This year is the National Year of Reading.
To help encourage a love of reading, Helen Arkell is pleased to share our top reading tips for the Summer Holidays!
For children with dyslexia, building confidence is just as important as building skills. Whether you’re practising phonics, reading together, exploring graphic novels, listening to audiobooks, or using assistive technology, you’re helping your child develop a positive relationship with reading.
Not every child learns to read in the same way – and that’s okay.
If reading feels hard, try a different approach. Audiobooks, graphic novels, or reading together all count as reading and can help build confidence.
Remember…
Children who struggle with reading often work much harder than we realise.
Reading can be:
A little patience goes a long way.
Encourage, Don’t Pressure
The goal isn’t just to create good readers…It’s to create children who enjoy stories.
A love of books often comes before confident reading.
This Summer we will share useful tips to help your child keep their interest alive. Week-by-week we will share some simple strategies that encourage reading before the new term begins.
Wishing all our families a happy, relaxing summer filled with stories, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to discover the joy of reading!
Following along here and on our social media to learn more. 📚
Holme Grange School is an independent, co-educational school for pupils aged 9 months to 16 years. We are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive learning environment in which all pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our parents describe the school as caring, friendly, and welcoming. They particularly value our strong pastoral support and close-knit sense of community; qualities that truly set Holme Grange apart. Every pupil is known and valued as an individual and our strong academic and pastoral provision ensures they receive the personalised care and attention needed to thrive both academically and personally. The aim is for every pupil with us to experience a happy and fulfilling school life and to become a confident, articulate young individual, able to take their place as a responsible member of society.
We are seeking to employ a dedicated, inspirational and enthusiastic SEND Specialist Teacher (Literacy SEN specialist) from September 2026. Candidates with a range of specialisms e.g. literacy and or numeracy are welcome.
Reporting to the SENDCos, the successful candidate will deliver high quality specialist teaching, assessment, intervention and guidance for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from Reception to Year 11, based on the needs of the pupils and the experience of the successful candidate. They will support the fulfilment of specific statutory provisions within Education, Health and Care Plans (as deployed by the SENDCos), lead interventions and work collaboratively with staff to support the needs of the pupils.
Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged. Among other benefits we offer competitive salaries and a contributory pension scheme; free lunch and refreshments during term time; an Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing sessions and personal coaching; staff discount scheme; and fee reductions for eligible children attending Holme Grange.
Holme Grange is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for all jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level. A Prohibition Check is also carried out. Holme Grange School is an equal opportunities employer.
Full details and application form available at www.holmegrange.org or by telephoning 0118 978 1566.
Applications will only be accepted by completion of an application form which should be submitted with a covering letter to the Headteacher, Mrs Pippa Adams.
Closing date for applications: until the position is filled – Interviews: as soon as possible
*Early applications are strongly encouraged. We reserve the right to close this vacancy promptly if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Got a ballot place for the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon?
Use your ballot place to run for Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and turn every mile into life-changing support for people with dyslexia.
Register your place with us and join Team Helen Arkell. 💙 Contact us to find out more: fundraising@helenarkell.org.uk
Two years ago, Lowery came home from school devastated after being told by teachers that she would not succeed in life if she didn’t pass her GCSEs in English and Maths.
Lowery had an assessment and took the Helen Arkell summer touch typing course. Her mother believes the assessment helped her get into her secondary school.
Determined to prove her teachers wrong, Lowery and her family focused on her strengths. As she loves making jewellery and keyrings, she started selling her creations at local fairs. Over the past 18 months, Lowery, who is autistic, has grown tremendously in confidence, learning to talk to customers, handle money and understand the basics of running a business, including costs, profit and reinvesting in her venture.
What began as a response to comments has become a wonderful success story, showing that there is more than one path to achievement and that belief, perseverance and opportunity can make all the difference.
Last weekend she kindly gave half the profits from her stall at the Petersfield Community Fair to Helen Arkell; a generous donation to help other children just like her.
Our thanks to Lowery and her family for all their support.
Due to expansion, LAIDLAW EDUCATION LLP is looking to recruit a qualified SpLD (Level 5 or above) Specialist Teacher Dyslexia and Special Needs teacher to join our friendly team in September 2026.
The closing date for applications is: 9th July 2026
We would consider newly qualified Specialist teachers.
Daytime (with potential for after school and Saturday teaching, as well as holiday teaching).
Based in our CReSTeD Teaching Centre in Kew, Richmond, TW9 (before applying, please make sure you are able to travel to our site).
The successful candidate should be an excellent communicator and capable of working alongside a professional team, with energy and enthusiasm. You should be experienced in teaching pupils across a range of ages and experience of teaching children with ADHD or ASD is an advantage. You would be working with pupils on a predominantly individual basis, delivering personalised lessons based on the pupil’s individual needs, during term time. Opportunities for teaching mainstream children are also available, if suitably qualified and experienced.
As a self-employed teacher, and potentially a member of Laidlaw Education LLP, you have the back-up of the Laidlaw Education office and wider teaching team. For more information about our teaching and educational support, please visit www.laidlaweducation.co.uk.
If you feel you meet the above criteria and are interested, please send your CV and covering letter to support@laidlaweducation.co.uk
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body which reflects the community that we teach. At Laidlaw Education we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the role available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
In line with our recruitment policy and for the protection of our pupils, you will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and employment reference checks. Laidlaw Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You must be eligible to work in the UK.
A huge thank you to Theo Paphitis, Ryman, and the wider Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG), with their partners and suppliers, for the annual Theo Pathitis Charitable Trust Clay Shoot 2026 earlier in June.
A record-breaking £100,000 was raised for the four charity partners: Starlight Children’s Foundation– UK, British Dyslexia Association, CoppaFeel! and ourselves.
The event marked a powerful display of generosity and collaboration, with funds raised set to make a meaningful difference to individuals with dyslexia. The Clay Shoot funds will help education professionals access our Supporting Learners CPD Accredited course so they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support dyslexic learners in the classroom. This helps these learners to access the curriculum, achieve their goals and thrive.
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity is proud to be part of such a dedicated and impactful initiative.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this event,” said Helen Arkell CEO, Julie Bentley. “It is an honour to be part of something that brings real hope and lasting change to the lives of so many. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you for such an amazing day at the Shoot. TPRG truly are an incredible organisation, and we feel very fortunate to have them as a partner. The amount of money raised, not just at the Shoot, but across all fundraising efforts, is nothing short of inspiring. The difference this makes to organisations like ours cannot be underestimated, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do”.
Colette Pollock, Specialist Trained Dyslexia Teacher, Qualified Assessor and owner of STATS (Specialist Teaching, Assessment, Therapy and Support), is looking for a Specialist Teacher who is Level 5 and/or Level 7 qualified to join her. This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified specialist teacher to build skills and confidence but equally suitable for experienced teachers!
Suitable candidates need to:
More about the role:
Please apply by visiting the STATS website www.specialistteachingandassessment.co.uk or by emailing Colette Pollock at colette@specialistteachingandassessment.co.uk
We’re excited to launch our special summer offer. If you’ve been considering arranging a dyslexia assessment, now is a great time to take the next step.
Between 19th June and 17th July, if you complete and submit a new booking enquiry form via our website that results in a full-price assessment taking place during the school summer holidays (22nd July – 1st September), you’ll receive:
✅ £35 off the listed price
✅ FREE access to 7 expert-led recorded sessions (worth £98) – packed with practical strategies to help parents and carers support their child’s learning
Next steps:
This is a fantastic opportunity to get expert support and gain valuable insights and tools.
🕒 Don’t miss out – offer ends 17th July!
Term Time
Start 3 September 2026
Monday to Friday 9.00am-12.00pm
School Aims
Our primary aim at Amesbury Prep School is to ensure that every child enjoys a fulfilling and enriching educational journey. We strive to create an environment where each student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential. Specifically, our goals include:
1. Equipping every child with the skills, aptitudes and resilience necessary for success in senior school and beyond.
2. Cultivating a caring community that promotes commitment, courtesy, cooperation, tolerance and compassion.
3. Fostering strong partnerships between home and school to enhance the educational experience.
4. Setting a high standard of achievement and innovation, while nurturing personal development among staff.
5. Fulfilling our social and environmental responsibilities to society.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Amesbury as a One-to-One Learning Support Assistant Specialising in Autism. The successful candidate will provide dedicated support to an individual pupil, helping them to access learning, develop confidence, and make excellent progress both academically and socially. This role requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff in a busy and supportive school environment. This role will continue for as long as the child remains at the school.
Job Specification
• Have the self-confidence, style, and communication skills to represent the school effectively to both parents and staff.
• Supporting the child in the classroom for all Literacy and Numeracy lessons and to provide appropriate language support, which will be planned by the class teacher at the pupil’s current level
• To be trained in supporting Year 2 phonics (Sounds Write Phonics Scheme) but not essential
• Support the child with therapy targets throughout the school week
• Support the child with occupational therapy targets set by the occupational therapist throughout the school week (if advised)
• To attend termly review meetings with parents, along with private therapists
• To be a good communicator and work with the child’s class teacher, the Head of Key Stage one and the Head of SEND
• To keep the child’s parents informed each week, regarding the child’s academic and pastoral support
• To support the class teacher by preparing appropriate resources to be used with the child during lessons
• During any periods when the pupil assigned to you is temporarily absent from the School, you may at the School’s discretion be asked to temporarily undertake alternative duties which fall within your capabilities, and which may reasonably be required by the Head according to the normal practice of an independent school.
• To have a strong commitment to safeguarding the pupil (and others), and work with the school’s values and ethos in mind
• To be accommodating and flexible in a changing environment, and to attend school trips with the child
• To comply with all Health and Safety Policies.
Qualifications
To be able to provide Literacy and Numeracy Support
Level 3 Helen Arkell preferred but not essential
Experience with Speech and Language therapy and Occupational Therapy Support is essential
Experience with supporting children with Autism
Safeguarding Commitment
Amesbury Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and will be subject to enhanced DBS checks.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch recruitment@amesburyschool.co.uk
Closing date: 25th June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 29th June 2026
Registered charity in England and Wales (1064646). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, company number 3432423.
