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Ann Saunders

Qualifications

  • B.Ed. Hons (SEND) [1985]

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies (Equality & Diversity) [2005]

  • Specialist Leader in Education (CPD for SEND) [2019]​​

 

Teaching Experience

  • I have had a varied teaching career for over 37years, always working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

  • I have taught in 9 different Special Schools with children with a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Specific Language Difficulties, Visual Impairments, Physical Disabilities, and Autism. 

  • I have worked as an Inclusion Coordinator (SENCO) in a Primary school for 2yrs

  • I created the SENCO role in an international school in Moscow for 18months

  • I have worked at Exeter House School (EHS) in Salisbury for 10yrs specialising in teaching Neurodivergent pupils with Autism and Severe Learning Disabilities

  • At EHS I was the Continual Professional Development Coordinator for 9yrs and Autism Department Head for 2yrs

  • At EHS I designed and delivered a number of training courses (Staff Induction sessions and courses on Autism, Intensive Interaction, Picture Exchange Communication system and Leadership skills) for both professionals and parents/carers

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Ongoing Professional Learning

  • Level 1 Executive Certificate in Co-Creative Transformational Coaching

  • TEACCH (Teaching and Education of Communicated Challenged Children)

  • Picture Exchange Communication Scheme (PECS)

  • Intensive Interaction

  • Attention Autism

  • Sensory Integration Awareness​

  • Derbyshire Language Scheme

  • Makaton Foundation Course

  • Dyslexia Teaching Techniques

  • Reseraching Inclusion in Education

  • How to Deliver Courses on Autism with the Autism Education Trust

  • Halliwick Swimming Certificate

  • STA Swimming Teacher’s Certificate

The Story of Sunlight Learning

​As a teacher, I (Ann Saunders) have always been dedicated to supporting parents in continuing their child’s learning at home. Yet, despite my efforts, I often felt that parents needed more practical guidance than I could provide. I continually sought ways to bridge this gap.​

 

In 2019, just before the pandemic, I visited South India, where I was born, to explore Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision. I found that while special schools existed, their standards were limited and that general hospitals were stepping in to fill this gap. At one hospital, I witnessed a unique approach: parents of children with learning difficulties or autism stayed for three months, learning practical educational techniques from professionals while working directly with their child. This empowered parents to continue their child’s education at home.This experience stayed with me, and during the 2020 pandemic lockdown in the UK, I found myself helping parents provide home learning for children with autism and severe learning difficulties. Through regular phone conversations, I guided parents on how to tailor learning to their child’s unique needs, sharing tools and strategies to make home education meaningful and achievable.​

 

While I am proud to have worked within UK’s robust SEND educational system since 1985. I have realised that most expertise and resources are focused on equipping school staff, leaving parents without the tools to extend learning at home. Sunlight Learning Consultancy was born to change this. It empowers parents with the skills and knowledge they need to  enrich their child’s life at home. Together, we can close this gap and create a stronger partnership between families and schools for the benefit of every child.

Sunlight Learning Consultancy
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