Hi, I’m Laura, and welcome to Positive Strides! Based in Stoke-On-Trent, I provide support within a 20-mile radius, working with individuals, schools, and families to help everyone thrive.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our lovely dog Milo. I love catching up with friends and family, diving into a good book or Netflix series, experimenting in the kitchen, and treating myself to delicious meals (and yes, cake is a personal favourite!).

 

Professional Journey

I began my career in 2010 after earning an English and Psychology degree, working as an Academic Support Worker at a local university. This role gave me the privilege of mentoring students with dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, self-esteem challenges, and mobility difficulties.

 

From there, I transitioned into primary education, dedicating a decade to helping children overcome learning barriers and boost their self-esteem. My passion for promoting dyslexia awareness and supporting individuals with specific learning differences led me to enrol at Edge Hill University in 2016. I completed the Level 7 programme, qualifying as a Dyslexia Specialist Teacher and Assessor.

 

Since then, I have worked extensively across different settings, supporting individuals of all ages, including:

 

• Primary and secondary schools: Providing multisensory tuition and delivering staff training on dyslexia awareness, strategies, and interventions.

• Colleges: Conducting Exam Access Arrangement Assessments (Form 8), screening for specific learning difficulties, delivering full diagnostic assessments, and offering study skills support.

• My local Dyslexia Association: Carrying out full diagnostic assessments for individuals of all ages, including workplace needs assessments and reports for DSA or PIP applications.

 

In addition, I work as an educational consultant, supporting schools in achieving Dyslexia Friendly Marks and raising awareness of SpLDs (Specific Learning Difficulties) through training sessions for educators and workplaces.

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Summary of Services

 

• Full diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and dyscalculia, including workplace needs assessments and reports for DSA or PIP applications.

• Multisensory tuition for SpLDs (Specific Learning Difficulties).

• Exam Access Arrangement Assessments (Form 8).

• Study skills support for college students.

• Training for schools, colleges, and workplaces to increase understanding of learning differences.

• Guidance on achieving Dyslexia Friendly Marks in schools.

 

Continued Development and Professional Memberships

I am committed to providing the best support possible by pursuing ongoing professional development. Some of my recent training includes:

 

• Recognising ADHD in Adolescents and Adults

• Dyspraxia (DCD) in Pre- and Post-16 Years

• Assessing Learners with EAL or Complex Linguistic Backgrounds

• Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

 

I hold the following professional memberships and certifications:

 

• Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA Dyscalculia)

• Membership of PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with SpLDs)

• Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC) for diagnosing dyslexia and dyscalculia

• DBS Certification and training in Safeguarding and PREVENT

• Professional Indemnity Insurance

• ICO Membership (compliance with GDPR)

 

Whether you need a full diagnostic assessment, 1-to-1 tuition, or training to foster a more inclusive environment, I’m here to help you or your organisation take Positive Strides forward.

 

Feel free to reach out—I look forward to supporting you!

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