Deborah Richards

Debbie is a specialist SpLD teacher and assessor with over twenty years’ experience in education. Before specialising, she taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and spent many years as a class teacher and Head of Infants in both state and independent schools. Alongside her current role as a part-time SENCo, she provides full diagnostic assessments and structured literacy and numeracy teaching for children with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other specific learning differences. She is also a guest lecturer on the Helen Arkell Level 7 programme.

Debbie’s work is shaped by evidence-based assessment, relational practice and a practical understanding of how children learn. She has a particular interest in retained reflexes and how early developmental patterns can influence attention, coordination, and academic progress; this informs her holistic, child-centred approach to intervention.

Debbie is also happy to work with adults.

Outside of work, Debbie cares for her seven rescue dogs, two cats and a lively flock of chickens. She enjoys creative crafts, especially crochet and weaving.