Specialist Dyslexia Schools

[Becksharp]

has anyone ever sent a child and regretted it? It would involve boarding (which I wouldn't otherwise do)

What about Bredon or Abbotsholme?

outtolunch thanks, I'll look at both of those - the distance isn't too bad for either. Do you have any knowledge of either?

I know children who have been to both but not currently and things do change so I wouldn't like to recommend but have not heard bad things

redrose school should proof their website for spelling errors

I can give a little background to Abbotsholme. I went as a pupil, and had friends who were dyslexic and whose parents had chosen the school particularly for that purpose. It had/has (still have lots of contacts there) an extremely nuturing ethos, and although academic performance was encouraged, it wasn't the be all and end all! Outdoor education is second to none and things like the school farm, music and drama are well regarded. It is definitely worth a look around.

DS boards at a school where approximately 25% pupils have some kind of support, mostly for dyslexia but also other SEN conditions & English as a 2nd language. I would certainly not discount indie schools with a non selective intake & Crested dyslexia support. My son is extremely bright & will be a day pupil at our local 6th form college from September; however it's thanks to his current school & the 2 years he spent at a local prep school, that his confidence is now at an all time high! DS currently as 25% extra exam time provision & use of a laptop. Suspect that because he has improved so much, this may change when he gets his review at 6th form. DS admits he does not need the level of support he currently gets which is good to hear. We were told at the end of year 9 that he would be absolutely fine with less help. Only kept it going because DS felt unready to lose it. Feel we made the right choice.

One important question to ask if you do choose this kind of school option for your child, is about shared access to information. DS teachers are aware his needs & ensure they plan accordingly.

Good luck. Feel DD would have benefitted from a small dedicated dyslexia unit, so know one size will not fit all!

Is your child over the age of 7?

Dynaread offers a science based, online dyslexia remediation program for older struggling readers. (Age 7+) Your son or daughter can do it from the home or at school and it takes only about 15-30 min a day. Dynaread offers wonderful support and I have seen many children who struggled with dyslexia reach functional fluency using Dynaread.

Of course you should do what you think best, but I could imagine you don?t really like the thought of having to sent your child away to go to school. This is another option....

If you would like more information about Dynaread you can visit www.dynaread.com/ for more details. Also here is the link to a video testimonial about the program: www.dynaread.com/service/article/AA-00284/21/TESTIMONIALS/Video-Testimonial-Mrs.-Arlene-Schroh-7-min.html

Highly recommend Bredon School, my DD (dyslexic) currently a pupil there. Small caring school, great outdoor facilities (farm, forest school, climbing wall well used, annual camping trips). Fairly sporty, but no pressure, wide range of activities to suit all. She's made good academic progress since joining, litearcy and maths skills much improved. Does have wide range of kids SEN mainly dyslexic dyspraxia, and also a few mild autistic spectrum ADD or non-specific non-labelled learning difficulties etc. Also some children with no SEN (I'd guess about 30-40% with some being overseas students) but like the ethos. Very inclusive. Ability setting, but no stigma in being bottom set. Good range of vocational options as well as usual GCSE / A-levels. Only criticism would be music / drama is a bit weak and not particularly popular, and school is boy dominated (pretty much unavaidable in schools specialising in dyslexia)