INSET days

My INSET sessions draw on my experience as a teacher, Deputy Headteacher and poet, with three areas of focus:

Making Poetry Exciting: practical, creative ways to bring poetry to life and develop children’s enjoyment of language. We explore playful approaches to words, rhyme and rhythm, giving teachers ideas they can take straight into the classroom. The aim is to help staff feel confident teaching poetry and inspire children to enjoy creating their own.

 Oracy and Performance Poetry: using poetry to build confidence, develop speaking and listening skills, and inspire children’s writing. We explore how volume, pace, expression and clear diction bring a poem to life. Teachers discover practical ways to encourage participation and help children find their voices.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: supporting staff wellbeing, including sessions on “Overcoming Self-Centred Fear and Anxiety”. These sessions offer time to reflect on the pressures we face and how fear and self-doubt can affect our confidence. Drawing on personal experience, I encourage an open, thoughtful conversation about looking after ourselves and supporting one another.

Every school, university and Multi-Academy Trust is different. Get in touch with me, Pep, to discuss your priorities, and together we’ll tailor a course to meet your needs.

I work with local councils and a wide range of community organisations, bringing people together through poetry, creativity and shared experiences. Sessions are adapted to suit the ages, interests and needs of each group.

Local Councils and Community Projects: engaging poetry and creative writing workshops that encourage participation, build confidence and bring communities together. Sessions can support local events, explore shared experiences or help people celebrate the places they call home.

HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Projects: fun, welcoming poetry activities for children and families during the school holidays, including those facing additional challenges. Through humour, performance and creative writing, children can explore their imagination, find their voices and feel proud of their achievements.

Community Groups and Organisations: friendly, interactive sessions for Women’s Institute (WI) groups, recovery groups, church groups and other community organisations. From entertaining poetry performances to creative workshops and conversations about wellbeing, each session offers opportunities for laughter, reflection and connection.

Every community is different. Get in touch with me, Pep, to discuss your council, organisation or group, and together we’ll tailor a session to meet your needs.