A Cornerstone English Hub Conference 2023

Reading Roadblocks

Our lives are built on and held together by words

They help us to discover new information and imagine new worlds, they underpin human creativity and provide us with the foundations of rational thought. When we help children to learn new words and to love using them, we unlock the limitless possibilities offered through the wonderful world of reading.

However, for many of our learners, significant roadblocks interrupt the journey to becoming an avid and fluent reader. With this in mind, we invite you to join us at our 2023 Cornerstone English Hub Conference as we explore these reading roadblocks and how to support every child to overcome the hurdles hindering their reading adventures.

Reading Roadblocks is free for all educators but will be of most interest to primary English / reading leads or senior leaders. 

When?

It is an in-person event on the 20th June 2023, starting at 9:30am finishing at 4:00pm and is free of charge.

Where?

Broadclyst Community Primary School, School Lane, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3JG. See below:

Parking

Parking is extremely limited on the school site, therefore will be available in Broadclyst village car park only. The school has a ‘safe route’ for walking into the school and we would ask that you follow this.

To do so from the village car park, you will need to walk down Hellings Gardens and at the end the road turn left (you will be opposite the doctor’s surgery and the day centre), at the T junction with Town Hill turn right, then take the first left and proceed along School Lane (as shown on the map). The school is located at the end of the lane.

Please do not try and enter the school via the main road or through the school car park.

If arriving by taxi or being dropped off, you will be able to do this at the school using the school drop off area in the car park.

Upon arrival at the school please come into the main school reception to collect your visitor pass.

Keynote Speakers

Michael Morpurgo

The Importance of Reading Stories

Michael Morpurgo began writing stories in the early ‘70s, in response to the children in his class at the primary school where he taught in Kent. One of the UK’s best-loved authors and storytellers, Michael was appointed Children’s Laureate in 2003.

Elizabeth Nonweiler

Choosing Decodable Books

Elizabeth is an experienced teacher who specialises in the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics. She was a member of the Hubs Council and a co-author of the DfE document, ‘The reading framework: teaching the foundations of literacy’.

Michael Kimber

Fostering a Positive Reading Culture in your School

Michael is the Cornerstone English Faculty lead, he has been a core part of the Cornerstone English Hub since it began its journey in 2019. Since January 2023, Michael has taken on the role of one of our English Hub Leads.

Bronnie Williams

Making every Lesson a Reading Lesson

Bronnie is a Literacy Specialist with Cornerstone English Hub and an experienced teacher. She is also an experienced drama practitioner who is passionate about raising outcomes in reading through raising engagement.

Charlotte Hacking

Building Readers, Raising Writers

Charlotte Hacking is the Learning and Programme Director at the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). Her special interests lie in Early Years, early reading development, the development of writing, picturebooks and poetry to raise children's engagement and attainment.

Hannah James

Quality Adult Interactions in Early Years

Hannah leads Early Years across the Cornerstone Academy Trust. She has worked education for twenty years, teaching and leading in all year groups in a range of school contexts. Hannah is passionate about inspiring children to meet their potential and equipping staff with the skills and enthusiasm to achieve this.

Anthony Lees

Using Digital Tools to Support Reading

Anthony Lees is Deputy Head of School for Westclyst Community Primary School, Devon, within the Cornerstone Academy Trust. He has been an SLE for EdTech and online safety, a speaker and course leader particularly through SSAT, STEM Learning, NCCE and a CEOP Ambassador.

Kirsty Godfrey, HMI Ofsted, Early Education

Lessons Learnt for Best Practice in Teaching Reading

Kirsty Godfrey will be discussing the latest OFSTED reading research. More information coming soon.