About us - Our story

As educators, we share the same deep concern that too many children are falling behind in reading, writing, and their own communication mastery. Witnessing year after year this generation unable to achieve GCSEs due to their reading ability being too low to fully understand the questions, is a heart breaking crisis. Heart breaking because it is not necessarily the student's subject knowledge, their effort to study or their desire to apply themselves, but rather their grasp of literacy - in how to comprehend what the questions entails and the word application to master expressing their answers in written word. 

In a world of instant content and shrinking attention spans, the methodical, deeper engagement that literacy demands is being lost. And when learners fall behind, the gap doesn’t close — it widens and far too common we turn young people out into the world of work with a  communication age far below what it should be, rendering them not fully equipped to read job descriptions, fill in applications or indeed competent to articulate themselves in interviews. When you understand the fundamental survival power embedded in a person's literacy skills, then you understand it really trumps everything.

Founded by Lainy Spinks, a passionate Literacy Specialist Consultant, Literacy Health exists to change that narrative. Lainy has worked across all key stages — from early years to adult education, bringing a wealth of experience, insight, and innovation to every setting.

At the heart of Literacy Health are three core values:

  • Equity — Every learner deserves access to high-quality literacy support, regardless of background or barriers.
  • Empowerment — Educators are the key to change. We equip them with the skills, strategies, and confidence to make a lasting impact.
  • Connection — Literacy is more than a skill; it’s the foundation of human communication, self-expression, and opportunity.

Together, we’re building a future where every learner can communicate to their full potential.

About us - Expertise

Founded by Lainy Spinks, Literacy Health is built on decades of hands-on experience in literacy education across all key stages — from early years to adult learners. Lainy’s journey began in the classroom over 20 years ago, where she has since had teaching experience in both primary and secondary settings, gaining great insight that literacy is key to opening up the wider curriculum.

With a background in school improvement, curriculum development, teacher training, and inclusive education, Lainy brings a unique blend of practical insight and strategic thinking to place her as an expert in her field. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practice, but always tailored to the real-world challenges educators face today.

Why your setting needs guidance from a Literacy Health expert:

  • Understanding literacy as a health issue, not just an academic one.
  • Empowering educators with tools to engage and bring on learners that really work in classrooms.
  • Championing equity, so every learner — regardless of starting points — have the chance to master literacy.

Whether supporting whole-school transformation or delivering targeted CPD, Lainy’s expertise helps schools and organisations build a culture where literacy is not just taught — it’s lived.

Ideal clients

At Literacy Health, we work with educators, schools, and organisations who are committed to improving literacy outcomes but face real, everyday challenges in doing so.

Our ideal clients include:

  • School leaders seeking whole-school literacy transformation
  • Teachers looking for practical, high-impact CPD
  • Trusts and academies aiming to close attainment gaps
  • Organisations working to improve adult literacy and communication skills

🚩 Common Challenges We Help Solve:

  • Learners falling behind in reading and writing
  • Low engagement and confidence in literacy lessons
  • Behavioural issues linked to poor literacy access
  • Staff feeling under-equipped to support diverse literacy needs
  • A lack of consistent, curriculum-aligned literacy strategies across key stages

Whether you're facing a literacy crisis or simply want to strengthen your practice, we bring the insight, tools, and support to help you make lasting change.

What to expect

When you work with Literacy Health, you can expect a partnership that’s practical, personalised, and rooted in real impact.

We begin by understanding your unique context — whether you're a school, trust, or organisation — and identifying the specific literacy challenges you face. From there, we co-design solutions that are evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with your goals.

✅ What You Can Expect:

  • A tailored literacy health audit to pinpoint strengths and areas for growth
  • Hands-on support through CPD, coaching, and strategic planning
  • Practical tools and strategies that work across all key stages
  • A focus on building staff confidence and learner engagement
  • Ongoing collaboration to ensure sustainable change

📊 Proven Results:

Our clients have seen:

  • Improved reading ages and writing outcomes
  • Increased learner confidence and classroom engagement
  • Reduced behavioural issues linked to literacy frustration
  • Stronger staff capacity to support diverse literacy needs
  • Whole-school shifts in literacy culture and practice

At Literacy Health, we don’t just deliver training — we help build literacy rich learning environments.