Francesca Parker

Research Associate

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGCE Secondary Science

Biography

I have been working on the ELCISS project since the beginning of October 2006. I am excited to be part of this valuable project and am I pleased to be able use many of the skills I've developed throughout my previous professional experience.

After completing my undergraduate psychology degree in 2001 I decided to train as a secondary school teacher. Once qualified I then went on to teach in a number of different secondary schools in the East and the South East of London.

Since working on this project I have been able to recognise that my teaching experience has helped me to appreciate many of the practical difficulties faced by teachers and the appreciation of specific support for children whom have language and communication difficulties.

I am also very conscious of the valuable role that Teaching Assistants play in the delivery of differentiated teaching. I am encouraged therefore that the ECLISS project seeks to make use of TAs in equipping them with specialist training to enhance capacity building.

Most recently, prior to joining the project, I spent three years managing a support service for adolescence and young adults with Aspergers Syndrome or other social and communication difficulties. This experience provided me with a solid understanding of the different natures of Language Impairments and the social challenges faced by those which such difficulties.

I regard a strength of the ELCISS project to be its focus on those children on mainstream education who do not have a formal diagnosis of any kind but demonstrate specific language difficulties and who otherwise may not receive any additional support.

Personal Interests

I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and entertaining friends at home. I am also committed to my local church and enjoy taking part in various community projects and activities which it organises.

Contact details

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