About Me.
Hello, I’m Christopher Proudfoot
Children’s Author | Qualified Level 3 Teaching Assistant | SEND School Experience.
I write stories that support children in developing imagination, empathy, and self-expression, often exploring themes such as kindness, resilience, emotional wellbeing, environmental awareness, and navigating challenges like bullying or anxiety in age-appropriate ways. My work is shaped by experience working with a wide range of children, and by the belief that every child and every school has a story worth telling.
I am a qualified Level 3 Teaching Assistant and currently work in a SEND school, which has given me a strong understanding of inclusive practice, classroom dynamics, and the importance of adapting learning experiences to meet different needs. This experience informs both my writing and the way I work with children during school visits.
Alongside writing (and working as a TA), I work with primary schools to deliver engaging author talks and creative writing workshops. Every school has its own values, priorities, and areas of focus, and I enjoy tailoring sessions to reflect what a school is working on at the time, whether that is wellbeing, inclusion, respect, resilience, or a specific curriculum or PSHE theme.
I am the author of Ria the Anxious Hermit Crab, a children’s book that explores anxiety and self-confidence in a gentle, accessible way. My workshops are designed to support key curriculum aims, including spoken language, reading for pleasure, vocabulary development, narrative structure, and confident written expression.
I aim to create a calm, supportive environment where all children feel encouraged to participate, explore their ideas, and develop confidence in their own creative voice.
Much of my writing is inspired by a long-standing passion for the ocean, marine life, and fishkeeping. I believe the natural world offers a meaningful and engaging foundation for children’s stories to be built from.
I understand that teachers’ lives are extremely busy, and I do everything I can to make visits easy to organise and straightforward to run. Clear communication, flexible planning, and careful preparation ensure that sessions fit smoothly into the school day.
Author Visit Packages (In Person).
A visit from me, to your school. Three options available.
Format: Author-led
A relaxed author visit including a shared story, discussion, and Q&A. Designed to promote reading for pleasure, spoken language, and confidence, with themes linked to wellbeing and kindness.
This visit supports spoken language, listening skills, and reading for pleasure, while helping children feel confident asking questions and sharing their thoughts in a supportive environment.
Sessions can be adapted to suit different age groups and class needs.
This session lasts around 1.5- 2 hours per class
Format: Author-led
A practical creative writing workshop focused on story structure, idea generation, and developing children’s confidence as writers and illustrators.
A framework is provided as scaffolding in which to build upon. Then comes the creative freedom to create their own stories and afterwards, share their story with the rest of the class if they wish.
Worksheets provided are age and ability appropriate.
This session lasts around 2-3 hours. (Doesn’t have to be all in one go.)
Format: Author-led
A unique, collaborative project in which pupils help create a bespoke picture book designed specifically for your school.
The project is shaped around your school’s ethos, values, or current curriculum focus. Children contribute ideas, themes, characters, and illustrations, which are developed into a complete story that reflects what matters most to your school community.
Focusing on your goal, I can prepare a simple story framework before the visit, providing a clear beginning, middle, and end for children to build upon either by adding to the story as authors or as illustrators.
There is also an option for the completed story to be professionally produced as a printed picture book.
Classroom Resource Packages
Ideal for schools needing flexibility without hosting a visit. Three options available.
Format: Teacher-led
A flexible classroom resource designed to bring storytime and author insight into the classroom, without the need for a school visit.
This resource pack includes an exclusive animated version of ‘Ria the Anxious Hermit Crab’ as read by me. You will also receive structured discussion prompts about anxiety and wellbeing and classroom activities that teachers can deliver at a time that suits their timetable.
Classrooms are also encouraged to write down any questions that might pop up for the author and submit them to myself. I will reply as soon as possible.
Format: Teacher-led
A practical classroom resource that supports children in understanding how stories are structured and how they can create their own.
The resource provides a clear framework for teachers to guide pupils through the storytelling process, with flexibility for children to contribute in different ways.
Format: Teacher-led
A collaborative classroom project in which pupils contribute illustrations and ideas for a bespoke picture book created around the school’s values, curriculum focus, or chosen theme.
The project is designed to be delivered by teachers over a period of time and includes clear guidance, templates, and support materials.
Purchase a Book.
Contact Me.
Please use this form for any questions, booking enquiries, or pricing information. I’ll respond as soon as possible.