The Reading Doctor Founder: Deborah Salsbury

Ever wonder what's changed in reading schemes over the years? At The Reading Doctor, we don’t follow the one-size-fits-all approach! We build unique libraries from multiple whole-language book schemes so that each student can access a diverse range of books tailored to their interest. Take a trip down memory lane - do any of these books, schemes, or characters ring a bell? Did you use any of these books to learn how to read?

We’re proud to support pupils across a growing number of local authorities, delivering specialist one-to-one reading intervention both in schools and through alternative provision pathways. Our work aligns closely with EHCP outcomes, SEND inclusion priorities and preventative intervention. From early reading support to Functional Skills pathways for older learners, our Reading Doctors provide structured, evidence-informed teaching that helps children not just catch up… but thrive. As the SEND landscape evolves, one thing remains constant: Children with literacy difficulties need skilled, personalised intervention delivered by experienced teachers. That’s exactly what we do. If you’re a school leader, SENDCo or local authority commissioner and would like to explore partnership working, we’d love to connect. #localauthorities #send #alternativeprovision #literacyintervention #readingrecovery functionalSkills earlyintervention thereadingdoctor

Big news! Our brand new website is live! Check out the link in Bio. Find out more about our services, including parent support, postcode searches for local Reading Doctors, and tailored literacy solutions for schools. We also cater to children with EHCPs, offer Entry Level support, and more! Qualified teachers, explore our education franchise opportunities.#teachersofinsta #educationfranchise #homeeducation #sendcos #schoolleaders #parents #literacyintervention

A huge, heartfelt shout out to all of our Reading Doctor students who sat their Reading SATs paper today. We are so incredibly proud of every single one of you. We know tests like this can feel big, and for some children they can feel overwhelming, but today was never about one paper alone - it was one milestone on a much bigger reading journey. At The Reading Doctor, our focus is on building strong, transferable reading skills that last far beyond SATs. We work to develop decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and the deeper thinking skills children need to become confident, independent readers. We want our students to be able to access a wide range of texts, understand what they read, and think for themselves with confidence. That is why we don’t believe in simply “teaching to the test.” We believe in nurturing skilled, resilient readers who are ready for the curriculum, ready for the next stage of their education, and ready for life beyond primary school. Our aim is always to help children become independent readers who can access learning successfully at secondary school and beyond. So if today felt hard, please know this: you are more than a test result. We see your progress, your effort, your courage, and your growth. Keep going, keep trusting the journey, and keep believing in yourself : because we certainly do.#qualifiedteachers #sats #functionalreadingskills #secondaryschool #testingday

At The Reading Doctor, we believe every pupil deserves the opportunity to succeed - but we also believe pupils should only be entered for exams when they are truly ready and have the best possible chance of success. For some learners, GCSEs are absolutely the right pathway. For others, a different route may be more appropriate, confidence-building and meaningful. That’s why we are passionate about helping families understand all the options available. As highlighted by the National Careers Service, Functional Skills English is also a Level 2 qualification and can be a valuable alternative pathway for some learners - particularly those who need a more practical, real-life approach to English. Success looks different for every learner. 💙 At The Reading Doctor, we focus on: ✨ building confidence ✨ developing real-life literacy skills ✨ reducing exam anxiety ✨ creating personalised pathways to success Whether a pupil is working towards GCSE English or Functional Skills, the goal should always be progress, confidence and achievement - not simply “fitting” a system. Find out more about our Functional Skills support on our website. #gcseenglish #functionalskills #thereadingdoctor #dyslexiafriendly #neurodiversity englishgcse readingintervention sendsupport alternativeprovision functionalskillsenglish qualifiedteachers one-to-onetuition examconfidence learningdifferences unlockingpotential

If you’re home educating and looking for a supportive partner in your child’s reading journey, The Reading Doctors can be a brilliant addition to your home ed approach. Our expert, evidence-based support builds confidence and works flexibly alongside what you’re already doing. Find out more 👉 #homeeducation #homeeduk #dyslexiasupport #readinghelp literacymatters thereadingdoctors sendsupport learningathome

At The Reading Doctor, we pride ourselves on using multi-sensory teaching methods that are always explicitly taught and personalised to each child’s goals. We know dyslexic learners often thrive when reading is taught through seeing, hearing, saying, and doing all at once, helping sounds, high-frequency words, and spelling patterns really stick. Multi-sensory learning might look like games and activities such as tracing letters, using magnetic letters, tapping out sounds, reading aloud, and building words step by step in a way that makes learning enjoyable, memorable and effective. Do you have a child who is struggling to progress with their reading? If so, reach out to us and find your nearest Reading Doctor (in person or online) who can help your child progress with their reading through our personalised, multi-sensory intervention!

🥳 📚 🩺 This April, I’m celebrating 4 years as a specialist literacy tutor helping children grow in confidence through personalised, one-to-one support at my cosy Reading Room here in Bury St Edmunds. 🍀 I get to work with some fantastic families and am part of an incredible team. #TheReadingDoctors #One-to-oneSpecialistLiteracyTuition #TheReadingDoctorBuryStEdmunds #TraceyWilhurstVirtualServices #WeLoveBSE

Huge congratulations, Roanna, on completing your first year with the franchise! We’re so grateful you took the time to share this reflection with us, and it’s been wonderful to see how buying the franchise has helped you achieve so much - from rediscovering your love of teaching, running, to shaping a work schedule that truly works for you, and even finding a love for creating social media posts. What an inspiring year! We can't wait to see how your journey as @thereadingdoctorsouthampton If you are a qualified teacher and looking to take a change of direction in your career, check out how buying your own franchise could improve your life! #teachersoninsta #educationfranchsie #readingdoctors

Life is not a race - at The Reading Doctor we believe every step forward deserves praise, and every child should be supported at their own individual level so their reading journey keeps moving in the right direction. In the UK education system it can sometimes feel like children are being pushed to “win a race” or hit a government‑driven ‘expected level’, which adds pressure for both children and adults. At The Reading Doctor we stand by this message clearly: children’s reading is not a race. To parents and school staff, we want you to remember that progress, confidence, and enjoyment matter far more than a label or a benchmark. When we work at a child’s individual pace and celebrate all their gains, we lay the strongest possible foundation for real, lasting reading success. #qualifiedteachers #dyslexiasupport #readingconfidence #tutoring

This clip is golden! Thank you so much Adam (@2mrpspodcast ) for sharing this gem, sharing so many early reading skills (and enjoyment) which Max is demonstrating here! He is most certaining communicating! We can hear ‘Hey Duggie’ and maybe ‘hope you’re enjoying that’ (with accurate intonation!). As Reading Doctors we have the absolute privilege of teaching many non-verbal children how to read from scratch. The children always teach us so much! We observe children progressing from saying isolated words to speaking in word phrases and initiating conversation. Adam we absolutely love how you celebrate all Max’s tiny wins, they really do add up to huge leaps of progress. Keep sharing! To all parents who have children who are non-verbal don’t underestimate these top tips that are being observed in this beautiful clip! #thereadingdoctors #tuition #qualifiedteachers

Thrilled to share that Reading Doctor Franchise is a finalist in The Disruptive Franchise Awards - Inclusivity Champion category! This recognition celebrates franchises that excel in creating accessible opportunities for diverse talent, fostering inclusive cultures where everyone thrives regardless of background, ability, or identity. Judges look for proven strategies in equitable hiring practices, accommodations for disabilities and neurodiversity, diverse leadership representation, and initiatives that drive belonging across teams and communities. We’re beyond proud of our commitment to transforming lives through inclusive literacy support-here’s to championing every reader! 🚀 #qualifiedteachers #thereadingdoctors #disruptivefranchiseawards wards #Inclusivitychampion