Educational Support and Services
Educational Support and Services since 2020
MeldSys was inaugurated in 2020 in response to a need for online educational training, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19. It aims to offer a range of educational training and services to support the needs of institutions, teachers, practitioners and parents.
Maria has been developing and delivering training for teachers and parents since 1997. Her aim is to keep teachers and parents informed of evidence-based educational practices that work, based on the latest research findings. She helps teachers to improve their practice and has a special interest in promoting the secure establishment of children's literacy foundations by supporting parents and all those involved in early years provision.
Maria Kay is the founding educationalist of MeldSys, with over 40 years' experience across all sectors – pre-school to university. Originally a business teacher, she has held managerial posts in schools, FE, government departments and exam boards and has been an educational consultant and advisor.
Maria is the founder of Sounds and Symbols™, a literacy-through-music programme for early years' children, Director of Bryant and Kay Publishing and author of “Sound Before Symbol: Developing Literacy through Music”, published by SAGE.
She is a regular contributor to Teach Early Years magazine and was a Superjudge for the BBC Radio 2's “500 Words” children's annual story writing competition.
A unique literacy-through-music programme for pre-school children (0-8 years). Based on the book “Sound Before Symbol”, the programme combines music and literacy to build vital skills. A trading name of MeldSys Limited, Fochabers, Moray. Registered in Scotland. Company No. 501276
Publishing arm of MeldSys, producing educational books and resources including the Sound Before Symbol book, the My Cat Ben Songbook, alphabet books, and various practitioner resources. A trading name of MeldSys Limited, Fochabers, Moray. Registered in Scotland. Company No. 501296
Read what education directors and department heads say about our training, expertise, and guidance.
— Christina Maldonado-Marzullo, Director“Thank you for your guidance and expertise. I believe you have helped me become a better Director.”
— Brooke Lake, Director“Maria Kay has provided excellent training, academic advice, support and guidance for our early years setting.”
— Debra Susens, HoD“Provision of effective initial training by Maria Kay was a critical catalyst for further training and teacher improvement throughout the year. The training was put into practice; teacher confidence increased and subsequently student performance.”
— Kym Godwin, Director“After training with Ms Maria this year, our teachers have grown significantly in their professional conduct and are much more effective in the classroom. She brings a wide range of expertise and experience to her sessions.”