Do we need to be in the UK?

No. Lessons are entirely online, delivered in a safeguarded learning environment, and I teach children in the UK and internationally.

What age is this suitable for?

The two trial lessons are designed for children aged 4-8 working on phonics, reading and writing.

What happens after the two lessons?

Every child's literacy journey is unique. I take the time to understand where they are and where they're ready to go, then talk through a personalised plan - with no obligation to continue.

What do I need for the lesson?

Just a device with a camera and a quiet spot to sit with your child - I'll guide the rest.

Strong foundations. Confident, capable readers & writers.

Strong early foundations set children up to thrive at school and beyond. Book two trial lessons — £65 for both — and see how my phonics teaching helps your child make rapid progress in a nurturing environment that builds both skill and self-belief.

£65 for both — no obligation to continue afterwards.

Taught by me, every lesson — one-to-one, fully online, for families in the UK and abroad.

I work with families who:

Want to build strong English reading and writing foundations at home so their young children can thrive with confidence at school.

Want their children to make rapid progress in a nurturing environment that builds both skill and self-belief.

Want to help their child fall in love with reading and make a seamless shift from learning to read to reading to learn.

What happens in your two trial lessons

Trial lessons are the easiest way to see the difference for yourself, before deciding on anything more.

Step 1: An assessment lesson

I spend this lesson getting to know your child — their phonic knowledge, their reading confidence, and where they're getting stuck.

Step 2: A real lesson, tailored

You see exactly what an ongoing Flying Start Education lesson looks like, shaped around what the first lesson uncovered.

Step 3: A clear next step

We talk through your child's bespoke programme plan — tailored format, pace and focus — with no pressure to continue.

The Flying Start Education experience

Bespoke, one-to-one instruction

Tailored sessions designed around your child's unique learning profile.

Expert-led teaching

Tuition delivered by an early literacy specialist, not a rotating roster of tutors.

A foundation for future success

Mastery of phonics that builds reading fluency, confidence and a love of learning.

A calm, nurturing learning experience

A space where your child feels safe, seen and supported — with progress you can see and trust.

About the Founder

Sandy Macdonald

I bring over two decades of experience in education to my work as the founder of Flying Start Education. As a former Assistant Headteacher and early literacy specialist, I have dedicated my career to helping children develop strong, confident foundations in reading and writing.

I am passionate about making phonics clear, engaging and accessible for every child, and I believe that early success in reading and writing is key to long-term confidence and achievement.

What families say

"Teddy really enjoys the sessions and consistently leaves each one with renewed confidence. Over the course of just one year, he has made the equivalent of around three years' expected progress in reading and writing. We would definitely recommend the sessions, as Teddy has made accelerated progress far beyond typical classroom expectations."

Client Testimonial

"Sandy makes phonics fun and engaging whilst consistently delivering excellent results."

Parent

"Clear structure. Clear progress."

Parent

"Sandy's passion and expertise in Early Years education is exceptional. She has a particular strength in phonics and early reading."

Joanne Rich

Your two trial lessons

£65 for both

Two lessons, 30 minutes each
One-to-one, taught by me
An individual learning plan
Regular progress feedback
No obligation to continue

Questions parents ask

Give your child the flying start they need to thrive.

Book your two trial lessons for £65 - taught by me, personally.