Should I be doing more? Dyslexia...

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

At parents evening in April, DS2's teacher mentioned having him tested for dyslexia. I was pleased as I had been wondering myself. I mentioned it to the teacher a couple of weeks ago at the gates and he said that it would be slow because the SEN teacher has recently resigned.

I don't know what to do now. Should I be pushing more? But what is the point if there is no teacher to do the test? I feel like I'm letting DS2 down. He's in year 5 btw.

[AnnieOnnieMouse]

keep nagging - it's worth having it all in place by the time he starts secondary school. The teacher herself doesn't do the test, it is usually done by someone specific from, maybe LA, or something. The head teacher could do the referral, I think. We had our dd and my dh assessed privately, as we were in a hurry, but it is a lot more expensive these days.

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

Thanks Annie, I know nothing about SEN stuff, so it's good to know that the head can refer. I will mention it again then.

[JOEYDOESNTSHAREFOOD]

The SEN teacher may have resigned but it is a legal requirement for a school to have a SENDCO, so somebody in the school will have taken on the role, albeit temporarily. Find out who and approach them.

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

Thanks Joy, I will do that.

Would hiring a tutor help in anyway do you think? Would extra lessons help?

[Maverick66]

Keep pushing. My DD is dyslexic. I pushed from DD was aged 5. She was finally officially assessed when she was 8. An educational psychologist assessed her but she had to be referred by the school. They don't refer a child until they are 7. DD then got help and an education plan was put in place.
Hope this helps. DD is now 24 so it was quite a long time ago.

Also, I would advise you to help your child as much as you can at home. Google dyslexia.org for information. Borrow books from library that are large and bold print and try and encourage your child to read a little every day.

Also get them to write a sentence such as - The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
This sentence covers all the letters of the alphabet.

Research dyslexia and get your child as much help as you can.

[twolinesplease]

You might find that your local dyslexia charity has a screening process (ours cost £40 in London) where they can test for the likely hood of dyslexia then you know whether to go ahead with lengthy SEN referrals for a full assessment or not. They also recommend tests for visual stress (irlen syndrome ) at an optometrist cheaply for covered overlays that may help in the interim with reading.
Good luck

[twolinesplease]

You might find that your local dyslexia charity has a screening process (ours cost £40 in London) where they can test for the likely hood of dyslexia then you know whether to go ahead with lengthy SEN referrals for a full assessment or not. They also recommend tests for visual stress (irlen syndrome ) at an optometrist cheaply for covered overlays that may help in the interim with reading.
Good luck

[JudyCoolibar]

It could be worth also asking your local branch of the Dyslexia Association about local specialist teachers, many of whom could probably make a pretty accurate assessment anyway. A specialist dyslexia teacher did wonders for my dd, both in terms of improving her writing, spelling and reading, but particularly in improving her confidence and self-esteem.

[Alibobbob]

Yep keep pushing you need the assessment for SATS so they know what help he needs. My daughter is also in year 5 she has dyslexia, dyspraxia, irlens and hypermobility. We pay £25 for a one-to-two dyslexia teaching lesson at the weekend and she gets an extra half hour's dyslexia support in school with a few other children at the same time.

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

Thanks everyone! I have googled and found my local charity so will read everything they have first, and go into school and nag.

[loopygoose]

Here's what I have found that works with my dyslexic child.
loopygoosedarling.wordpress.com

[Alibobbob]

Loopygoose that is a really good guide X I am going to get her to try the engaging eyes website.

Thank you for posting x