Some of the things people have said about Ann Dawson's work...
I have known Ann Dawson for a number of years as a teacher and have observed her exceptional rapport and skill when teaching children in the early years foundation stage. Ann’s ability to interact effortlessly and calmly with children, has without doubt, enabled an inclusive approach whereby all children accessed a rich learning experience.
The impact of Ann’s approach to pedagogy and curriculum delivery provided a learning environment where all children achieved their full potential. Ann has taken this knowledge and experience to develop ‘Rainbow Talk’ opening up her experience of working with young children in school to benefit many more children across Sheffield and beyond. Where Ann has introduced other schools to the techniques and approaches set out in ‘Rainbow Talk and Tools for Talk’ teachers report the positive impact this has had on young children’s language and communication skills.
We all understand that achieving good communication is crucial for children and we are equally aware that many young children start school will below expected levels of development in this area. If you have concerns about the communication skills of children in our school please consider ‘Rainbow Talk - Tools for Talk’ and experience for yourself the positive impact this is likely to have.
Maureen Hemingway
Former Early Years Lead for Sheffield Local Authority and Early Years Specialist
I have worked with Ann Dawson for six years and she has been an incredibly inspirational person in my headship journey. Ann is a driven and passionate early years practitioner, who is both an outstanding teacher and and an inspirational leader, proven by the fantastic feedback from OFSTED and the Local Authority. What Ann doesn’t know about early years and how young children learn best isn’t worth knowing!
During her time at Pye Bank Ann developed the Rainbow Talk approach. This was and continues to be an innovative approach to supporting language development which is proven to have significant impact on talk and speech and language but also in terms of children’s maturity of thinking and their writing too. It supports engagement across the curriculum and goes much wider than just Foundation Stage.
Over the last year Ann has worked with us as a consultant, supporting quality of teaching and learning but also developing parent workshops
linked to parenting, phonics and Reading. She recruited and trained a group of high-quality parent Reading Champions and this has had significant impact across school.
Ann is a pleasure to work with and all her work and training is high quality, innovative and inspirational.
Mo Andrews
Executive Headteacher
Emmanuel Junior Academy and Pye Bank CE Primary
Sheffield
Diocese of Sheffield Academies Trust
I met Ann when I was a Newly Qualified Teacher 7 years ago and she has been a pivotal mentor in my development as an Early Years practitioner and progression to a Foundation Leader. With Ann’s support, guidance and excellent leadership skills she has enabled me to become the teacher and leader I am today. She is passionate, knowledgeable and caring. Ann always made time for me and challenged me to do better. Ann is an expert in her field of Early Years and has a wealth of knowledge in inspiring and motivating others to achieve their best - this is not just children but adults too! I feel immensely proud to be able to say Ann Dawson was my mentor. If it wasn't for Ann's mentoring skills and her believing in me I truly don't think I would be the teacher and leader I am today.
Tanya Marsden
Foundation Stage Leader
Pye Bank Primary School
Sheffield
'A really good course that met and went beyond my expectations.'
Lynsay Byrne, Angram Bank Primary School
'Ann was very helpful and really clear with everything. She went into depth and answered every question. A lovely lady - I would recommend another course with Ann.'
Lauren Drabble, Manor House Nursery
'It has given me many ideas of how to introduce Rainbow Talk into our setting and has shown me how easy this will be to implement and how effective it will be.'
Razya Saddiq, Acreshill Community Primary School
'Invaluable. Practical and well-tested ideas with back-up resources and support.'
Heather Prosser, Sheffield
'This training has made me want to go away and try new ideas!'
Laura, Mosbrough Primary School
'This has broadened my skill and knowledge-base to provide stimulating lessons to develop children's communication skills.;
Sally Fletcher, Hillsborough Primary School
'I now know the processes of both Rainbow Talk and P4C and have gained lots of ideas about how they can be incorporated into continuous provision and current practice.'
Michaela Daighhton, Prince Edward Primary School
