About us

About us.


SpLD South is an educational service for children and adults, offering diagnostic assessments, specialist tuition, intervention and consultancy. We offer specialist advice and support pathways on Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), Literacy Difficulties and Visual Stress (Irlen Syndrome) within pre and post-16 education and the workplace, as well as everyday life. The service is open to everyone; from learners or employees experiencing a barrier in an aspect of their professional / learning development to those who wish to learn more about SpLDs.

Meet the team.

Jo Deering

SpLD Specialist Assessor & Tutor

Jo has worked with Higher Education (HE) level students with SpLDs since 2004. Her HE experience and freelance work with assessment, tuition and research has allowed her to meet people from a range of backgrounds and settings. Jo’s area of interest is the impact of SpLDs within the caring professions, especially Social Work, and has recently had her article published in the Journal of Neurodiversity in Higher Education.


Jo gained a distinction in MA Adult Dyslexia Diagnosis and Support, holds a Patoss Assessment Practising Certificate, Teaching Practising Certificate, TESOL Certification and is a Certified Irlen Screener.

David Deering

Teacher of English (QTS),

SpLD Specialist Assessor & Tutor

David is a qualified Teacher of English (Secondary) and has a wealth of over 15 years’ experience working with young people and adults. He also has industry experience; his time as an Engineer gives David an insight into industry experiences and the difficulties employees may encounter.


In recent years, David has specialised with one-to-one and small group literacy intervention within a Secondary School. David is an Associated Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA). He has been awarded a distinction in PG Cert Language, Literacies and Dyslexia from The University of Birmingham and holds a Patoss Assessment Practising Certificate.

Our aims.


Our aim is to offer a high-quality, friendly and person-centred service that empowers individuals to realise and reach their full potential within their studies or the workplace. This is achieved by working closely with individuals, incorporating best teaching and advisory practice and legislative frameworks, whilst acknowledging the principles of social justice.