A New Resource: Understanding the Phonics Policy in England

Over the past decade, the phonics policy in England has reshaped how reading is taught in primary schools. Systematic synthetic phonics is now the central approach used in early literacy instruction, and the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check has become a familiar feature of the education landscape. At the same time, discussion about phonics policy … Continue reading A New Resource: Understanding the Phonics Policy in England

Now Listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory

I’m very pleased to share that I am now listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory as a specialist literacy tutor for autistic and neurodivergent learners. You can view my full profile in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory. The National Autistic Society directory is a trusted national resource used by families, … Continue reading Now Listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory

Revoicing a Story: A Creative Writing Activity for Literacy Learning

Literacy tutor Kate Coldrick shares a KS3/GCSE creative writing activity based on her poems Red Riding Hood Speaks and Morgan Speaks (OnTheSkyline.com). Explore how paired-line revoicing poems reveal bias, perspective, and voice – and why this structure especially supports autistic learners. Full resource available in her TES shop. When I write for OnTheSkyline.com, I often … Continue reading Revoicing a Story: A Creative Writing Activity for Literacy Learning

Monotropism and Literacy: How Deep Focus Shapes Reading and Writing for Autistic Learners

Monotropism explains why autistic learners focus deeply on interests but struggle with transitions and overload. This article by Kate Coldrick explores how attention “tunnels” shape reading and writing, and offers practical literacy strategies to support flow, confidence, and motivation. When supporting autistic learners with literacy, we often notice a striking pattern: the same child who … Continue reading Monotropism and Literacy: How Deep Focus Shapes Reading and Writing for Autistic Learners