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Primary education

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Original poster

Dyslexia testing - how do they decide to test?

28 replies

ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 19:48

I had a letter in DSs bag saying they'd be doing a dyslexia test on "some" children this term. I've asked 2 other mums if they had the leaflet, they didn't. So it's definitely been a selection of children (or just mine?!!)
I'm really gutted they didn't talk to me and just shoved a letter in. I think DS is fine. He's only in reception and recognises letters and is grasping phonics. I'm actually pleased at the process, I think it's been amazing.
Obviously I am wrong and something is going on Blush

He's in breakfast and after school club now until I pick him up on Friday, so I think it's pretty mean to not have spoken to me about this letter.

I'm quite upset Sad
What shall I do? Ring the school and ask for the teacher to ring me? Or wait until Friday?

OP posts:
nonicknameseemsavailable · 13/01/2014 20:34

They don't normally test for dyslexia until Yr2 or Yr3 as far as I know. I would be very surprised at them testing 'some' children in reception. Are you sure he hasn't been drawing on scrap paper on the other side? I think I would send in a note asking for more information or for a member of staff to speak to you/call you.

I wouldn't be upset about it though. If there was a chance he was dyslexic then the earlier the school pick up on things the better.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 20:39

No it's definitely for us. It's got his names written in one corner and has today's date printed. I've checked with 2 mums and they didn't get one. So it's not every child in his class.

I know that it's best to know about it as early as you can. My upset is that they've just put a letter in. I really would expect to be spoken to about this first. Feels really shitty tbh. Although AF is due so I'm likely to be emotional for no reason this week - now they've give me a reason and I'm in danger of over reacting and looking like a knob!

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nonicknameseemsavailable · 13/01/2014 20:56

ok well try to stay rational about it. I am pushing to GET my Yr1 daughter tested and all of last year was told they can't test them too young so I am really surprised they are doing it in reception.

I do think you should ask for more details, I don't think that would be unreasonable or over reacting, you can say you are a bit shocked and puzzled by it and you thought they couldn't test until they are older so what will it involve.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 22:32

I've written a more sensible, emotion free note now: dear xx please can you ring me regarding the letter. I was surprised to receive it, I would expect to be spoken to if you thought DS was dyslexic.
Please can you tell me why he's being assessed and what your concerns are.
Regards, Shifty

Or words to that effect.

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Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 22:34

I will mention that it seems very early to be testing. He's only been at school for about 12 weeks!!! Blimey!

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hazeyjane · 13/01/2014 22:36

My dd2 has just had a dyslexia assessment, she is in yr2 and her teachers and the senco discussed it with us prior to the 3 assessments they did.

I would be really surprised if they were testing in yrR, especially without discussing it first.

Vixxxen · 13/01/2014 22:37

I don't think it is a 'official' test because you need to fill in a form (CAF) with SENCO in order to get a children's psychologist to assess your child.
I could be wrong.

i don't get why you are upset?

mydaftlass · 13/01/2014 22:39

Is it possible that it is a test as part of an academic study and he's part of a test group?

Mikkii · 13/01/2014 22:43

Vixxxen, DS was tested last year, in yr4. We didn't fill in a form.

During parents evening DS's teacher was mentioning her concerns, I thought she was beating about the bush so I asked "do you think he is dyslexic?" And from her answer and face, she hadn't quite got that far down the path.

DS was tested and found to be borderline. He can read fine, but can't "see" how to spell so sounds things out phonetically.

Understanding this has made helping with homework easier.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 22:49

The letter is from the SEN teacher and says that the reception staff will carry out the assessment.
Doesn't mention random testing or anything to suggest that it's just chance that he's being tested.

I am upset because I thought the staff would talk to me if they felt he had dyslexia (or anything for that matter), rather tag tell me he's being assessed and I'll get the results sometime in the summer!!!

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Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 22:50

Than^

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LindyHemming · 13/01/2014 22:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 13/01/2014 22:57

Well he hasn't got any behavioural problems that I've noticed, except selective hearing when asked to do something boring Wink

The letter mentions DEST (dyslexia early ??? Testing) (I'm in bed now so don't have it to hand)

It is what it is.they will test him for 30 mins, looking at letter recognition, speed, balance and something else (fine motor related).

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soundevenfruity · 13/01/2014 23:00

I would be thrilled if DC's school was that proactive. (DC is not at school yet)

soundevenfruity · 13/01/2014 23:03

Selective hearing may be a sign of auditory processing disorder, which in its turn can lead to dyslexia.

Vixxxen · 13/01/2014 23:08

I could be wrong again, but I think this is some sort of training for the reception staff.
From my experience, teachers are very careful when talking about dyslexia and they can't diagnose it, only a child's psychologist.
Also, if your child isn't a fluent reader and writer there is little point in labelling him as dyslexic.
I could be wrong again but this is my experience with dd.
She has been assessed and is dyslexic like many people in her dad's family. She is nearly 7 in Y2.
I have been suspecting since she was 2 years old and have been asking for teachers opinions and assessments since she was in nursery.
Finally now she is getting a bit more help.
Your son's school sounds like a good school ad I still don't get why your are upset.
Would you be upset if they were testing him - without consulting you first - for the gift and talented group??

Schmoozer · 13/01/2014 23:08

My DD year 1 age 6
Just been diagnosed by the school as dyslexic,
So glad its been picked up sooner than later, i would have been pissed off with a letter sent home though, it was discussed with me at parents evening, before assessment.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 14/01/2014 08:38

The school is excellent, I simply would want to be spoken to if they thought there was a problem rather then just start the process of assessing him without a word to his parents first!
Christ, if I'm not consulted first then what is the point in me being here?!!!
And yes,I'd want to be spoken to about G&T assessing too, before they did it. That has consequences too.

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Original poster
ShiftyFades · 14/01/2014 08:51

If it were training for staff and he's a selected guinea pig then surely it would say that?

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Original poster
ShiftyFades · 14/01/2014 11:19

SEN teacher has rung. All the children are tested except those that are exceeding the reading and writing expectations of that age. So the top 6 aren't tested but the rest are.
We had a chat about the tests etc and the timeframe is long because so many children are tested. She will ring me once DS results are know to put my mind at rest.
It was a lovely chat and I reiterated that I think it's an excellent thing to do but the letter had made me worry.
We've come up with a couple of reassuring sentences to add to the letter to try and avoid panicking parents like me in the future Wink

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Vixxxen · 14/01/2014 11:34

It's amazing that they are trying to spot dyslexia so early but since they are doing it to all the average children not only the ones who are clearly struggling (like my daughter was when she was at reception), I think it is a little pointless to be honest.
Will just increase anxiety levels on parents and instill pfb competitiveness.
Some children do pick up earlier than others and exceed, it doesn't mean the non exceeding ones have problems.
They should concetrate on the ones below average only.

Maybe it's a tactic to impress Ofsted.

Just my opinion.

Original poster
ShiftyFades · 14/01/2014 12:49

I think you have a valid point there. It's not a formal diagnosis at this stage but highlights possible concerns. They can then test later on and devise learning plans for children who may be struggling.
It will be interesting to know how many children require help as a result of this assessment.

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nonicknameseemsavailable · 14/01/2014 13:05

they OUGHT to do it to all the children then. It is perfectly possible for the children who are reading well to still be dyslexic and if it is only 6 they aren't testing then they should just do the whole class.

My daughter was reading fluently when she started school but has so many dyslexia related issues it is untrue. I am battling to get them to help her but am really just doing it myself at home.

ElaClaw · 14/01/2014 13:13

Sounds like a very good idea, but should have been worded better. And should be the whole class.

My ds is in P3 (scotland) and is 7.5. They will not test until the end of P3 for dyslexia, even if they have suspicions. However the INCAS (?) tests during P3 can also flag up issues like dyslexia.

hazeyjane · 14/01/2014 13:45

It does seem a bit young to be testing, i wonder what sort of assessment they use.

With dd2 we have had suspicions for a while, but it only really became apparent when the gap between her reading level and comprehension really widened.