Toyah Willcox shares her dyslexia ‘superpower’ at Chester trust event

By Sallie Ehlen 27th Feb 2025

NWAT teaching staff with guest speaker, Toyah Willcox at the annual Trust Inset Day event (Image via: NWAT)
NWAT teaching staff with guest speaker, Toyah Willcox at the annual Trust Inset Day event (Image via: NWAT)

Chester based, North West Academies Trust (NWAT) welcomed a special guest at its annual trust inset day event on Friday 14 February.

The day brought together 230 educators from 12 primary and senior schools, dedicated to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Held at Rudheath Senior School, the event featured expert-led workshops and a keynote address by musician and actress, Toyah Willcox. 

The event provided an opportunity for teaching staff to enhance their knowledge and strategies for supporting students with SEND.

Toyah Willcox shared her personal experiences of living with dyslexia, which she described as her 'superpower'.

Her session left a lasting impression, as she encouraged educators to embrace neurodiversity and recognise the unique strengths of all learners. 

Toyah Willcox encouraged educators to embrace neurodiversity and recognise the unique strengths of all learners (Image via: NWAT)

In addition to the keynote speech, the day featured a series of SEND-focused workshops covering crucial topics such as Speech Therapy, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Dyslexia, Childhood Anxiety, Makaton and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Practices.

These sessions were led by a range of specialists, including Dr. Carly Danesh-Jones MBE, who delivered an insightful talk on autism. 

Steve Docking OBE, NWAT CEO, said: "Supporting children with SEND is a key priority for our schools, and this event provided invaluable training and inspiration for our staff.

"Toyah's words were truly uplifting, and the workshops delivered practical strategies that will benefit staff and students across our Trust." 

For further information on NWAT visit here.

     

Please Donate Chester. Your City. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Chester.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide chester with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Chester. Your City. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience