Specialist Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Assessments, Tuition and Consultancy
About Me
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
- Anthony J. D'Angelo
My Story
I’m Roanna and I have been working with children for over 25 years. I started off in a sports hall teaching sport to children under the age of 16 and adults with disabilities before becoming a teacher. My younger brother, sadly, had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and he also had specific learning difficulties. Growing up, I would often spend time reading him stories or teaching him new things. Once he reached secondary age, his school could not accommodate his learning needs and so he was home educated by my mother. This was a challenging time for my family as we would have loved to have found a school that could cater for him where he could be with his friends. As a consequence, he became not only my inspiration for becoming a teacher but also my driving force and passion for wanting to learn as much as I can about supporting children with disabilities and learning difficulties. My goal is to make sure that I give every child I teach the best education possible that is inclusive and helps them fulfil their potential.
Training Pathway
I qualified in Middle Years Education with a PGCE from Bath Spa University in 2006 and subsequently gained qualified teacher status (QTS). I have taught in both primary and secondary schools for over eighteen years and I have prepared children for their phonics screener, Key Stage 1 SATS, Key Stage 2 SATS and GCSEs.
Along with teaching, I have been a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) for the last thirteen years after completing my National SENCo qualification. Within this role, I have helped set up a new school, with a base for children with autism, and I am employed as a LA lead teaching advisor for special educational needs across the South West area.
In order to improve my understanding of how learners develop, in 2016, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs at the University of South Wales which focused on specific learning difficulties. In 2022, I studied a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7) to be a dyslexia assessor and specialist teacher at Bath Spa University. After successfully completing this course, I am now AMBDA qualified and I have APC status with the British Dyslexia Association where I am an Associate Member. This means that I have studied an accredited course recognised by SASC. In addition, I am a Professional Member of PATOSS.
In 2024, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in dyscalculia with Edge Hill University which means I am now able to assess dyscalculia and I have achieved AMBDAD status with the British Dyslexia Association. I am affiliated with the Dyscalculia Network.
I provide bespoke support to schools including training, consultancy, diagnostic assessments, specialist tuition and assessments for Exam Access Arrangements so if this is something you would be interested in, then please contact me.
Philosophy
My desire is that every child should know that they matter and that they can achieve anything they set their mind on. Too many times I have seen children feel that because they have a difficulty, they can not achieve anything or have low confidence in their ability. Changing this mindset is one of the joys that I experience in education. I am of the philosophy that, with hard work and perseverance, along with a multi-sensory approach to learning, all students can flourish. My hope is to be able to use my understanding of special needs to help more students and so Flourishing Minds was created!
Personal Interests
Away from education, I love being outdoors. I used to play semi-professional football before I had an injury that stopped me playing. Now, I enjoy hiking up mountains and I compete in dog agility with my two working cocker spaniels - one of whom was selected to be on the GB development team.
Summary of Qualifications
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BSc Hons in Education Studies, Bath Spa University
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MSc in Computer Science, Cardiff University
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Post Graduate Certificate in Middle Years Teaching Computer Science, Bath Spa University
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Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education Needs, University of South Wales
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National Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinator
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National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
Dyslexia And Dyscalculia Qualifications and Accreditations
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Post Graduate Certificate in Specific Leaning Difficulties - Dyscalculia, Edge Hill University
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Post Graduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia, Bath Spa University
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Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
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Enhances DBS clear certificate
Professional Memberships
Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA and APC)
Full Professional Membership of the Professional Association of Teachers of SPLDs (PATOSS)
Full Professional Membership of the Dyscalculia Network