During this interactive online session, the elements of reading – word reading, fluency and comprehension – will be explained and TAs will have the opportunity to explore a variety of practical, proven approaches for supporting pupils, including those pupils who struggle with reading, in developing their strategies and skills across the elements.

The course will take the form of an interactive online workshop. You will receive in advance all the handouts and resources for you to fully participate and during the session, participation tools will be used such as practical activities, breakout groups for discussion and opportunities for questions throughout.

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the elements of reading comprehension and the strategies and skills needed for pupils to understand and enjoy their reading

• Consider the range of approaches to supporting reading and how they can be used effectively to meet learners’ needs

• Discuss the use of quality, focused questioning in reading

• Acquire practical ideas and resources for use back in school

Please be aware that due to the highly interactive nature of these sessions, tickets admit one delegate only.

As an experienced English consultant, Susie Spolander works with schools, partnerships and trusts to develop and improve all aspects of English across the primary age range. Using her knowledge of the curriculum, assessment and effective teaching and learning practices, she successfully supports many schools and teachers to improve outcomes for their pupils. During her 20+ year career in Education, Susie has enjoyed classroom teaching, as well as holding a range of senior leadership posts. Prior to establishing her own consultancy business, she worked as an English Consultant for Oxfordshire County Council’s School Improvement Service. Susie has written, developed and led a wide variety of training events, programmes and projects to address current local and national educational priorities. She is also an accredited trainer for several reading intervention programmes. In recognition of her work, Susie has been awarded the Gold Quality Mark for Professional Development by the London Institute of Education.

Susie is passionate about finding innovative ways to inspire teachers and engage learners. Her training is of high quality: rooted in the curriculum, with evidence-based practice alongside creative teaching and learning approaches. Susie believes in a bespoke approach to school support, working alongside school leaders, class teachers and support staff to develop practice through a range of leadership and classroom-based strategies, always precisely tailored to the identified needs of the school.

Susie provides training, resources and school support in partnership with local and national organisations, such as Quest for Learning, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Teaching Schools Alliance and Oxford University Press.