Opening Doors

A practical framework advocating for an English curriculum which provides excellence and equity for all.

As a proud member of Bob Cox’s Opening Doors team, I offer professional learning experiences in the form of training courses, events and bespoke consultancy to schools and educational organisations.

The Opening Doors approach places the engagement and learning of educational professionals at the heart of its practice, valuing longevity of development and lasting impact.

The Opening Doors principles can be used as a stand-alone approach or to adapt and improve your current English curriculum without having to start from the beginning. A philosophy which encapsulates so much more than a ready-made set of lessons or a downloadable suite of slides. It’s an offering of engaging and immersive lesson sequences which have aspirational expectations for every single pupil in your class.

Taking its inspiration from high-quality texts, which include all of the ‘grammar in action’ impact which you could ever hope to engage your pupils with, the Opening Doors approach explores writing through concepts, rather than the narrowly-defined, tick-list approach which can be produced from a focus solely on genres.

I know from working with so many schools how much excellence and ambition for all of their pupils means to teachers; now why not ask me for support to discover the means and methodology to make it happen in the classroom.

I work in partnership with schools to inspire confidence and creativity in the teaching of English. My training is practical, supportive and designed to give teachers strategies they can use straight away – helping them feel equipped and empowered.

Do get in touch for a free consultation to find out how I can work with your school to enhance your current English curriculum offering, guaranteeing access and enjoyment for all.

20250610_143805 (1) — Sparking curiosity at a Birmingham Education Partnership training session

Laura Spargo and Bob Cox — Founder of Opening Doors, Bob Cox and I at this year’s CLiPPA Poetry Awards

Bob Cox’s Opening Doors team (from left to right) myself, Angela Jenkins, Leah Crawford, Julie Sargent

It starts with the books! Take a look at the Opening Doors series to ignite your ideas

An eager crowd at The English Association’s Opening Doors showcase event

Angela and I speaking at Summit Learning Trust’s ‘Be Curious’ conference

Radial questions and John Agard’s poetry – sparking imagination at Inspire Partnership’s schools

Using small, enticing slithers of a text hooks the reader in and promotes access for all

Radial Layouts provide the opportunity to scaffold and deepen thinking with carefully formed questions

Opening Doors training sessions guarantee:

An abundance of writing opportunities and exploration of challenging texts which will be used to inspire all of your learners – whatever stage of the English journey they are currently at.

A range of practical strategies which can be implemented in classrooms the very next day – enhancing your current English provision.

Enthusiasm from staff for creating their own learning experiences based on the Opening Doors framework and the guidance and suggestions shared within the expertly-crafted resources.

Discover more about what Opening Doors can offer your teachers and their pupils

Check out the Opening Doors educational book series

Let’s work together

Book your free consultation today and let’s explore how Opening Doors can transform English teaching in your school – giving every pupil the chance to excel.

Contact me for a free consultation