A very warm welcome to Moon Hall School and its website!

I was appointed Head Teacher in September 2005, having joined Moon Hall School in 1992. As part-time specialist teacher and developmental psychologist, I assessed all prospective entrants to the school and, in fact, I still do! In 1993 I became a full-time member of staff in the English Department and taught both Seniors and Juniors across the ability range for a number of years. I have served both as Head of English, Senco and Deputy Head under Jill Lovett, Head Teacher since 1993. Jill and I enjoyed many successful years of close cooperation.

It is my firm belief that literacy opens the door to success and that every child deserves and has the right to learn to read. As Head of English, I piloted and introduced the Phono-Graphix reading method which has proved highly successful. Indeed, I run an annual training course for non-Moon Hall teachers.

Prior to coming to us, many of our pupils have had such a negative experience trying to learn to read that they have lost faith in themselves and their own ability. It is indeed a sad thing to judge oneself a "failure" at age seven, but it becomes magnified by age nine or ten. It is both a joy and a privilege to be able to help those children and to see them grow in self-worth and confidence as their literacy and numeracy skills improve.

I maintain my interest in psychological research into the causes of dyslexia and have welcomed a number of researchers in the field, latterly University College London. I have always aimed to ensure that Moon Hall School is aware of the latest developments in the dyslexia field so that our pupils can enjoy the fullest understanding of their difficulties and the best means of overcoming them.

Many dyslexics are creative, innovative thinkers and may exhibit exceptional right-brain strengths. We seek to recognise and foster those natural talents, whether in art, design and technology, sport or computing. A significant number of pupils have gained scholarships to other schools. Several have graduated with good degrees. We have former pupils currently at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities and were particularly gratified when we heard that one of our former pupils, who arrived aged nine, unable to read, is now reading English at Bangor University!

You are very welcome to visit us you will find a friendly, happy atmosphere where the children (and staff) enjoy each other's company. Moon Hall School is a stimulating and exciting place and many comment on the "buzz" and dynamism they detect.

We arrange weekly tours for small groups of parents. You will have the opportunity to see the school at work and to meet with me individually to discuss your child's particular needs in confidence.

I look forward to meeting you!

Pamela Lore

Head Teacher, Moon Hall School for Dyslexic Children