About

After graduating from Derby University with a BEd specialising in English and Music, I taught in primary schools for 17 years. My enthusiasm for English and reading led me to co-author three children's books, delivering author workshops in schools throughout the East Midlands. As part of this role me and my co-author were appointed as Patrons of Reading at schools in Sheffield and Nottingham, inspiring children to read and write for pleasure. I am co-founder of the Reading Allowed project. This approach uses the enthusiasm generated by reading aloud to children to promote reading for pleasure in primary schools. The success of the project led me to enrol on the EdD (Doctorate in Education) course at SHU and I am enjoying researching reading in Primary school, looking at how children are positioned as readers, what influences their reading identity and how we can ensure all children have the opportunity to develop a love of literature.

Research

 I am currently studying for an EdD (Doctorate in Education) at Sheffield Hallam University. I am interested in reading in primary school and how this is understood and taught, as well as in the recognition of literacy as a social practice. I have conducted research into reading in a school in the north of England and presented findings at the UKLA (United Kingdom Literacy Association) International Conference. Recent publications include an article exploring the use of picture books and Philosophy for Children (P4C) with Fufy Demissie. 

I have conducted research into reading in a school in the north of England and presented findings at the UKLA (United Kingdom Literacy Association) International Conference 2018.

Publications

Other activities

Consultancy : Working with schools to develop reading for pleasure as part of the Reading Allowed project

I am a member of the United Kingdom Literacy Association