An Edge Hill alumna's launched her own support service for those with learning difficulties.

Rebecca Heyes' Ormskirk-based support service The Inclusive Learning Academy provides dyslexia and dyscalculia assessments for both adults and children.

She started her postgraduate journey at Edge Hill in 2017 after graduating with a BA Hons in Primary Mathematics Education with QTS at the University.

She has since completed a PGC for Dyslexia and a PGCE in Dyscalculia, before starting a fourth qualification in September 2020 on the Dyslexia and Dyscalculia programme, currently studying a PG Dip Education (Dyscalculia).

“As a qualified teacher, I felt that although my training to date had given me a wealth of knowledge of teaching learners how to learn, it did not necessarily prepare me for supporting learners with additional needs,” said Rebecca.

“I felt that I was not meeting the needs of all my learners and therefore needed to develop my own knowledge of specific learning difficulties further. For me studying further was never an if, it was always a when. Investing in future learning has not only improved my own skill set and knowledge of specific learning difficulties but it has also allowed me to progress in my career and to develop my own company further.”

Commenting on why she chose to further her learning with Edge Hill, Rebecca said: “I studied my undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University when I was 18 years old and thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at the University. I found the course informative and engaging and the staff knowledgeable. There was no doubt in my mind that if I was to study again, I would return to Edge Hill.”

“When I decided to study my postgraduate degrees, I considered other universities offering the same course however after speaking to the module leaders both at Edge Hill University and other universities, I felt that the lecturers at Edge Hill were well informed and knowledgeable about the subject areas and the teaching styles would suit my learning needs. I also felt that the online learning platform and the wealth of resources available would benefit my learning.”

Anne McLoughlin, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Course Leader, said: “Rebecca was a very dedicated student who approached learning on the courses with positivity and curiosity. She was committed to improving her teaching to support the inclusion of children and young people in education.”