John has been involved in literacy teaching for many years, ever since he found that an 11 year old - who had truanted from his class - couldn’t read. He has since reviewed Literacy research for the Times Education Supplement and spent 10 years in charge of a reading and language development centre. John has led a series of seminars for the Reading Association’s annual conference and contributed regularly to Dyslexia Action conferences for teachers and psychologists.

He is a registered Ofsted inspector and his first book, The Literacy File, was joint winner of the Donald Moyle Award. He aims to help pupils adjust their thinking to make a significant impact and follows this up with simple and enjoyable activities that help pupils tune into the way print works in English. John also offers follow up support to attendees of this course, pro bono publico, via the internet or in person.