Two questions in one thread - dyslexia and inclusion

[solittletime]

Hello!

I'm currently working as a teaching assistant in a primary school in the UK. I have experience of teaching and qualified to teach secondary in a previous life, but only have a few years of teaching under my belt.

Most of my job entails taking children out of class to do reading or literacy, especially those struggling with English.

I have a child who doesn't have any apparent developmental problems, but just can't write. In Year 5 she can barely spell a word properly and struggles to structure a sentence. Her handwriting is also quite messy. She has attended this very reputable primary school since reception.

So far I haven't come across any dyslexic children in any class between yr3 and yr6.

I'm wondering if it's not as common as I thought or if there is a bit of a gap in training and knowledge about dyslexia in this particular school?

What should I look for if I suspect she may be dyslexic? I feel that as a TA I would need to give some evidence as to why I think she may be, rather than just having a hunch!

There is only a temporary part-time senco at the moment, who knows of the child and just said 'I have no idea why this child can't write', which didn't really answer my question as to how to help her!

Another child who has suspected ASD keeps writing in capital letters and getting his words the wrong way round (eg - SALM instead of SMALL).


The other question is what is the current 'thing' with inclusion and sen? I seem to be constantly whipping children out of lessons and I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not? My previous headteacher, albeit it in a private school, was all about inclusion and implementing ieps within the lesson. Which I realise is a nightmare with 30 children.

But no one seems to worry about what I'm doing with the children, and I'm a bit worried about what Ofsted will say about what I do and what they will expect to see...?

Sorry, a bit long winded!!!!
Thanks!

[solittletime]

Bump! Would also be interesting to hear from parents of dyslexic children!

[nellyjelly]

I think this is an issue for your school. Very worrying that you can't get the answers and support you need at work from colleagues and managers. Not a crticism of you btw.

On dyslexia. Ime primary schools just not very clued up about it at all.

[solittletime]

That was my impression re primary schools. When I trained for sec I was shocked at children being diagnosed dyslexic only in year 7. The thought of all those years of struggling for mo reason makes me shudder!

The school is excellent overall, which makes me doubt my judgment.

[nellyjelly]

Lots of stuff online about dyslexia. Is there someone within the LEA you could speak to for more info?

[solittletime]

I will look in to it, and ask someone else at school, just sometimes mumsnet wisdom is more direct and easy to access, but not in this case it seems!
Thanks again!