I do find the response encouraging and hope this is implemented. I went to see our MP shortly after attending the APPG meeting on Dyslexia and other SpLDs. If you click on the letter below it should become big enough to read.

Sara has recently been asked to support a school with EHCPs for several students.

“I am working with students who have EHCP with significant literacy needs as part of their EHCP. There is a requirement for them to have access to a specialist teacher and the plan is an initial meeting and some baseline assessments to see where they are currently, talk to them about lessons and what they feel helps them and get some in class strategies in place, then I will be working with staff possibly observing in class to see that the strategies are embedded and then hopefully working with TAs to train them in delivering effective 1-1 literacy sessions tailored to people’s needs.”

If you think you need something similar for your school/child please contact paul@literacysolutions.co.uk

 

Having just proofread a report for another dyslexia assessor, I think I was asked to offer an opinion.  The following is what I wrote:

Sara sometimes agonises over a diagnostic decision and asks my opinion.

I have to remind her that she is the expert and I am not.

In any report it is the recommendations that are the most important part and at that at least some of these are applied is most important overall.

However, if you do want my opinion of a diagnosis for this profile, when considering that his reading is OK, but his greatest weakness is with writing, despite having good vocabulary,

I would conclude Dysgraphia (Difficulty getting thoughts down in writing).

Our own son has very complex profile and is probably a high functioning autistic (Used to be referred to as Asperger’s).

His reading, comprehension and spelling skills are very high, but he struggles to write; dysgraphia was suggested after an assessment when he was 12 years old.

We had never heard of dysgraphia before, but it is a diagnosis that would fit his profile.

I hope that helps.

Best regards,

Paul Graham

Office Manager

www.literacysolutions.co.uk

 

Eventbrite – Organisations

Whether you are a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Parent or Employer or just want to learn more there will be a webinar to suit you.

Dyslexia and Sailing [premium] (dyslexicadvantage.org)

Having taken my son to several sailing competitions and talking to many parents on a casual basis, and even one of his coaches, who is a top class sailor, revealing his dyslexia, there is definitely a link between the top sailors and dyslexia.

It must have been 2007 or 2008 when Sara was approached by the Head Teacher from Sir John Thursby to become a Dyslexia Specialist and embark on a comprehensive course run by Edge Hill University. The government initiative at the time was for many people to become qualified dyslexia assessors and specialist teachers across the country; the qualified people would not only work for their school but would also support other local schools.

Dyslexia is apparently the most common SEN, affecting about 1 in 10 people.

When Sara had nearly completed her course, the 2009 banking crisis happened, and then the 2010 general election meant a change of government, and hence a change in government policy. So whilst Sara did complete her qualification, the job she was supposed to have disappeared.

Fortunately a sabbatical at the University of Edge Hill had been agreed, and Sara actually became a visiting lecturer to help others complete the specialist dyslexia course.

By 2012 Sara was becoming frustrated at not been able to use her qualification and skills benefit as many children as possible, so after some thought and planning she took the decision to become an independent dyslexia assessor and also offer specialist support, so Sara became self-employed in 2013 and Literacy Solutions was born.

Sara had also approached the University of Chester and became a part time visiting lecturer for the Ma Dyslexia Course.

By 2015 Sara was becoming very busy and came home saying she needed to employ someone, possibly part time to help her with administration. This is where the initiative of The Bespoke Administration Services or Business Butler came from. So I became Sara’s office manager.

So 5 years ago I began working for Sara and at the time I knew very little about dyslexia, marketing and my typing skills weren’t brilliant. I have learnt a great deal over the past 5 years about dyslexia and other SpLDS, and I have also developed many other skills.

Sara now has a number of local schools that she works for on a regular basis

This Sara at a local primary school with the UK’s tallest man 7’7″

The UK’s tallest man does motivational speaking about embracing difference,