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.

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APC logo with green swoosh on dark background.

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

Close-up of a stack of colorful hardcover books on a wooden surface.
    • 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.

Privacy Policy
  • We felt Nicky really cared about H as an individual. She spoke to me at length pre the assessment, answering all my questions. H enjoyed his assessment morning and the report was so helpful in explaining why he struggles and what can be done to help him. I would definitely recommend Nicky to anyone who is thinking of having their child assessed.

  • I would have no hesitation in recommending Nicky. She is very knowledgeable and explained everything really clearly. We were so pleased with the report which offered some useful things we can do at home to help S, as well as suggestions for the school. I feel this is the first step in a happier chapter for our daughter.

  • F loves his weekly sessions with Nicky, he doesn’t seem to notice he is learning whilst playing games! His form teacher has commented that he appears less anxious, and we have also noticed less resistance when we are trying to get his homework done!

  • Since seeing Nicky, G’s reading and spelling have noticeably improved – as has his confidence. He really enjoys his lessons and I would happily recommend her.

  • F has always been quite shy but has really developed a bond with Nicky. She loves their lessons together and she can see how much she has learned. Her school experience is definitely more positive since she has made such progress.