About Huw Fifield
Specialist support for children who learn differently
Hello, I’m Huw Fifield.
I am a dyslexia specialist, SENCO, English teacher, author, consultant and qualified play therapist. My work supports children and families where learning has become difficult, stressful or emotionally overwhelming.
Over the years, I have worked with many neurodivergent learners, including children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and learning-related anxiety. Again and again, I have seen that children make the greatest progress when they feel understood, accepted and genuinely engaged in the learning process.
My Journey
Early in my teaching career, I used many of the traditional approaches common in schools: teacher-led lessons, textbooks, written work and lots of sitting still.
But I quickly saw that this did not work for every child.
Some learners became anxious. Some switched off. Some avoided reading or writing completely. Others were bright, creative and capable, but their strengths were not being recognised through standard methods.
That experience led me to develop a more student-centred approach: one that begins with the child’s interests, emotions, strengths and learning style.
A Holistic Approach to Learning and Wellbeing
My background brings together education and therapy.
As a dyslexia specialist and SENCO, I understand how learning difficulties can affect reading, writing, memory, confidence and classroom experience.
As a play therapist, I also understand that children’s emotional wellbeing has a direct impact on their ability to learn. Anxiety, frustration, shame or repeated failure can make it much harder for a child to concentrate, process information or take risks in learning.
This is why my work focuses on the whole child — not just academic targets.
Qualifications and Experience
My qualifications and experience include:
- Qualified Play Therapist
- Diploma in SpLD / Dyslexia
- PGCE
- MA Education / Linguistics
- SENCO and specialist teaching background
- Experience supporting learners with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety and additional needs
These qualifications and areas of work are listed across my professional profiles.
My Mission
My mission is to help children feel safe, capable and confident in their learning.
I support parents, educators and children by providing:
- Specialist tutoring
- Play therapy
- Parent guidance
- Practical learning resources
- Training on student-centred learning
- Strategies that reduce anxiety and increase engagement
Every child deserves to experience learning as something they can access, enjoy and grow through.
Who I Help
Every child is different. Some children struggle because of dyslexia. Others find it hard to concentrate, regulate emotions, manage transitions or cope with the demands of school.
I support children and families where learning and emotional wellbeing are closely connected.
Children With Dyslexia
Dyslexia can affect reading, spelling, writing, memory, processing and confidence. A child with dyslexia may:
- Avoid reading or writing
- Find phonics difficult
- Forget instructions
- Struggle with spelling patterns
- Become tired or frustrated by written work
- Feel less capable than they really are
Huw uses multi-sensory, visual, creative and personalised approaches to help dyslexic learners access literacy in a way that makes sense to them. His course materials explore alternatives to heavily auditory or text-based learning, including visual prompts, colour coding, playdough, drawing, sand tray work and interest-led reading materials.
Children With ADHD
Children with ADHD may need movement, novelty, creativity and variety to stay engaged. They may struggle with:
- Sitting still for long periods
- Sustained attention
- Organisation
- Emotional regulation
- Completing tasks that feel boring or disconnected
- Homework battles at home
A student-centred approach can help by building learning around movement, interests, short activities, games, visuals and choice. Huw’s methodology uses hobbies, drama, games and practical tasks to make learning more active and meaningful.
Autistic Learners
Autistic children may experience the school environment as stressful, unpredictable or overwhelming. They may need support with:
- Transitions
- Sensory overload
- Anxiety
- Communication
- Emotional regulation
- Feeling understood by adults around them
Huw’s approach focuses on predictability, emotional safety, clear communication and acceptance. His course explores how parents and schools can work together to create supportive environments for neurodiverse learners.
Children With Learning Anxiety
Sometimes the biggest barrier is not the task itself, but the fear around it. A child may say:
- “I’m rubbish at this.”
- “I can’t do it.”
- “I hate reading.”
- “I don’t want to go to school.”
- “My mind goes blank.”
Huw helps families understand how anxiety affects memory, reading, problem-solving and confidence. His training explains that pressure can create a fight-or-flight response, making learning much harder.
Parents Looking for Guidance
Parents often know their child is struggling, but are unsure what to do next. Huw can help parents:
- Understand their child’s learning profile
- Reduce homework stress
- Use creative learning strategies at home
- Prepare for meetings with school
- Advocate for their child’s needs
- Build confidence and connection