Testimonials

"Our time with Wensum English Hub has been so supportive.  The funding has allowed us to dramatically improve our phonics"

Rebecca starman - heartwood CE VC Primary and nursery school

 

"I started to put ELS in place at my school in September 2023, and the support of the Wensum Hub has been invaluable.

It started with a visit from Elaine Shepherd, who completed a school audit for us of the phonics that was in place at the time.  From there, Elaine became my Literacy Support from the Hub, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her.

She comes in each half term, and we work together on all aspects of the phonics programme.  She looks at our data each time and advises me on moving forward.

We work on my teaching, and the teaching of the other staff, and we do training with the school LSAs who deliver the interventions.

From the work we have done together, our data will show massive improvements in the forthcoming PSC, and the children are showing a great understanding of the sounds and their application when reading, and writing.

Elaine is so supportive and enthusiastic, and all the staff at school who have worked with her have said the same.  We always feel encouraged, and the data is proving just how well it is working. 

All the staff at the hub that I have been in contact with have been so helpful, and nothing is too much trouble.  The training that I have worked on has been so important, not just for the school, but for my own personal CPD, and I would totally recommend anyone to ask for the support.

I am confident that the support I have had has enabled us to turn our phonics work around. I am very much looking forward to continuing with Elaine and the Hub as we enter our second year with them."

Sarah eastes - Thurlton Primary school

"The help and support has been brilliant!  Literacy Specialist Days provide a form to work on, highlighting the next steps.  It is an opportunity to inform and update regarding changes"

Victoria Purvis - North denes primary School

"I am truly grateful for our Literacy Specialist support and guidance over the last two years.  She has developed my confidence in my role as Reading Lead and my ability to ensure progress for all the children in our school"

Rebecca Farmer - John of Gaunt Infant and nursery school

"We have valued the support and advice our Literacy Specialist has given to us, it has meant that we have questioned our practice and made necessary changes.  The whole school approach is now embedded and we look forward to our phonics future"

Emma Borthwick - Suffield Park infant & nursery school 

"Excellent support throughout from our Literacy Specialist.  The next steps are to make progress, supportive lesson observations as well as data analysis and coaching staff"

Danielle grant - Edward worlledge ormiston academy 

"I have really enjoyed working collaboratively with the Hub to improve the quality of phonics within our school. The support sessions we have received have been informative, relevant and helpful. Targets that have been set following the support days have been clear and achievable and have contributed to ensuring consistency and high expectations of the delivery of phonics across EYFS and KS1. The Wensum English Hub specialists are always happy to help answer any of my questions and their regular contact has ensured we keep on top of data deadlines, supporting individual children and staff training"

- Loren Carpenter, Queen's hill Primary School

"We are so grateful for the opportunities and support the Wensum English Hub has given Heartwood. Thank you! The funding and support from the Hub has given us so much opportunity to ensure every child is a reader"

- Emily McMillen, Heartwood CE VC Primary & Nursery School

"I absolutely adore working with our Literacy Specialist. Our discussions are so powerful. These conversations put children at the forefront, where gaining lifelong skills in Reading and Writing is paramount. Our Literacy Specialist helps me to feel super motivated in my role as Reading Leader within school"

- Ellie Cutter - Angel Road Infant School

 "The showcase event was really interesting and informative. The presenting team were knowledgeable and supportive, and this event provided the opportunity to reflect on our own practice; looking at what we already do well but what we can also do to move our practice forward to support the children"

- Donna Southon - Watlington Community Primary School

"I have found the Wensum Trust to be professional, friendly and focused on supporting children.  I have worked with them twice and both times I have loved it and gained insight too.  I very much look forward to working with them again in the future"

- nIGEL LUNGENMUSS-WARD (AUTHOR FREDDIE'S IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

"Its been  a delight to work with Wensum English Hub.  They support a wide range of schools through a variety of options and quality training opportunities.  It's been my pleasure wont work with such a professional and friendly team, dedicated to putting children first" 

- EMMA spiers (the learning lady)

"It was a pleasure to collaborate with Wensum English Hub in the delivery of professional development on evidence-informed reading" 

- Christopher SUCH

"The experience has been very positive.  The support of the team has been invaluable in moving school forward in meeting needs for Early Reading.  The team have enabled me to move a group of teachers with an array of phonic scheme practices and some very entrenched but inconsistent methods and 'hostile' to a new approach, to an effective team." 

- Emma hamilton-Smith - Swanton Abbott primary

"Supportive of our needs at every stage.  Great communication given and clear expectations for Reading Leads." 

Sophie Chilvers - Queen's hill Primary

"We know our positive outcomes for pupils are as a direct result of the partnership working with the Wensum Trust. The package of support, finance and CPD has allowed us to make a significant difference towards phonics outcomes for children." 

Nichola Stewart - Suffield park infant and nursery school