Louise Harding has dedicated over 30 years to teaching in Barking and Dagenham, fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for ensuring every child can unlock the curriculum through reading. Since qualifying as a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader and completing her Master’s in Literacy Difficulties in 2017, she has built extensive expertise in evidence-based literacy interventions. Today, she leads as BDSIP’s Literacy Intervention Lead.
In this role, Louise works closely with schools across the borough, equipping teachers to deliver high-impact programmes such as Reading Recovery (Year 1), the Early Literacy Skills Programme (Primary), Literacy Skills for Secondary (KS3), and Developing Reading for Pleasure (all key stages). She is particularly committed to bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, empowering educators to nurture not just strong readers, but a genuine love of reading in their pupils.
Her research exploring high-attaining readers and the question “The Reading Bug: Caught or Taught?” has directly shaped her practical work with schools. She has also published two significant Laurel Trust-funded studies: Narrowing the Gap (2020) and Making Friends with a Book (2025).
At the heart of Louise’s work is a powerful belief: literacy does not just open doors to learning, but also to confidence, connection, and lifelong opportunity. Her ongoing contribution to BDSIP’s mission reflects her unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in education for all.
