ENABLED LEARNING
Bethan Langley
Education Consultant
Specialist Coach for
English Subject-Leaders and
Classroom Practitioners
Transforming life-chances through
EQUITABLE pathways to LITERACY
I have over 35 years of experience and expertise in education - as a teacher, Deputy and Acting Headteacher, Local Authority Literacy Adviser, English Hub Literacy Specialist, phonics trainer and coach. My Literacy Specialist and advisory work focuses on enhancing schools' literacy provision for disadvanteged pupils and those who are (and who are at risk of) falling behind. I have successfully suppported scores of leaders and hundreds of teachers in over 60 schools, significantly improving the attainment of their pupils in both reading and writing, and creating equitable pathways to reading and writing success. As such, I bring a unique insight into the challenges faced by leaders and teachers across the country.
Crucially, I bring expertise, practical strategies and proven solutions to answer the question at the heart of our work as educators:
How do we ensure that ALL pupils gain the READING and WRITING skills they need to support them for success at school ...and for LIFE?
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Nationally, at the end of Key Stage 2, 25% of pupils fail to reach the expected standard in Reading, and 28% in Writing.
That is an average of 7 pupils per Year 6 class... each year...who leave primary school lacking the confidence that effective readers and writers take for granted as they start secondary school.
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But it doesn't have to be this way!
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We CAN dramatically increase the number of learners whose literacy skills genuinely prepare them for secondary school, we CAN provide rapid, effective catch-up for those already in Key Stage 3 who had not mastered key literacy skills before the end of Key Stage 2...and we CAN enhance the life-chances of our struggling readers and writers: their physical and mental health, employment chances and earning potential - and the ability to lead satisfying and productive lives, including the capacity to make informed and beneficial choices in life.
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​​ MY MISSON...AND IMPACT
I am committed to helping schools remove barriers to literacy, empowering educators to transform struggling readers and writers into confident, independent learners. My goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, receives the support they need to succeed in literacy and beyond—paving the way for lifelong learning and success.
In every school, the impact of my work is, and has been, significant:
* Local Authority School Improvement: significant increase in pupils attaining the expected standard from Reception onwards and above- average attainment in end of Key Stage SATs; L.A.-wide attainment increase of 10%+ over 3 years;
* English Hub Literacy Specialist: 90%+ of pupils in each school that I supported passed the Phonics Screening Check;
* School English Leader (and teacher): above National Average attainment in Reading and Writing at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
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HOW MAY I HELP YOU?
With a laser-focus on pupils who are (and who are in danger of) slipping through the literacy net, I work with leaders to implement sustainable strategies that not only promote early and precise identification of pupils' reading and writing challenges, but also rapidly close gaps in knowledge and skill for pupils from Early Years to Key Stage 3.
WHAT DO I OFFER?
​ AUDITING of current provision for struggling readers and writers; this provides a starting point for the bespoke support that follows.
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COACHING for leaders, teachers and support staff: developing targeted and sustainable strategies for identifying - and promptly addressing learners' literacy gaps;
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ENHANCEMENT OF STAFF SUBJECT-KNOWLEDGE:
Professional Development in the following:
* Early Reading and Early Writing ( supporting
colleagues in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 to identify and close gaps in learning);
* Phonics - including 'keep -up' and 'catch-up' support;
* Reading and writing fluency;
* Phonics into spelling;
* Effective feedback.
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SUPPORT FOR KEY STAGE 3 STAFF -
Learners depend on us ALL to support them whenever they struggle.
I equip Key Stage 3 staff with crucial knowledge and skill in providing specific, targeted support for learners who have not mastered key skills and knowledge by the end of Key Stage 2, and save them from being left behind!
You will enable your pupils to catch up BEFORE the Year 8 Reading Test, and enable them to access the curriculum more confidently.
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WORK ANALYSIS AND MODERATION SUPPORT.​​​
Working alongside leaders, I support the identification of barriers to successful writing and provide impactful strategies to
enable rapid improvement. ensure rapid improvement.
OUTCOMES FOR YOUR SCHOOL
For pupils:
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RELIEF - knowing that their literacy challenges are understood by experts who are equipped to remove their barriers swiftly;
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EARLY competence in reading and writing: learning becomes easier!
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greater engagement with learning;
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increased confidence and self-motivation leading to greater independence;
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​For school leaders:
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EQUITY in reading and writing success;
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greater confidence in leadership;
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consistent, high standards;
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increased rapidity of pupils' progrss;
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enhanced ourcomes based on pupils' prior attainment;
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embedded cultures and climates which enhance learning.
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​​​For classroom staff:
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enhanced subject-knowledge;
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increased confidence;
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greater motivation, and enjoyment of the teaching role;
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PRIDE in their TRANSFORMATIVE impact on learners' life-chances.
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Testimonials
"Across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, the percentage of our pupils meeting national reading benchmarks has improved dramatically; Beth's willingess to share her knowledge and expertise has significantly enhanced our school-wide culture of literacy teaching and learning.
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(English Leader - North Somerset)
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"Under Beth's guidance, we have seen a significant improvement in our pupils' reading proficiency; I highly recommend her support to any school seeking to cultivate a strong foundation in phonics and early reading and writing."
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(Reading Leader - North Somerset)
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"Beth has been a fantastic support.
She made me feel confident
in my leadership and she enabled us to work as a team to carry out improvements quickly and efficiently."
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(Early Reading Leader - Somerset)
"It has been a pleasure to work with Bethan. She has worked skilfully with our English leader; she provides challenge in a highly supportive and productive way."
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(Headteacher - Somerset)
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" Your knowledge of pedagogy and Literacy never failed to inspire me and my teaching is all the more effective for my work with you."
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(Year 3 teacher - North Somerset)
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"So much of our improvement, and receiving our Good inspection judgement is down to you."
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(Headteacher of a school previously Requiring Improvement)
TO SUM UP...
I have:
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an excellent reputation as a teacher, leader, adviser and coach;
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highly effective interpersonal skills, commended by headteachers and coachees;
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over 20 years in school leadership;
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proven success in Local Authority school improvement and as English Hub Literacy Specialist: significant improvement in pupils' attainment at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; 90%+ attainment in the Phonics Screening Check at Year 1 in every school I supported as English Hub Literacy Specialist ;
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a clear understanding of the urgency required in addressing school improvement priorities;
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teaching experience of over 30 years, with in-depth understanding and experience of each primary year group;
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expertise as an accredited writing moderator (Key Stage 1and Key Stage 2) for over 10 years;
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provided high quality CPD in over 60 schools;
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co-authored highly successful phonics and spelling programmes;
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the skills and expertise to deliver EQUITABLE LITERACY OUTCOMES from Reception to Year 8.
