carrieanne Nicolson, and I am the English Hub Co-ordinator. I have worked with the English Hub since the beginning of the programme in 2019. I am privileged to be part of such a fantastic School Improvement programme and thoroughly enjoy supporting our Partner Schools and Medium Level Schools to access a wide range of training opportunities to develop their Early Reading (phonics), Early Language and Reading for Pleasure provision within their schools. Prior to this role, I worked as an administrator at Witham St Hughs Academy and loved nothing more than being part of a school environment and seeing children thrive and achieve.  

^{Jody Robertson - English Hub Administrator}

Hello, I am Jody Robertson, and I am the Witham St Hughs English Hub Accelerator Funding Administrator. I have 6 years' experience as a Teaching Assistant within both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. 

As a Teaching Assistant, I have been proud to be part of children’s reading journeys as they learn to read. The most rewarding aspect is to hear them develop into confident, fluent readers. It is a privilege to witness the spark in children’s eyes as their love for reading blossoms. 

^{Imogen Woodhouse - Apprentice Administrator} 

Hello, I am Imogen Woodhouse, and I am an Apprentice Administrator at Witham St Hughs English Hub. I am excited to be part of the team and look forward to developing my skills and knowledge throughout my apprenticeship. I am pleased to be part of a programme that supports schools in developing their early reading provision, helping children grow in confidence and build the foundations they need to succeed in their education. 

^{Lucy Isherwood - Apprentice Administrator} 

Hello, I am Lucy Isherwood, and I’m an Apprentice Administrator working as part of the Witham St Hughs English Hub administration team.  

I’m really excited to be part of the team and to contribute to the fantastic work the English Hub does in supporting schools across the area. I’m looking forward to developing my skills, gaining valuable experience, and learning more about the important work that goes into supporting teachers and improving children’s literacy. 

Literacy Specialist Team 

^{Brittany Wright - KS3}  

I am continually inspired by the power of reading: not only as a source of pleasure, but as a means of opening up the curriculum, widening opportunities and addressing educational disadvantage. 

I am Trust CPD Lead for L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, working across 27 primary and secondary academies. I bring previous experience from across primary, secondary and specialist SEMH settings in London and the East Midlands. As well as experience of developing school and trust strategies for supporting struggling readers, I served on the DfE’s Secondary Reading Expert Advisory Group from 2025-26. 

My approach draws on research, classroom, and leadership experience. I am a former Head of English and have worked as an AQA examiner and senior adviser. I hold a PhD in Education from the University of Nottingham, with research interests in educational disadvantage, social mobility and working-class experiences of education, and am co-author of Engaging, Motivating and Empowering Learners in Schools (SAGE), as well as the upcoming Navigating Disadvantage in Schools (Routledge). 

I am particularly interested in helping schools translate evidence about reading into practical, sustainable approaches that improve outcomes, particularly for pupils experiencing disadvantage. 

^{Claire Savage - KS1}

My name is Claire Savage, and I am a Literacy Specialist for the wonderful Witham St Hughs English Hub Team. I have been teaching for 20 years, and I am Head of School at Branston Church of England Infant Academy. My role includes English and Phonics Lead in FS and KS1.   

I am incredibly passionate about ensuring that all children become fluent, confident readers so that they can access all areas of the curriculum and flourish in every aspect of their learning. I believe that reading should be at the heart of every school and every curriculum so that children can develop a genuine love of reading which will last a lifetime. 

^{Debbie McKay - KS1 & KS2}

Hello, my name is Debbie, and I'm extremely proud to be a Witham St Hugh's Literacy Specialist. 

I started teaching in 1992, and during that time I have been lucky enough to experience teaching in every year group from Nursery through to Year 6.  

Leadership roles during my career have included EYFS Lead, Phonics Lead, English Lead, Teaching and Learning Lead and Deputy Headteacher. 

Having worked in a school with extremely high levels of deprivation, SEND and mobility, it was so important to ensure that our whole team remained relentlessly determined that ALL children would learn to read (and choose to read) despite any barriers they faced. 

I'm incredibly privileged to now have the opportunity to support schools in making a difference to the lives of their pupils. 

Finally, I'm committed to and passionate about developing the confidence, knowledge and skills of every Reading Leader I work with; helping them to build their team of expert reading teachers. 

^{Emma Bradley - KS2}

My name is Emma Bradley, and I am the Deputy Headteacher at St Peter at Gowts CE Primary School. As an experienced primary teacher and English Lead, I have dedicated much of my career to teaching in Upper Key Stage 2, having taught Year 6 for many years. 

I am passionate about supporting children to become confident, enthusiastic readers through high-quality teaching of reading, promoting reading for pleasure, and ensuring that children can use reading as a gateway to learning across the curriculum. I have a particular interest in reading fluency and vocabulary and the important role that accurate, automatic and prosodic reading plays in developing comprehension, confidence and independence. 

I firmly believe that strong reading foundations unlock doors to achievement, curiosity and lifelong learning. I enjoy working with schools to develop effective reading provision and foster a culture where every child can become a fluent, confident and enthusiastic reader. 

^{Francesca Senescall - KS1}  

Hello, my name is Francesca Senescall, and I am the phonics and reading lead at Benjamin Adlard Primary School in Gainsborough. I have over 20 years of experience in primary education, with a passion for supporting children to develop a love of reading, writing and language. Throughout my career, I have relentlessly championed every child’s right to become a confident and successful reader, believing that learning to read can open the door to a lifetime of opportunity, imagination and success. 

I truly believe that every child can learn to read, and I am passionate about finding the right approaches and support to help each child succeed. I love sharing the joy of books and reading with children and believe that becoming a confident reader can open a whole world of possibilities.  My aim is to inspire teachers with the same drive and determination that I have always had for helping children learn to read. I believe that when teachers feel confident, knowledgeable and passionate about the teaching of reading, every child will thrive. 

^{Hannah Younger – Early Years & KS1}

My name is Hannah Younger, and I am the phonics, reading, Reception and Key Stage 1 leader at Witham St Hughs Academy. As a Literacy Specialist with 14 years' teaching experience, I am committed to ensuring that children discover the power and joy of reading. I believe that reading is the foundation of all learning—it opens doors to knowledge, fuels imagination, and builds the confidence children need to navigate the world around them. I am incredibly passionate about early reading and ensuring that every child gets the very best start to their educational journey. Every child deserves to be a reader, and I am proud to work with Witham St Hughs English Hub to make this our shared mission. 

^{Helen Patmore - KS2} 

My name is Helen Patmore, and I am delighted to be part of the Witham St Hughs English Hub team as one of its Literacy Specialists. I have taught in Key Stage 2 for many years and have led English in two schools in Lincolnshire. 

I am passionate about children’s literature and encouraging pupils’ volitional reading. My other main area of interest is reading assessment and how it can be used to understand children as readers and inform effective teaching. 

I believe that developing strong literacy skills alongside a genuine enjoyment of reading is one of the most important roles of a primary school teacher. As part of the English Hub team, I am looking forward to working with schools to share effective approaches to reading instruction and assessment, and to help develop positive, engaging reading cultures where every child can become a confident and enthusiastic reader. 

^{Holly Wright - KS2} 

Hello, my name is Holly Wright. I am thrilled to be joining the English Hub as a Literacy Specialist, supporting schools to develop and strengthen their literacy provision, with a particular focus on Key Stage 2. 

I have been working as a primary school teacher for 7 years, predominantly in KS2. As the English and Reading Lead in my school, I am passionate about helping every child become a confident reader and writer, while supporting teachers to deliver high-quality literacy teaching. Before teaching, I worked in leadership roles within Human Resources in a number of Civil Service departments, partnering with senior leaders to lead organisational change, as well as coaching and mentoring both senior leaders and graduates. I love teaching, and nothing beats those 'buzz' conversations with children about the books they're reading or recommending a story that sparks a lifelong love of reading. 

 ^{Jackie Mawer - KS1} 

My name is Jackie Mawer, and I am proud to be a Literacy Specialist and part of an amazing team of like-minded teachers at Witham St Hughs English Hub. I have taught mainly in Early Years and Key Stage One for over 30 years in several schools across Lincolnshire and have been a Phonics and Reading Leader. I believe that learning to read provides the key to success and no child should ever be left behind, regardless of background or circumstances. I love supporting schools and working alongside passionate and positive staff who are invested in making a difference to our children’s futures. There is still nothing better than hearing a child say, ‘I can read!’ for the first time and believing in themselves as a reader.

^{Katie Coomber - KS1}

My name is Katie Coomber, I am thrilled and deeply privileged to be joining the amazing Witham St Hugh’s English Hub team as a Literacy Specialist. With 15 years of teaching experience, I've had the pleasure of working in Yorkshire, Scotland, and currently at Horncastle Primary in Lincolnshire. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a school team that truly prioritises reading, and I'm eager for the chance to help build other expert teams. My experience as a partner school has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the journey to success. While I've taught across Foundation Stage, KS1, and KS2, Early Years truly holds my passion. I also bring experience as an EYFS Lead, and I am currently our school's Phonics Lead. 

I love my profession and find immense satisfaction in watching children engage with and enjoy reading. My consistent aspiration is for every child to develop a lifelong love of reading by establishing strong phonic knowledge that they can confidently apply across the entire curriculum. I firmly believe that every child can and will become a fluent and competent reader. 

^{Keira Kelleher - KS2}

As a former Assistant Headteacher and Primary English Leader, I bring a deep passion for literacy and years of hands-on classroom leadership to my role. 

In my current role with the Appropriate Body, I support Early Career Teachers across Lincolnshire and beyond. As a facilitator on the Early Career Training Programme, I work directly with ECTs and Mentors to share practical knowledge, facilitate evidence-based learning, and support professional development. Having mentored teachers at various stages of their careers, I am dedicated to building teacher capacity and raising standards across the profession. 

I feel immensely privileged to work alongside the English Hub to champion reading fluency, a vital bridge that transforms children from decoding readers into confident, independent thinkers. I fundamentally believe that reading is the key to unlocking a child’s potential, and I am dedicated to supporting schools to cultivate a rich reading culture that empowers every pupil with the lifelong opportunities that literacy affords. 

^{Kirsty Dawson - Early Years & KS1}

My name is Kirsty Dawson, and I am one of the Literacy Specialists working with the amazing team at the WSH English Hub.  My experience of teaching has been primarily in Early Years and Key Stage 1. However, my leadership roles have included Year 1/2/3/4 phase lead, Early Reading and Phonics Lead and more recently, Assistant Headteacher. I am passionate about ensuring that every child has access to the tools and support needed to become a confident and capable reader.  I believe that reading is not just a skill, but that it’s the foundation for all learning and the gateway to a world of opportunity. I work with schools to create an environment where reading is both accessible and enjoyable. Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading, and my mission is to help make that possible, regardless of starting points.  Through tailored strategies, targeted interventions, and continuous support, I aim to ensure that all children not only learn to read but also develop a love for reading that will serve them throughout their lives.  I am committed to making reading an empowering experience for every child, because I know that literacy is the key to unlocking potential, cultivating curiosity, and creating a brighter future for all. 

^{Kirstyn Moffat - Early Years}

Hello, I’m Kirstyn, an experienced school leader, early years specialist and consultant, with my career rooted in Lincolnshire. I have always been passionate about early language and literacy and the powerful impact these foundations have on children’s learning and future success. 

My career has included headship, local authority advisory work, Early Years Lead Practitioner roles and working as an Ofsted Inspector. I am also an NPQ Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) facilitator, supporting early years leaders to develop their practice and lead meaningful improvement. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside and learned from such a diverse range of children and adults, across a wide variety of settings, schools and backgrounds. Every experience has been incredibly rewarding and has continued to shape my passion for early years. 

I am absolutely delighted to be working with the Witham St Hugh’s English Hub as an Early Years Language and Literacy Specialist. I look forward to working alongside practitioners and teachers, sharing my passion for early language, communication and literacy, and supporting colleagues to give every child the very best start. 

^{Laura Beesley - KS1}

Hello, my name is Laura Beesley, and I am a KS1 teacher and Phonics Lead at Pinchbeck East Church of England Primary Academy. It is my firm belief that all children are capable of learning to read and are entitled to know how to read well. It fills me with excitement knowing the wealth of opportunities reading unlocks for children. Reading is imperative in enabling children to access the curriculum and explore the lives of different characters, naturally leading to the expansion of their own experiences, world and aspirations.  

Over my 10 years of teaching, it has been my passion to support and inspire adults to develop their own skills in the teaching of phonics and recently to support schools in the development of their early reading provision. I feel privileged to work with a wonderful team of Literacy Specialists, who strive for all children to leave primary school with a love of reading, and the essential skills needed to become inspired, curious and life-long readers. 

^{Louise Crowther - Early Years & KS1} 

I am a dedicated primary-trained teacher with experience across all key stages, with a particular focus on EYFS and KS1. Having worked as both an EYFS Lead and Reading Lead in a school serving a community with high levels of deprivation as well as a more affluent village school, I am deeply committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point. 

My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom. As a training consultant, I have supported both primary and secondary schools in developing effective approaches to reading and phonics, helping teachers build confidence and consistency in their practice. 

At the heart of my work is a deep passion for teaching reading and language development. I believe that strong literacy skills opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities, and I am committed to supporting and inspiring both children and school teams to achieve their full potential. 

I am incredibly excited to work collaboratively with the passionate team at Witham St Hughs English Hub, sharing expertise, learning from one another, and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across our schools.   

^{Lynne Rocks - Early Years & KS1} 

My name is Lynne Rocks, and I am part of the fabulous Witham St Hughs English Hub Team.  I have worked in education for 30 years and have extensive experience in teaching EYFS and KS1 children. I have been very lucky to work with a variety of children and adults from a range of settings and backgrounds, all of which have proven very rewarding. My career has been interesting and diverse, with many years working as an A.S.T. followed by S.L.E. work, SCITT mentoring and supporting other teachers and school settings in many varied roles. 

Being part of Witham St Hughs English Hub is special. It is a privilege to be part of a team who work relentlessly to improve the life chances of children in the East Midlands area by ensuring that “every child is a reader.” The evidence is unarguably clear to see!  

^{Lynne Smith - KS1}  

I am the Senior Teacher and Reading, Writing and Phonics Lead at St Nicholas CE Primary Academy in Boston, a vibrant and diverse school community where over 22 languages are spoken. With more than twenty years of experience teaching across the primary age range, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident and fluent reader—no matter when they join our school. 

At St Nicholas, we make a clear promise: from the moment a child arrives, they will begin their journey to reading success. I am passionate about the belief that every child can and will learn to read. Reading is not just a skill—it is the key that unlocks a world of possibilities, knowledge, and lifelong learning. 

I have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact systematic phonics can have on children’s lives. The journey our school has been on, with the support of our own literacy specialist, has been truly transformational. It has inspired me deeply, and I am proud to now be working as a literacy specialist myself. I look forward to supporting other schools on their journey and helping them achieve the same lasting impact for their pupils.

^{Nicki Shore - KS3} 

My name is Nicki Shore, and I am delighted to be working as part of the WSH English Hub. I have a rich background in strategic education leadership across the public and third sectors, including roles as a secondary headteacher and, most recently, Director of Lincolnshire Initial Teacher Training. At heart, I still see myself as an English teacher first and foremost and my career reflects a deep commitment to improving life chances for young people through literacy; especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

For me, reading has never been about a subject on a timetable. It is a lifeline. I have seen first-hand how prose, poetry, and storytelling can give a young person their voice, especially those who have spent too long believing that theirs does not matter. That is why my work has always centred on equity: making sure that every child, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of literacy. 

I have welcomed the move to more evidence-based approaches in schools and have been fortunate enough to take my interests into research, completing my PhD in Educational Research & Development (2024), with a focus on white working-class boys’ relationships with literacy.  

As well as working with the English Hub, I am co-chair of Lincolnshire Boys’ Impact, a trustee of Forward Poetry and an external moderator for ITT providers across the Midlands. 

^{Olivia Grummett - KS1} 

My name is Olivia Grummett, and I am a Phonics Lead with experience teaching across EYFS and Key Stage 1 in schools throughout Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for early reading and supporting children build the strong foundations they need to become confident, successful readers.  

I am incredibly proud to be part of a school that places reading at the heart of its curriculum and culture. Through my experience of working within a partner school, I have gained valuable insight into the strategies, commitment and expertise needed to develop a highly effective reading provision. I am excited to support other schools on their own journey towards excellence in early reading and phonics. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing children grow in confidence as they begin to unlock the skills needed to read independently. I am passionate about ensuring that all children receive high-quality phonics teaching and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and success that reading brings. My aim is to help foster a love of reading that will support children throughout their education and beyond.

^{Sara Thursby - KS2} 

My name is Sara Thursby, and I feel very privileged and excited to be joining the Literacy Specialist team. I am an experienced practitioner with a passion for ensuring that reading is at the heart of the curriculum. I have grown up with a love of books and have always been passionate about igniting and inspiring the pupils I teach to experience that special feeling of being transported to another world through a book. I began my career way back in 1994 and have always been passionate about teaching English. I have a wealth of experience in both key stages but currently teach Year 3. I have recently worked as a Reading Specialist, and I have had the privilege of developing a particular expertise in teaching Fluency. I particularly loved working with schools who were at the beginning of their journey in Fluency. It has been a pleasure to guide and advise, whilst also inspiring teachers to understand the research and have the confidence to try it for themselves.   

I am thoroughly looking forward to my next chapter with The English Hub, and I am committed to ensuring that Fluency is at the heart of any reading curriculum.  

^{Sarah Bagshaw-McCormick - KS3}

I am excited to be a literacy specialist at Witham St Hughs English Hub. I’m a secondary English teacher with 20 years' experience of teaching and leading literacy within and across schools. I’m currently a teacher-educator leading the design of golden thread programs nationally. I also work nationally writing, presenting supporting individuals and organisations to develop their literacy knowledge across domains of reading, writing and oracy.  

I’m excited to work with literacy leaders and schools as a literacy specialist to use what I’ve learnt along the way to support staff and students.  I know the difference that effective approaches can make to children’s learning and lives and am excited to work with colleagues and see these changes in action. 

^{Sarah Newton – Early Years} 

My name is Sarah Newton, and I am genuinely honoured to be an Early Language and Literacy Specialist with the Witham St Hughs English Hub. 

Throughout my career, I have worked across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, but my passion has always been rooted in the Early Years. I firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident speaker and reader, regardless of their starting point. 

In my current roles as EYFS Lead and Phonics and Reading Lead, I champion the development of early communication, language and reading. I am passionate about creating environments where children can thrive, supporting them to find their voice and develop a lifelong love of learning. Seeing the impact that strong early language and literacy provision can have on children's lives continues to inspire and motivate me every day. 

As a partner school of the English Hub, I have experienced first-hand the positive impact of Hub support and understand the journey schools undertake in their pursuit of excellence. Working closely with the Hub has given me valuable insight into the power of evidence-informed practice, high-quality professional development and strong collaborative partnerships in driving sustainable school improvement. 

I am incredibly proud to be part of the English Hub team and excited to work alongside schools to develop high-quality early language and literacy provision, ensuring that every child has the very best start to their educational journey. 

^{Sinead McCann - KS1}  

My name is Sinead McCann, and I am proud to be working as part of the Witham St Hughs English Hub team. I am a Year 1 teacher and Phonics and Reading Lead at Reepham Church of England Primary School. I have always been passionate about Phonics and understanding how children learn to read. I strongly believe in the importance of ensuring that all children can read so that it is not a barrier to their learning and future life experiences. I am excited to work with schools to ensure all children have an excellent start in their reading journey through the provision of high-quality Phonics, whilst promoting a love of reading. 

^{Susanna Craddock - Early Years & KS1} 

I am primary-trained, with a strong foundation in literacy development and a passion for improving outcomes for all learners. My most recent experience includes working for L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub as Teaching and Learning Lead, where I supported schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across a range of settings—including Primary, SEND, Alternative Provision, and Secondary—in the effective teaching of reading and writing. 

As part of this role, I led a team of writing specialists, supporting schools across Lincolnshire and beyond, providing targeted, high-impact support in the form of audits and professional development. In addition, I have served as a local authority writing moderator for seven years, offering quality assurance and expert guidance in writing assessment at the end of Key Stage 2. I am thrilled to continue to develop these professional relationships within the role of English Hub lead. 

I have also had the privilege to lead ECF at L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub, evidencing my passion to support teachers at every stage of their career to develop their practice to improve outcomes.   

Combined with a real love of literature and an understanding of the importance of quality and engaging texts, I look forward to working with schools to develop and promote a love of reading and support the provision of excellent phonics and early language teaching. 

^{Vicky Geldart – Early Years} 

My name is Vicky Geldart, and I am delighted to be joining the team as a Literacy Specialist. 

I have been teaching for 27 years, working in schools across the country, with most of my experience in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I have taught extensively across Nursery, Reception and KS1 and am currently an Assistant Headteacher in a school in Peterborough, with responsibility for EYFS, Year 3, Early Reading and Phonics. 

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working alongside staff and schools to improve outcomes for children. I have experience of mentoring and developing staff, leading teams and supporting schools to make changes that have a lasting impact. I have also worked with schools to implement phonics programmes and supported early years settings to strengthen their provision and develop effective approaches to early literacy. 

I am passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, whatever their starting point, individual needs or circumstances.  I have a strong belief in the importance of Early Years and early literacy and believe that giving children the best possible start can have a significant impact on their future learning, confidence and success. 

I feel very privileged to be joining the English Hub team, and I am looking forward to working with schools across Lincolnshire. I am committed to helping schools develop strong early language, reading and phonics provision, supporting practitioners to build their confidence and expertise and, ultimately, helping children develop the communication, language and literacy skills they need to become confident and successful learners and readers.