What are people saying about us?
"Not all superheroes wear capes. At the point that Charlie came into our lives, my daughter was overwhelmed by school, had seriously low self-confidence in the classroom and was disengaged with learning in general. Since having weekly sessions with Charlie her confidence has skyrocketed, she's gone up eight levels in her reading and is achieving top marks in maths. Charlie creates a wholesome, safe and nurturing environment in which learning is genuinely fun. She has also supported my son who is navigating the path to senior school, and her ability to understand both of our children's different needs and personalities and attune her teaching style to suit them is remarkable. As a family, we feel blessed to have Charlie in our lives."
Julia, Hove
Charlie has been working with my son for two years. When she started Luca struggled with low confidence and had gaps in his learning both in Maths and English. Since working with Charlie he has improved significantly in all areas in both subjects.
Luca’s confidence has grown and his self belief has strengthen. He looks forward to his sessions, even when he has done a full day at school.
Charlie teaches in a relaxed format, playing games, using a tablet, and uses my child’s interest in a way to help him learn.
Charlie has become a key part of my child’s education. He looks forward to seeing her each week and says he never wants her to stop tutoring him. I can not recommend her more highly.
Alicia, Hurstpierpoint
“Putting the neurodivergent lens on my everyday practice will help with patience and understanding in my role. I also felt that the content of the presentation would help me to navigate potentially emotive meetings with parents more smoothly.” Alice, School Leader, Lewes
"The only thing that's not stupid about school is Charlie."
Lyla, aged 6
"If you are fortunate, you will have fond memories of a special teacher or headteacher who has had a lasting positive influence on your life. Charlie is, without a doubt, that person for my daughter (and her mum!). Through an immensely challenging time, Charlie gave my daughter and us the support and guidance that we needed - I cannot stress enough how blessed I feel that Charlie was there to 'swoop my daughter up'. She did this with great insight, respect, and empathy. Years on, and my daughter is a happier, more confident, and engaged person. Big thanks go to Charlie for she played in helping my girl get there."
Lisa, Brighton
‘Charlie has provided 1:1 tutoring for my daughters over the Easter holidays. Both girls have absolutely loved the experience and are keen to go back for more. She has a lovely private setting with two adorable guinea pigs, creating a peaceful, nurturing environment.
Charlie helped my eldest to gain confidence in completing upcoming SATS, whilst my younger daughter explored her own emotional experience and developed her understanding of time.
Charlie has the ability to make learning fun and to calming anxieties around school. She is a fantastic resource and we feel very grateful for her support.’
Josie, Hove
“Training really helped us to look at the classroom through the eyes of the children and explained why some of what we were doing was not working. really invaluable!” Laura, English teacher, Sussex
“Charlie Parker from, Connection First came to visit us at St Martin's and delivered training to all staff on, neurodiversity, support and 'quick wins' in the classroom. Charlie's empathetic, compassionate approach to and the her belief that 'children will do well when they can,' has had a huge impact on staff understanding and practise. Training around the sympathetic nervous system and behaviours of fight, flight, freeze and fawn gave staff an excellent insight into why children react in the way they do. Charlie, understands the primary classroom and shared a plethora of practical ideas around environment, planning, intervention and communication to support children, enabling them to access their learning in school. I had excellent feedback from staff who attended the training and have since noticed a shift in our approach on a day-to-day basis. Charlie has an absolute wealth of experience and I highly recommend Connection First. Thank you, Charlie.” Claire - SENCO Brighton
“I found it incredibly informative, engaging and Charlie spoke with real compassion and passion.” Jenny, West Sussex
“Charlie at Connection First proved an invaluable support for our school. Her expertise, alongside an incredibly calm and considered approach allowed us to implement invaluable intervention to support children from the very first meeting. I would thoroughly recommend. We will certainly be calling on Connection First in the future.” Leanne - school leader Hove
“The training had a personal feel to it which enabled me to connect with the issues discussed more easily. “ Teacher, East Sussex