Unlocking Dyslexia-About Me
Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Claire Gibbons. My passion for supporting learners with dyslexia derived from my own experiences as both a teacher and a parent. I began my teaching career over 22 years ago as a secondary English teacher in East London. Since then, I have taught in a range of educational settings, specialising in English and Literacy from KS3-5. Alongside teaching, I have delivered training and CPD, working across schools as a Specialist Leader of Education.
My interest in dyslexia was sparked when my own child struggled to acquire the skills required for fluent reading and writing. I experienced first hand the frustrations they felt at not being able to do what appeared to come so naturally to their peers. As both a parent and teacher, I began to research strategies and methods I could use at home to support them and to gain a better understanding of how dyslexia impacted their daily life. I studied for a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7) to be a dyslexia assessor and specialist teacher at Bath Spa University and continued on to achieve an MA in SpLD, Dyslexia. I am deeply passionate about educational research and its potential to drive meaningful change, particularly for neurodiverse learners. Currently, I am involved in two research projects aimed at helping teachers develop a deeper understanding of how to effectively support dyslexic students in the classroom.
Unlocking Dyslexia was founded two years ago, inspired by my journey supporting my own child and gaining a deeper understanding of how dyslexia affects every aspect of life. This year, thanks to an incredible team of builders who truly understood the vision, we moved into a purpose-built teaching studio—designed to be a calm, welcoming, and multisensory space where children can feel safe, supported, and confident in their learning.
As a dyslexia specialist teacher & assessor, I am AMBDA qualified, an associate membership with the British Dyslexia Association as well as holding a current Assessment Practise Certificate (APC) with PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific learning difficulties).
I believe every child should have the opportunity to reach their potential. I hold a firm belief that when a child feels understood, it helps them to stay motivated, increases their self-esteem and encourages them to become advocates for themselves. By identifying and recognising a child’s learning differences, the correct support can be put in place both at school and at home.
I offer a range of services from initial screening for dyslexia, to full diagnostic assessments and individual tuition. Every learner is unique; please contact me to discuss your child’s individual needs.
Qualifications, Professional Memberships and Accreditations
Qualifications
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
- BA in English Literature and Philosophy, University of Swansea
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education, University of Oxford
- National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML)
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
- Post Graduate Certificate in SpLD/Dyslexia, Bath Spa University
- MA in Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). Bath Spa University
- Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
- Unlocking Dyslexia is registered with the ICO. in accordance with The Data Protection Act 2018.
Professional Memberships
Dyslexia Qualifications and Accreditations
Professional Memberships
- Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)
- Full Professional Membership of Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS)
- The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS) Practising Certificate (APC)