About me
I am Nicky Stormonth Darling, a qualified dyslexia assessor and specialist tutor with over 25 years of experience supporting children aged 4 to 18. My approach is centred on building confidence and self-esteem, helping each child to feel capable, valued and motivated in their learning.
I hold an Assessment Practising Certificate with PATOSS, full DBS clearance and public and private liability insurance.
I first trained as a SpLD tutor in 1991 and have since worked in schools across both the public and private sectors, as well as offering tuition outside of school.
In London, I taught in prep schools and at a specialist school for children who required more support than was available in mainstream education. Lessons were individually tailored to meet each child’s needs while ensuring the core subjects were covered. Alongside this, I provided one-to-one tuition before and after school, as well as during the school holidays.
I then spent over ten years as a specialist tutor at a school in Chichester, teaching pupils aged 4 to 18. My work there focused on literacy, maths, and study skills across all ages.
After taking a career break to raise my family, I returned to education as a classroom support tutor, working for three years with a child who had a complex profile of needs. Wanting to stay up to date with current research and pratice in dyslexia, I refreshed my teaching qualifications at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity. I subsequently trained as a dyslexia assessor, recognising the importance of a detailed learning profile in supporting children effectively. A diagnostic assessment highlights each child’s individual strengths and areas of difficulty, providing clear, targeted recommendations for both home and school.
I believe strongly in helping children build their confidence and develop the strategies they need to overcome challenges. My lessons follow a structured, cumulative, and multisensory approach, while also being engaging and enjoyable, with varied activities and games to keep the learning fun and your child motivated.
My Background
-
BA (Hons) in Sociology, Exeter University
Level 5 Diploma: Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, The Hornsby Centre. (1991)
Certified HNLP Coach, Humanistic Neuro-linguistic Psychology
Level 5 Diploma: Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, The Helen Arkell Centre. (2023)
Level 7 Diploma in Assessing and Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy, Gateway Qualifications.
Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) with PATOSS, approved by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), demonstrating a high level of continued professional development.
Enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service) and registered with the DBS update service.
Up-to-date public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Up-to-date and regular training with The SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC)
Contact us
Please send me an email if you are interested in any of the services offered. We can arrange for an informal chat to discuss your concerns and decide on the best route to take for your child.