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
The key messages from Ofsted’s English education subject report
The key messages from Ofsted’s English education subject report
Teaching Spotlight: Preparing for the Phonics Screening Check
Teaching Spotlight: Reading Guidance for EAL learners
Teaching Spotlight – Spelling Theory and Research
Teaching Spotlight – Spelling Theory and Research
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 Kielty is an Education Product Manager for FFT, supporting schools in the implementation of current research and guidance, alongside the effective use of FFT's literacy products. Katie also continues to work with children and schools as the Safeguarding and Teaching and Learning Governor for a local school, a private tutor and Scout leader.
Formerly a Senior Leader in schools, Katie brings a decade of teaching and leadership experience, both in primary and secondary settings, across a range of demographics. Katie also led English across both small and large primary schools and completed her NPQSL while researching and implementing many changes in order to improve English outcomes for pupils.
Kathryn Newby
FFT Literacy
Kathryn Newby has over 17 years of experience in secondary schools as an English teacher and reading leader, helping struggling readers to achieve age-related expectations.
As a curriculum developer and advisor at the literacy-focused non-profit organisation, Success for All, Kathryn supported leaders and educators to implement comprehensive literacy programmes in schools across the UK.
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 deep-seated 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.