Miss Emma: One to One NSAP for Reading 

About Miss Emma

I am Emma Hartnell-Baker, widely known as Miss Emma, a Level 7 SEN Specialist and lifelong advocate for ensuring that every child can read and spell with confidence.
 

Professional Background

My career began as a classroom teacher in England, where I built a reputation for innovation in early literacy and inclusive practice.
I established and managed two nurseries that achieved Ofsted Outstanding ratings, demonstrating strong leadership and a deep understanding of child development and early learning.

Because of my proven expertise in early years education and literacy, I was appointed as an Ofsted Inspector for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
This appointment recognised the knowledge and skills I had already developed; it was the result of my professional achievements, not the source of them.

International Experience

Seeking new opportunities to improve outcomes for children, I moved to Queensland, Australia, to work with the Department of Education.
My role focused on supporting schools to improve behaviour and engagement.
While working closely with staff and pupils, I recognised that many children identified as having behavioural challenges were, in fact, struggling because they had not been taught to read in a way that matched how they learned.
This insight deepened my commitment to creating approaches that ensure every child can master reading and spelling.

 

A Decade of School-Wide Literacy Improvement and the SSP Approach

Following that insight, I spent the next ten years partnering with schools to deliver school-wide literacy improvement. I coached teachers, designed practical tools for classroom use, and built sustainable systems so that gains would last. During this period I developed the Speech Sound Pics® (SSP) Approach, a visual, learner-centred way to connect speech sounds and print that can be described as a linguistic phonics approach, predominantly speech to print.
The SSP Approach informed later innovations that help children map the structure of words and become independent readers and spellers, enabling them to achieve Word Mapping Mastery®.

Returning to England

Back in England, I now train SENDCos and qualified teachers and provide one-to-one Non-school Alternative Provision (NSAP) for primary-age children who need a flexible and highly individual approach.
I understand why many families choose home education or NSAP when mainstream settings cannot meet a child’s unique learning needs.
I also see how many dedicated teachers long to provide personalised instruction that is rarely possible within the current system. I envisage building a team of Dyslexia Whisperers who can provide the NeuroReadies Learning Pathway around the world. 

I am an Innovate UK Winner, funded to develop the world’s first bi-directional "MyWordz®" word mapping tool and MySpeekie®, a one-screen AAC, combining advanced technology with my teaching expertise to support independent communication, reading and spelling for all learners.

Guiding Parents and Teachers

Through the NeuroReadies Learning Pathway, I personally guide parents so they can support their children’s progress.
I also train specialist teachers who share my vision, creating a growing network of educators able to deliver tailored one-to-one reading and spelling instruction. Together we can show why 1 in 4 can't read when taught within schools, and show an alternative.
I believe the best time to prevent reading failure is before formal schooling begins.
To identify children most at risk, I offer free screening for three-year-olds, helping families understand how their child learns and how to prevent difficulties from arising.
This commitment to prevention led to the creation of the Early Dyslexia Screening Centre, which is managed through The Reading Hut Ltd.

Philosophy and Expertise

I reject the deficit model implied by the phrase Special Educational Needs.
Every child simply has individual learning needs.
My specialist areas include dyslexia, ADHD and autism, and I design every plan around each child’s strengths and preferred ways of learning.

What Families Receive

Families working with me gain a complete set-up package, a personalised plan and ongoing guidance.
Using tools such as MyWordz.tech and the Monster Spelling Piano app, children quickly develop the skills to read independently and spell with confidence.
Parents record short videos of their child completing activities (faces not required), which I review to provide detailed feedback and next steps.