Our Writers in Residence

Sam Scott

One of the best things I do as an author is to visit schools and encourage children with their reading and creativity. It is my greatest honour to be Author in Residence at West Horndon, which was the first school I visited when I became published. They have supported me and it is a huge privilege to support them too

Sam Scott is a regular visitor to the school, where she enjoys working with pupils to inspire a love of reading and storytelling. She also frequently accompanies the school on visits to the Tower of London, which is the atmospheric setting for one of her books. These visits help bring her stories to life, allowing children to connect literature with real historical places.

Chris Connaughton

Stories and literacy are the keys to unlock so many doors. Those of the imagination, and also of opportunity. WHP allows me to put a love of story and storytelling front and centre during my visits and it's a delight to see the children's minds open up as they listen and take part. I like to think that I play a part in building their confidence to write, and also to recite and perform their work.

Chris Connaughton is a British author and actor who brings energy, humour, and warmth to everything he does. His books are fast-paced, imaginative, and full of fun, making them a real hit with children and helping even the most reluctant readers engage with stories.

With his background as a performer, Chris is a natural storyteller. His stories are written to be enjoyed out loud as well as read independently, and his playful use of language, memorable characters, and lively delivery make his work especially appealing to young audiences.

Chris is a much-loved regular visitor to the school, and we particularly value his bespoke visits, which are carefully tailored to our pupils. His sessions are lively, inclusive, and full of laughter, and he has a wonderful way of making children feel confident to share ideas, take creative risks, and enjoy storytelling.

Through both his writing and his visits, Chris Connaughton helps children see that stories are something to be enjoyed, played with, and shared.

Neil Davies

"Teaching young children is a privilege, and one of the greatest pleasures is seeing children who may lack confidence in spoken language express themselves fully through writing. I know this feeling well—I was that child. I have always loved reading because it transported me to different times and worlds, but writing gave me the opportunity to create those worlds myself and bring my imagination to life. Inviting readers into those imagined spaces is an incredible thrill, and I love sharing my passion for language and the power of storytelling with the children I teach."

Neil Davies is a writer and teacher from South Ockendon, Essex. Tin Soldiers marks a dream come true as his debut publication, inspired by his Great Grandad’s wartime diary and a lifelong fascination with history, family, and the resilience of ordinary people. By day, Neil works as a teacher, sharing his love of stories and the past with his pupils. Outside the classroom, he enjoys travelling the UK in his campervan, Rosie, with his wife Angela, their two sons, Freddie and Albie, and their faithful dog, Percy. These adventures—and the characters they encounter—often inspire ideas for new stories. Tin Soldiers brings together Neil’s passion for storytelling, education, and heritage in a heartfelt tale for young readers.