Our Specialist Support Services are led by Sallyanne McNamara, a highly experienced specialist teacher and assessor with nearly 30 years of expertise in teaching and special educational needs. She delivers high‑quality, evidence‑informed, practical support, always placing the individual child at the centre of her work.  

​

Sallyanne has extensive experience supporting a wide range of learners, including those with identified special educational needs and those who may be struggling quietly or not yet reaching their full potential. Her aim is to help every individual feel understood, supported, and confident, while building strong foundations for learning, independence, and a positive transition into adult life.

 

She has worked across both mainstream and specialist settings, supporting pupils with moderate, complex, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Her career includes roles as a SENCO, a Local Authority Special Needs Advisory Support Teacher in Oxfordshire, over 14 years as a specialist assessor and teacher for specific learning difficulties (SpLD), and more than 10 years as a Local Authority Specialist Assessor in Lincolnshire. Sallyanne also holds specialist assessor status with a current Assessors Practising Certificate (APC) from PATOSS for literacy and dyslexia. In addition, she holds specialist teacher status with substantial postgraduate qualifications in SpLD maths/dyscalculia and SEMH. This breadth of experience underpins a well‑rounded and highly effective approach to supporting learners, families, and school staff. She is considered by many as the 'Expert at Hand'.

​

Alongside her professional background, Sallyanne brings valuable lived experience. She is a mum of two neurodiverse teenagers and has first‑hand experience of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia within her family. She is also neurodivergent herself, with a diagnosis of dyslexia. This perspective adds depth, empathy, and reassurance to her work, enabling her to truly understand both the challenges and successes involved in supporting neurodivergent children and young people.

​

Sallyanne supports individuals with identified learning differences as well as those who feel they are not fulfilling their potential. She takes a calm, personalised, and strengths‑focused approach, helping individuals and families gain clarity, confidence, and practical next steps for education, work, and everyday life. Her ultimate goal is for everyone she works with to feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.