Join us on 17th October 2025 for an inspiring and practical literacy conference designed to explore how reading unlocks the potential of every child!  

This one-day event will bring together nationally recognised speakers and expert workshop leaders to examine the power of reading to drive achievement across the curriculum and transform life chances. 

Ideal for teachers, literacy mentors, teaching assistants, literacy leads, SENCOs, and school leaders, the conference will provide research-informed strategies, inclusive approaches, and hands-on ideas for immediate classroom impact. 

 

Be Inspired by Leading Voices in Literacy 

We are proud to welcome two leaders in education to frame the day with powerful keynote addresses: 

• Charlotte Hacking, a nationally respected literacy expert, will open the day with insights into how reading can shape the trajectory of children’s lives. 

• Dr Jane Carter, a leading education consultant and advocate for equity in literacy, will close the day with a compelling call to action that will leave delegates informed, inspired, and energised. 

  

Expert-Led Workshops 

Delegates will have the opportunity to attend two of four focused workshops led by specialists in literacy and inclusion: 

• Jade Beech – Practical Strategies for Supporting Pupils with Dyslexia 

• Dr Sue Bodman – Building Literate Identities 

• Laura Hughes – Developing Oracy in KS1 and KS2 

• Bex Shore – Structured Strategies to Deepen Comprehension 

  

This is a must-attend event for all those committed to improving outcomes through literacy. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, deepen your practice, and re-energise your literacy leadership. 

  

Timetable 

Time	Activity
9.00-9.30	Registration and Refreshments
9.30-10.15	Welcome from BDSIP and Keynote Address from Charlotte Hacking
10.30-1130	Morning Workshop Session (Choice of 4)
11.30-12.00	Stalls and Networking break
12.00-12.45	Lunch
12.45-13.45	Afternoon Workshop Session (Repeat of Morning)
13.45-14.00	Refreshments
14.00-14.45	Closing Speaker Dr Jane Carter
14.45-15.00	Reflections
15.00-15.30	Stalls and depart

 

Workshops 

From Labels to Learning: Practical Strategies for Supporting Pupils with Dyslexia Jade Beech 

How can we move beyond labels and unlock the true potential of pupils with dyslexia? In this practical and inspiring session, Jade Beech shares the inclusive practices that earned William Ford School a place in Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution documentary. Drawing on real classroom strategies, staff training models, and pupil voice, Jade will explore how schools can create an environment where neurodiverse learners thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current provision, this workshop will offer actionable tools, reflective prompts, and a deep dive into what really works. 

Literate Identities, Literate Lives Dr. Sue Bodman  

By the end of Key Stage 1, each child’s self-image as a reader and writer is already taking shape. Their future success will depend not only on the development of cognitive skills, but also on how they view themselves in relation to literacy. In this thought-provoking workshop, Dr Sue Bodman draws on both research and classroom practice to explore the concept of literate identity—how children’s attitudes, experiences, and expectations influence their engagement with reading and writing, particularly for those who find it difficult. Participants will reflect on the role of teacher language, book choice, reading routines, and cultural context in shaping these identities. Expect rich discussion, practical insights, and strategies to build literacy-rich environments where every child can see themselves as a confident, capable reader and writer.  

Oracy and Reading Development Laura Hughes  

Strong oracy skills are the foundation of confident reading. This hands-on workshop, designed for Key Stage 1 and 2 teachers and teaching assistants, offers practical strategies to embed purposeful talk within guided reading sessions. Laura Hughes will share easy-to-implement techniques that deepen comprehension, build vocabulary, and encourage active participation. Teachers will leave equipped with ready-to-use ideas for dialogic questioning, talk routines, and interactive discussion prompts to support every child’s reading journey with greater engagement and success. 

Reading Between the Lines: Structured Strategies to Deepen Comprehension Bex Shore 

Strong readers do more than decode—they infer, question, connect, and construct meaning. In this practical and research-informed workshop, Bex Shore will present structured approaches to develop pupils’ inferential thinking and deep comprehension. Grounded in classroom-tested strategies, Bex will explore how explicit modelling, purposeful questioning, and scaffolded dialogue can transform the way children engage with texts.  Whether you’re working with struggling readers, EAL learners, or aiming to stretch the more confident, this session will equip you with tools to support all pupils in becoming thoughtful, reflective readers. 

 

Keynote Speakers  

Charlotte Hacking, Author of The Balancing Act and Education Director at CLPE 

How can we balance rigour and joy in reading instruction—and truly unlock the potential literacy offers? In this keynote, Charlotte Hacking explores how to build a coherent, inclusive reading curriculum that places children’s reading lives at the centre. Drawing on her book The Balancing Act, Charlotte shares practical insights and powerful reflections on how reading can open doors for every child. 

 Dr Jane Carter, Senior Lecturer in Education, UWE 

Dr Jane Carter explores how reader identity, agency and engagement are central to unlocking literacy for all learners. Drawing on classroom research and teacher practice, she offers powerful reflections on how schools can create meaningful, inclusive reading experiences that open doors for every child. 

 

Stalls  

Reading Recovery Dr Sue Bodman and Becs Shore 

Why Reading Recovery?  Why now? Come and find out about the evidence supporting the efficacy of Reading Recovery. 

Nick Fullarton Daisy Education UK  

At Daisy Education, we support students in developing a love of learning through our adaptive, personalised online programme – DreamBox Reading Plus. We work in partnership with schools, offering free, ongoing support so you can focus on what you do best – teaching. 

Sharon Gray Engage Literacy 

Explore BDSIP Courses with Louise Harding & Sebastian Guina
Discover how BDSIP’s expertly designed courses can empower literacy mentors to unlock the full potential and support struggling readers across Primary and Secondary. 

Read and Shine: Inspiring a Love of Reading Through Volunteer Support 

Read and Shine is a new volunteer programme from BDSIP, delivered in partnership with schools across Barking and Dagenham. The initiative pairs trained volunteers with primary school children to support reading for pleasure and confidence. By sharing stories and sparking curiosity, our volunteers help nurture a lifelong love of reading; one child, one book, one conversation at a time. 

 

Who should attend?