I am an award-winning children's author, comedy performance poet, entertainer and educator - with a 25-year background in communication management and mentoring - using fun poetry writing and performance workshops to develop literacy, confidence, creativity and communications skills in 3-103 yr olds.
I make language accessible for the least engaged and stretch the most able. I have worked in all 33 London Boroughs and many other UK cities.
My performance experience covers 25 years in West End comedy clubs, theatres, arts centres etc including six years hosting and running my own comedy and spoken word venue.
I am available for any kind of face-to-face or virtual/online poetry-related bookings e.g. assembly performances, writing and/or performance workshops, presentations, entertainment, Q&As, book sales and signings, INSETS etc. I spend most days in primary or secondary schools with whole classes, able writers, reluctant readers, EAL, SEN etc.
I also have extensive experience of working with adults, senior citizens, teen offenders and in areas of homelessness, SEND, mental health, 'drugs & alcohol', brain injury, those in care, families at risk, refugees and many more.
I have a full current DBS and £5m public liability insurance.
See www.cccpworkshops.co.uk for more info and, if you're not sure I'll do a good job for you, please see my 'Reviews' section on my site.
Schools
I work with anyone: whole classes, more able, reluctant readers, EAL, SEND, families etc. Sessions with me could include:
One Day Visit - All ages, working with whole classes or target groups running numerous poetry writing or performance workshops, assembly, year or class performances (from me), Q&As, book sale and signing. Price: £350/day + travel.
Literacy Booster - Fun poetry writing or performance workshops for targeted groups e.g. hard to engage boys, low confidence students etc. These work best over a series of sessions/weeks so I will price these once I have a better idea of your needs.
Poetry Slam - All-day fun performance poetry competition for whole-school or whole-year, book sale and signing. Price: £350/day + travel.
Books Sale & Signings (as part of visit) – My many children's poetry books are listed below, all £6 to £8 (+ P+P if required) but only signed/dedicated if ordered from me, and at no extra cost.
INSETS - Please email me for details.
Residencies - A more planned and long-term approach to using me over time that gives you generous discounts and helps me make more of a difference in your school. Ask for more details.
Neal was a fantastic surprise for our children during World Book Day. He was engaging throughout the zooms and the children have praised him for being very funny. The staff have also said that the workshops Neal provided were great. I would definitely recommend!