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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

No support for dyslexia at school. Is this normal?

28 replies

VivaLeBeaver · 24/03/2013 09:57

Not sure if I ought to be concerned or not, dd is doing very well at school and that's the main thing.

She's in Yr7. She was diagnosed as dyslexic when she was 7 as was a year behind. We had her assessed privately. Her secondary school asked for a copy of the report which we've provided. Her primary school weren't interested about her dyslexia at all, I had to push for a meeting with their senco who promised xyz and then did bugger all.

Anyway we moved her to a different primary and she came on leaps and bounds, even passed her 11plus though has actually gone to a comp in the next town.

When I gave the dyslexia report to her secondary school they asked me if I wanted her put in remedial classes. I said no as she is doing well at school and I don't want her missing normal classes.

We had parents evening last week and all her teachers are singing her praises, she's top of most of her classes. However her English teacher says her reading age is 11.06, so a year behind.

Now her dyslexia report mentions about how intelligent she is and that she will compensate for her dyslexia well but that this will het harder as she gets older.

Her French teacher hadn't been told she was dyslexic and had a go at dd for been slow copying stuff off the board. When dd told her she was dyslexic the teacher apologised and now helps dd with copying stuff into her book. Dd says she struggles with copying stuff down in German as well. Saying this, both language teachers say she's doing really well and is one of a small number selected to do two languages.

I saw the senco on parents evening who was about suprised I wanted to see her. I asked if dd could do with any support. She said it was my choice not to put dd in remedial classes. It seems its either all or nothing.

I'm not a teacher, I don't have a clue about dyslexia. A friend at college who was dyslexic found having stuff on different coloured paper helped, so I was wondering if they might suggest stuff like that?? I got the Impression the senco was wondering why I was bothered as dd is doing so well. I'm not a pushy parent but obviously want the best for dd and just don't want her to struggle if she doesn't have to.

Does this lack of interest from the school sound normal? Do I just accept that as dd is doing well then she doesn't need help? Also the school has never said anything about extra time in exams, etc. does this only happen for more severe cases?

OP posts:
caz05 · 24/03/2013 21:55

My son who is 7 is on an IEP and has been since reception I believe an IEP is for an child that needs extra help and this should be being offered to you. School action and school action plus are different levels on top of the IEP and I believe just gives more hours/TA help to your child. You do not need a statement to have an IEP. I would speak to your SENCO teacher ASAP about your concerns as if you don't get anywhere go straight to the head teacher about your concerns.

I had to get my son assessed privately for dyslexia and at 7 (which is the youngest they can be tested) came back with moderate to severe dyslexia. His school where rubbish about the whole thing and their SEN reputation was awful so I decided to move him to a different school. He has now started their and they are brilliant. Unfortunately SEN in some school is a bit hit and miss and it does seen very common to hear stories or unhelpful schools.

The dyslexia association have loads of info online and each county should also have a SEN code of practise which can be found online on your local education authorities website.

mummychris · 24/03/2013 21:30

My 9yr old son has just been diagnosed with dyslexia after I have pushed the school and they finally agreed to asses him. I have been told that the assessment has come back with a level 'D' and that they are now going to put him on the Toe by toe programme for 10 mins (at the most) twice a week and I have to continue with this t home for the other 3 days. I am being told that is all the school will offer him as they have no capacity to provide him with anything else.

Is it right that this is all they should be offering ??

I have no faith in the school as I have been telling them for the last 3 years that there are learning issues but just kept being told that they couldn't do anything because they don't have time ! We have now been promised that all work including home work will be put onto pink paper but as yet this has only happened once in 3 weeks. I have been back into school and spoke with the sen teacher and the pastral care teacher who just gang up on me !

A friend tells me that my son should be given an IEP (individual education plan) and be on 'School Action' is this correct ? The school tell me that he will only be given a IEP if he is on school action plus and to be on that he has to have a statement and several outside groups involved.

I don't know what it correct and what I should be pushing the school to do as I think he need extra help and assistance within the class doing general work as he gets in such a mess with things copying work to remembering to bring letters or messages home.

Any help, advise or support will be gratefully appreciated
Thanks

Teachercreature · 24/03/2013 11:21

I'm a primary teacher so I can't answer all of your questions but I can answer some.

First of all, problems with SEN support are sadly a common issue. (The government have accepted this and there are some changes coming in to hopefully make the situation better for all!) So what you are describing in terms of apparent lack of interest isn't that unusual - in fairness to the school in this case though it sounds like they aren't concerned purely because she is doing so well, but I fully understand your concerns regarding the future.

Yes, coloured paper can help some dyslexic children. But it does depend on their individual need. At my last school we also had a little yellow see through bit of plastic that they could carry with them to read any paper/book, which was useful. It does not work for all however.

There are other things which can help, and in primary we'd do them within the classroom. Secondary I'm not as sure of. I'd suggest you have a read about dyslexia and ways to support - perhaps here: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/schools-colleges-and-universities/resources-to-support-dyslexic-pupils.html. Forewarned is always forearmed! Then you can request a meeting with the SENCO and say something like, "I understand my daughter is doing well, but I don't want her to slip in future as I was warned dyslexic children can struggle more as they get older. I gather there are some useful ways to support her within the classroom - perhaps we could discuss these ideas?" Certainly in primary you absolutely have the right to request support for a diagnosed special need. (And it would seem wise for all of her teachers to be pre-warned of her dyslexia too to avoid scenarios like the French teacher telling her off.)

It might also be helpful for her to have support classes for her reading. But as you say the downside is this could cut out other classes - how about a specialist tutor at home instead? I've taught many dyslexic children and they can make a massive difference.

Finally, extra time in exams - I believe that unless the child is statemented, it's up to the school to request extra time and they have to provide evidence that it's needed. BUT again that's primary, so do check it out.

I hope that's of some help to you. And well done to you and your daughter - you're both obviously doing a great job!