Literacy for All – Rethinking Access, Expectations and Entitlement
Recorded: Thursday 16th April 2026
Literacy is not an optional extra, it is a right. Yet too often, pupils with complex needs are positioned outside of meaningful literacy instruction due to assumptions about cognition, communication or capacity.
In this focused session, Teach Us Too explores why literacy must remain central for every learner, what equitable literacy provision truly looks like for pupils with complex needs in specialist and mainstream settings, and how expectations shape outcomes. Teach Us Too challenges common misconceptions, reflect on who may currently be missing from authentic literacy experiences, and consider practical shifts to ensure no pupil is excluded from the opportunity to read and write.
This session is designed to provoke thought, strengthen professional resolve, and support leaders and practitioners to take purposeful next steps.
Presenters
Chantal Bryan OBE, Director of Teach Us Too
Sarah Giles, Education & Training Lead, Teach Us Too
Chantal and Sarah offer versions of this presentation directly to schools for free. If you would like them to deliver it in your setting then please contact them via email: info@teachustoo.org.uk.
Chantal and Sarah are doing another Thursday Thirty session Collective Voice, Collective Impact: The Alliance for Inclusive Literacy on Thursday 14th May. If you would like to join this session please sign up to receive the meeting invite.
Chantal and Sarah are also presenting in-person at CENMAC’s annual event Communication Works which is taking place at the Charlton Athletic Football Club in South East London on Wednesday 24th June. You can get your complimentary tickets here: https://mycenmac.com/CW2026