I am a creative consultant, children's poet and author specialising in the teaching of English at primary and secondary levels incorporating the use of drama.

I can perform to large groups of pupils providing the inspiration necessary to go on to teach specific year groups.

I am an English enthusiast and idealist. If you want to improve your children's writing then please contact me - I will make a vital difference to those children and, in the opinion of many of the schools, especially the boys.

I am very experienced in managing the different needs of each school. Please do not worry about arrangements. I can very quickly assess needs with minimum fuss. A five-minute phone call will suffice.

I can coach/teach Year 2 and Year 6 pupils in preparation for SATs, Key Stage 1 and 2

I teach pupils of all year groups at any time of the year (I often work during book weeks).

I concentrate on the teaching of extended writing based on drama exercises, and non-rhyming poetry.

I offer INSET sessions to explain my technique for improving children's writing.

I have been engaged as a speaker at head teacher/deputy head teacher conferences.

I have fifteen years of experience in teaching in schools.

Please visit my website for further details of my work in schools, testimonials and my books
WWW.INSPIRETOWRITE.CO.UK

Cross Artform Experience: Literature, Music/Singing, Drama/Theatre

2013: A Sky Full of Sunshine - Children's poetry collection for KS1 and KS2 2013: I know about the Staff Room - children's poetry on theme of school KS2 2013: Drama for Creative Writing and Contextual Grammar 2012: Do the Dinoaurus - CD of songs 2012: Chocolatay! - CD of songs (re-release of Go Teddy Go) 2012: A Handful of Happiness - children's poetry collection KS2 2011: Smile - children's poetry collection KS1/2 2010: Revenge of the Sea Spirit - children's adventure novel (Vol 3/3) 2010: Dead or Alive - children's adventure novel (Vol2/3) 2009: Midnight Mystery - children's adventure novel (Vol1/3) 2009: Wild! - children's poetry collection 2008: Metaphor Man - children's poetry collection 2007: Learning to Fly - novel 11-14 years on a bullying theme 2006: The White Book 2006: Two into One 2005: When... 2004: Teacher's Cauldron - children's poetry collection 2003: Living in another world - children's poetry collection 2002: Go Teddy Go! - CD of performance poetry-songs 2002: The Elf who sang the King to Sleep - fables and fairy tales 2001: Handy Andy has the Candy - children's poetry collection 2001: The Great Sweetshop Robbery and other poems - children's poetry collection 2000: Pedro's Magic Shoes - children's novel (first published as Leo's Magic Shoes in 1999) 1998: Seven Summers - poetry collection 1997: Get a Life - poetry collection 1997: Speaking out - audio collection of poetry 1996: Inside Out - poetry collection

I have known David Mason for the past six years. David has been leading Drama and Writing / Poetry sessions on an annual basis at Stanford Primary school in South London. I was Headteacher at this school until July 2006, and would normally employ David for at least two full days every year. I have also just booked him to come and work in my new school with a very demanding Year 5 class, under the pretext that we are aiming to improve standards and encourage writing.

Both of these schools have faced very challenging circumstances, and would be considered demanding places to work. The children come in with very low ability and we experience a high degree of social and behavioural challenges. My current school has in excess of 50% on role who are receiving Free School Meals, which indicates a much higher than average level of social deprivation.

I have found David to be an excellent motivator of children, and someone who is not afraid to get really involved. He is extremely capable when dealing with reluctant workers and has been able to motivate some very difficult pupils. All teachers who have worked alongside him talk very highly of the work that he has done, even some of my more cynical members of staff!

Through Drama, creativity and sharing of his own work David has been able to get children writing. He will identify the child who needs support very quickly, and is able to encourage them with an easy and supportive manner. I would have no hesitation asking David to take any class, or group of pupils in either of the schools in which I have been Headteacher.

Encouraging reluctant pupils to write is very challenging and I feel David has had a real impact in this area. His work in upper Key Stage 2 has had real impact through the school; his input has certainly helped in our drive to raise standards. He has a unique way of working that staff and children find refreshing along with a clear passion and enthusiasm for what he does.

I would recommend David to work in any school, or with any groups of children.

Headteacher Castle Hill Community Primary School, Kent

David has worked in Haslemere School four days per year over the last five years. The school has a high proportion of SEN, EAL pupils. Through his vibrant and exciting approach, David has managed to inspire and engage all our children.

He is well aware of current developments in literacy and is one step ahead in his working towards a wider creative curriculum.

Writing has improved significantly and, as a consequence, literacy SATs results.

Deputy Head Haslemere Primary School, London