Free literacy CPD
Free to all schools, our termly literacy CPD programme provides a range of training, advice, support and updates for senior leaders, teachers and governors
Meet the presenters
Andy Taylor
FFT Literacy
Formerly a Senior Advisor at the Primary National Strategy, Andy Taylor has been a teacher in both primary and secondary schools, a teacher trainer, literacy consultant and LA advisor.
He has worked for FFT for over 10 years, developing a range of reading and writing interventions, as well as providing literacy and English CPD and school improvement advice to a range of schools.
Joanne Maxwell
FFT Phonics Manager
Joanne Maxwell, formerly a literacy advisor, has been a leader and teacher in primary and secondary schools in a range of circumstances for approaching three decades. Joanne continues to support her passion for supporting learners to be literate outside of FFT as a governor of a local school. Her passion for learning how to develop literacy has continued through her career and Joanne has completed a second degree in psychology and has completed her NPQH.
She has worked for FFT and Success for All for over ten years as a phonics and early reading expert, working directly with schools across all key stages as an Implementation Partner before becoming an Education Product Manager mainly focusing on supporting and improving early literacy, phonics and spelling, via a range of FFT programmes.
Katie Kielty
FFT Literacy
Katie works as an Education Product Manager focussing on interventions at FFT, supporting schools to implement current research and guidance alongside the effective use of all of FFT's literacy products, with a focus on Reciprocal Reading and Tutoring with the Lightning Squad.
Formerly a Deputy Head Teacher, Katie brings a decade of teaching and leadership experience, both in primary and secondary settings across a range of demographics, to her current role at FFT. While leading English across several primary schools and completing her NPQSL in Reciprocal Reading, she also worked both abroad and in the UK training new teachers.
To continue her passion for supporting schools, their staff and their pupils, Katie also continues to work with children and schools as the Chair and Safeguarding Governor for two local schools.
Kathryn Newby
FFT Literacy
Kathryn Newby has two decades of experience working in education. During this time, Kathryn has worked as a curriculum developer and consultant with a non-profit organisation supporting senior leaders and teachers to implement comprehensive literacy programmes in schools across the UK.
Kathryn has also spent several years working in secondary schools and in Further Education, as an English teacher and as a reading leader, supporting struggling older readers to achieve age-related expectations.
Kathryn remains committed to enhancing literacy provision in schools through her role as Education Literacy Advisor for FFT, where she draws upon her wealth of experience and a passion for assisting older students who continue to grapple with reading challenges.
Louise Pike
FFT Literacy
Responsible for managing Literacy Education Products including Tutoring with the Lightning Squad and FFT’s Reading Assessment Programme. With over 15 years’ experience as a primary school teacher and senior leader, Louise brings a wealth of educational knowledge and skill to FFT.
Prior to joining the company in 2021, Louise worked for a literacy charity, liaising closely with schools to implement a whole school literacy programme across the whole primary phase. In her current role, Louise draws on her previous experience and understanding to lead on the development of educational products.
Janet Adsett
FFT Literacy
Formerly a primary school headteacher, Janet Adsett has been a teacher for many years, teaching children across the primary age range. As a leader of a small village school, she has experience of strategic leadership as well as hands on classroom experience.
Janet worked across a Multi Academy Trust for her NPQEL projects, improving reading outcomes and developing a strategic vision for sustainability of small schools. She has vast experience and a passion for developing the curriculum. She is excited by her new role as an Education Literacy Advisor at FFT and is keen to use her expertise to support others.
Zoe Young
FFT Literacy
Formerly a primary school teacher, Zoe has over 20 years' teaching and leadership experience. She has a vast range of classroom experience across the primary age range and brings a wealth of educational knowledge and skills to FFT.
She is particularly keen to support schools with their literacy provision and with effective use of FFT’s literacy products.