Customers testimonials...
Below you can find a selection of testimonials of people who have found Alyson and Access Success to have been of benefit to them and their families.
“Following my assessment, the report makes very interesting reading and I have already had quite a few 'lightbulb' moments, and realising why I do things in a certain way. Also, I have definitely had a shift, in terms of not 'blaming' myself as not being good enough, but instead being a bit kinder to myself and accepting that this is just the way I am. I still need to do the work, but knowing a bit more about how I tick, is helping me hugely. So thanks very much!"
Jess:
Workplace Assessment, Devon
June 2020
June 2020
“Alyson supported me during my A Levels at Richard Huish College, she helped me with working towards my Health and Social Care and Physical Education exams. Learning with her helped me academically but also raised my confidence and made me believe that I could do well and succeed. She motivated me to work harder and apply myself to my work using the most effective strategy. Her teaching style was brilliant because there were a variety of methods that we would use to make sure I retained the information. I definitely benefitted from working with Access Success during my A Levels.”
Florence
Student in Taunton, Somerset - September 2014
“I have been really impressed with the service I have received from Access Success for my son James, from initial consultation and assessment through to ongoing touch typing lessons. Alyson has provided me with a much greater understanding of James’ learning needs which enabled me to communicate more effectively with his school regarding the support he requires. James has really enjoyed working with Alyson and I would not hesitate to recommend Access Success to anyone who has concerns about their child’s learning.”
Rachel:
Parent from Taunton, Somerset - September 2014
“Alyson has worked with several of our students to develop the valuable skill of touch typing. She has an excellent rapport with students of all ages and helps them recognise and cultivate their individual strengths. I highly recommend her."
Kate Walters
SENCo at Taunton School, Taunton, Somerset - March 2019
“A quiet, professional but homely environment. Alyson soon put Harry at ease and the assessment went smoothly. A detailed report was quickly produced with pointers for parents and teachers."
Rachel
Parent from Taunton, Somerset - March 2019
“Access Success offers a unique and professional support service for anyone wishing to progress their learning. The approach is both broad-based and highly personalised, giving each student the confidence to build on their skills and take the important steps towards fulfilling their potential. Alyson Spiller is a qualified and experienced practitioner, having led the the dyslexia support services at Richard Huish College for many years. She offers the most comprehensive assessment reports that I have ever come across, along with excellent, practical advice. A wide range of study skills support is offered, including essay writing, revision and touch-typing. Students enjoy the sessions and I have seen both confidence and performance transformed into exam success within a few months.”
Kate Littlewood
Head of Learning Development Queen’s College in Taunton, Somerset - January 2013
“Alyson's calm and supportive approach ensured that our son felt very comfortable and looked forward to working with her on the activities he undertook as part of his assessment. She took time to explain the results in a way that helped him to focus on his strengths, as well as the things he finds more difficult, which has really boosted his confidence and self-belief. Alyson's report has provided us with clear next steps and a range of ideas for how best to support our son, and these have made a huge difference to his attainment and engagement at school."
Carly
Parent from Taunton, Somerset - January 2019
“I was nervous having to undertake a dyslexia test, however as soon as I met Alyson I felt at ease. We went through the test at my pace, in the quiet and calm environment of her home.
Alyson's gentle, patient and friendly manner and her positive attitude to dyslexia is something that will stay with me. She made me realise that the struggles I have had, had a reason and that there are solutions and some I'm already using.
Alyson spent a lot of time explaining the results and after originally feeling frustrated with myself, she helped me to realise its infact part of who I am that makes me unique and there are many positives to dyslexia. I shall always be grateful.
I've recently been accepted to train as a midwife and thank you Alyson for all your support. I would whole heartedly recommend Alyson to anyone looking for a dyslexia assessment."
Naomi
Bristol, Somerset - March 2019
“My son was desperately struggling at school and was having to redo work from previous years and still having difficulties with understanding.. He was working below expected standards for his age even with extra help at school.
It was beginning to affect his mental health and he was starting to think that he was stupid, he began to hate school and his confidence dropped. There is a family history of dyslexia and I expressed this to his school and they agreed that they also had concerns but they were struggling to complete an assessment. Therefore, I took matters into my own hands and I was given Alyson's name by my GP. I quickly managed to arrange an appointment for my son to carry out an assessment.
Alyson was incredibly welcoming, patient, understanding and supportive to both my son and myself. She explained everthing in detail which my son understood and instantly put us both at ease. The assessment took some time but it was well planned so my son would manage to complete it to the best of his ability and he left feeling confident with the positive insight Alyson had given him.
I returned to meet Alyson without my son to discuss his results. This was brilliant as we were able to speak in great detail about the assessment and it was explained in a way that I could understand. Yes, my son is dyslexic but Alyson had a whole detailed report on how we can positively support my son, not just at school but at home.
My son's confidence has grown so much already and we are putting more support in place to help him. Alyson has spoken to the school herself and has continued to be supportive, I can't thank her enough. She has gone above and beyond the expectations and made a very stressful time much easier. I would happily return to her in the future, if needed. Highly recommended."
It was beginning to affect his mental health and he was starting to think that he was stupid, he began to hate school and his confidence dropped. There is a family history of dyslexia and I expressed this to his school and they agreed that they also had concerns but they were struggling to complete an assessment. Therefore, I took matters into my own hands and I was given Alyson's name by my GP. I quickly managed to arrange an appointment for my son to carry out an assessment.
Alyson was incredibly welcoming, patient, understanding and supportive to both my son and myself. She explained everthing in detail which my son understood and instantly put us both at ease. The assessment took some time but it was well planned so my son would manage to complete it to the best of his ability and he left feeling confident with the positive insight Alyson had given him.
I returned to meet Alyson without my son to discuss his results. This was brilliant as we were able to speak in great detail about the assessment and it was explained in a way that I could understand. Yes, my son is dyslexic but Alyson had a whole detailed report on how we can positively support my son, not just at school but at home.
My son's confidence has grown so much already and we are putting more support in place to help him. Alyson has spoken to the school herself and has continued to be supportive, I can't thank her enough. She has gone above and beyond the expectations and made a very stressful time much easier. I would happily return to her in the future, if needed. Highly recommended."
Kim
Parent from Taunton, Somerset - April 2019
“Alyson's calm and supportive approach ensured that our son felt very comfortable and looked forward to working with her on the activities he undertook as part of his assessment. She took time to explain the results in a way that helped him to focus on his strengths, as well as the things he finds more difficult, which has really boosted his confidence and self-belief. Alyson's report has provided us with clear next steps and a range of ideas for how best to support our son, and these have made a huge difference to his attainment and engagement at school."
Carly
Parent from Taunton, Somerset - January 2019
“Access Success offers a unique and professional support service for anyone wishing to progress their learning. The approach is both broad-based and highly personalised, giving each student the confidence to build on their skills and take the important steps towards fulfilling their potential. Alyson Spiller is a qualified and experienced practitioner, having led the the dyslexia support services at Richard Huish College for many years. She offers the most comprehensive assessment reports that I have ever come across, along with excellent, practical advice. A wide range of study skills support is offered, including essay writing, revision and touch-typing. Students enjoy the sessions and I have seen both confidence and performance transformed into exam success within a few months.”
Kate Littlewood
Head of Learning Development Queen’s College in Taunton, Somerset - January 2013
Access Success Clips
Watch the following film clips to experience a taste of the services on offer from Access Success:
Famous Dyslexics
A small selection of quotes from some famous dyslexics, to read the full quotes, please click the button below.
“I fell in love with drama at school, where I struggled with other lessons because of my dyslexia."
It was with great regret that I didn’t do better at school. People just thought I was thick..."
Will Smith struggled with reading at school and felt like he wasn’t good enough.
“You are not alone, and while you will have dyslexia for the rest of your life, you can dart between the raindrops to get where you want to go. It will not hold you back.”
“My dyslexia has given me a massive advantage in life. It has helped me to think creatively and laterally, and to simplify things...”
About Alyson and Access Success
I am a specialist teacher and assessor recognised by the Professional Association of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS) and the British Dyslexia Association.
Access Success aims to provide discreet and efficient assessment for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia. Covering the south west area throughout Somerset and Devon, Alyson is always on hand to help. If you would like more information or an informal chat about your requirements or for those of a child then please contact Alyson here.
All information discussed will be treated as private and confidential.