to think that my Ds (yr 3) would read every day at school?

[CirrhosisByTheSea]

My ds is in year 3 and has dyslexia. Not formally diagnosed yet but 100% clear to us that this is the problem. We are awaiting an IEP from his teacher.

He reads at very much below his peers - he has just (before hols) gone up to level 4 ORT and he can't read these books at al fluently, he is really struggling

Would I be being unreasonable to be quite shocked that DS is not on some, any, form of organised reading plan and does not have extra help each day at school? He reads (as far as I can gather) once a week with the teacher and twice at most with the LSA.

Apologies if you've seen my other recent thread about this, I really want to know what others think because I feel I need to get on top of DS' reading/diagnosis this year or it will be so much worse for him

I think you need to make an appt with the teacher and ask when the IEP will be written and implemented and what she intends to put in it. Yes I agree as a parent I would expect my child to be read with at least 3 times per week in school time in that situation.

However little and often is usually the key and probably the input at home everyday will make more of an impact?

Can I just check? Your son has a clear problem, but no formal diagnosis, and (I assume) no statement? If this is the case, you are relying on goodwill and the school's desire to get good results. School may find it's cheaper and easier to pretend your son doesn't need help, since - without a statement - there is nothing forcing them to find the time to help him.

Can you possibly afford to pay for a diagnostic test privately?

Your situation sounds very like what happened with my younger brother 10-15 years ago - it's terrible that children are still being failed by the system.

No he has no statement. Yes relying totally on the school and the teacher. Your point about it being cheaper and easier to pretend he doesn't need help really rings true - basically DS gets probably about 30 mins LSA time per week despite reading at the level he is. His teacher has described his reading as 'below, below average'

that's why I can't believe there is not a more organised programme being implemented? Are there not special reading programmes for dyslexic kids?

Yes LittleRed we will pay for a test and have mentioned this to his teacher however his teacher has basically said "oh, well if you pay someone to test, they will find a problem". The teacher does not have to take on board any result unless it's from an LEA Ed Psych, I believe. And of course, the teacher controls our access to any LEA Ed Psych?

Yes Sleighgirl, you say what I have always thought which is that the input we give at home will be more important. Yet here we are, reading with ds diligently every day, and he doesn't progress. I am not a specialist

Is your DS on SA(school Action) or SA+(school Action+)? My DD was in a similar position in primary (she went up to sec in Sept, and doing a bit better-ish). Book an appointment with the school's SenCo, and ask for a copy of the school's SEN policy. You may get more replies posting this in Education under either primary or special educational needs. It's not the teacher who controls the access to the Ed Psych, it's the SenCo. And that can be got around if you become a PITA parent....find out the number for your LEA's SEN Dept, and ask to speak to the Ed Psych's Secretary...it'll at least put your DS on the Ed Psych's 'radar' and eventually, the Ed Psych will query why the SenCo hasn't put your DS forward to see him/her...... After 8 yrs of dealing with this shit rubbish, I've learnt how to be a complete PITA just to get anything done. First step would be to request a meeting with the SenCo at the school, and ask if he/she will put your DS forward to see the EP and if not, why not, and you can also discuss your concerns (and what you want done about them..). Failing a decent response from that, go the 'other' route I've suggested...

YOU need to start making things happen, as others have said it's easier for the school to pretend there isn't a problem. DS2 was in Y3 when he was assessed (privately, at my expense) as dyslexic. When I approached the teacher with my concerns after the first term she told me she thought he was dyslexic, but hadn't actually bothered to contact me herself, and told me that if I wanted him assessed through the school it would probably take a year or two! Once diagnosed, he was offered 1/2 hour per week extra help in a group of 4 which was as much use as a chocolate teapot.

We then moved to Australia where I homeschooled him for a couple of months then put him back a year so he did Y3 again. This time the school used the MULTILIT progamme - an Australian programme which stands for Making Up for Lost Time in Literacy. After 10 months he could read fluently at an age appropriate level!!! The main thing with this phonics based programme was that it ran for 15 minutes 1:1, 5 mornings a week. The idea is that the kids start the day feeling that they can succeed so it sets them up for the rest of the day. I also made sure I read with him every day at home. With an older dyslexic boy who slipped through the system in the UK and has had self-esteem issues ever since I couldn't believe the difference it made to have a proper programme in place. Please make sure your son gets the help he needs rather than letting the school fob you off.

I used to be a teacher. You need to make a massive, massive fuss. Squeaky hinge gets the oil, I'm afraid. Huge vested interest in keeping your child off any sort of register/action plan, as so much cheaper. You'll have to push, push, push. Pay for all the tests yourself, inist on meetings, get everything in writing, etc etc. Only way forward.
Also, just to make sure you aren't being a total "Oh but the State should provide" type (sure you aren't), get yourself some info on dyslexia from charities and support groups and do lots of stuff yourself at home too. It's really not rocket science, with one-to-one and patience, I bet you could get your childre reading just as well or better than a harrassed and not very diligent class teacher. Get fun books, cartoon comics, whatever gets your kid interested. Also may be worth looking into computer programmes, special glasses (with yellow or blue filters), etc. You cannot assume the School/State will sort this - they won't! good luck.

thank you so much everyone. I am definitely getting a picture of what to do!!!!!

This has been really useful.

Just to let you know I have already got lots of info from dyslexia action, we have filters to help him read with at home and I have tried to implement the 'toe by toe' book at home, however ds is very resistant to doing this at home - he always has been. It's part of the problem...we have never wanted to push him because I he was starting to hate books/trying to read which is massively counterproductive. He's also tired and has had enough when he gets in from school. I certainly don't think the state should sort him for me but the state does get his most productive hours and I get what's left

thanks again though your experiences will be so helpful, thanks for taking the time x

I hope you make progress with the school! I would suggest a letter to the teacher & school senco putting it in writing that is is highly likely that your son as dyslexia give the difficulties that he has and you want him to be referred for testing/statementing etc etc then copy it to the governers and head.

Then argue it in writing I think they are more likely to do something otherwise you have the evidence that they are do nothing to help a child who is so very behind.

Don't suppose you live in the south east do you?