is it worth pushing for a new assessment even though we know ds is dyslexic.

[MikeLitoris]

Long story short.

Ds is 13 now and in year 8. Aged 6 we pushed for an assessment as he was really struggling in school. Poor reading, terrible writing etc.

Got assessment through school. Called in for meeting and told definitely dyslexia, issues with numbers and letter (more numbers) and memory. We were given a 'statement' as we're the school. They were told by psych the best things to do.

18months later we moved but details of all this not sent from old school. New school didn't think new assessment needed they could see the issues he had and put measures in place.

Between then and now his reading has improved hugely. He is doing very well in school but still has big problems with memory and reversing letters and numbers (much worse with numbers). The school are basically saying there is no record of there ever being a statement for him so they can't do anything. They know he is dyslexic but that is it. He gets no additional support.

His maths teacher is furious. Ds is getting all the answers correct but he can't understand what ds is presenting in his book.

I've just come from a meeting basically been told that's it. It need to get ds to practice his times table

Do I pay for a private assessment and go back to them? Will they actually take notice of that?

Sorry should have said. All schools involved saying that statement doesn't exist. I can't find our copy.

Have you tried asking the local authority for a copy of the statement?

But are you sure it was a statement? It's really quite difficult to get a statement for dyslexia, and there's no way the old school would be unaware of it. If it was a statement, you would have had to be called to annual review meetings, and you would have been formally consulted before your son changed schools as the statement would have had to be amended to name the new school.

It's probably a good idea to have a private assessment now, it will help to inform everyone what's going on and, if he doesn't have a statement, whether it's worth applying for one.

You might also like to look in the special needs section rather than this one, it gets much more traffic and you may find some helpful information there.

Have you got the original Ed psych report? Do you remember who did it? Start by getting that to his present school and asking what support they can give him, based on that.

A statement comprises of four parts: 1 - personal info 2 - background and list of difficulties 3 - measures needed to meet those difficulties and 4 - school named to do so. Is that what you had?

What do you think would make DS's school life better?

If the school won't assess him get him a private assessment but not until y9. Any access arrangements for GCSEs can only be arranged if the child has been tested from the beginning of year 9. Year 8 would not be accepted.

Have a look at the dyslexia action website, they offer good advice and links. Also have a look at the JCQ access arrangements document to see if your son may qualify for extra time in exams.

Regarding help, if he hasn't received any so far you will have to get the report and demand help. I am still trying to get help for my son and he was formally assessed in year 6. I am stepping up the pressure now as it is affecting him badly, he is a very poor reader and is suffering because of this emotionally and in terms of levels.

Good luck & don't give up. Dyslexia is covered under the Equality Act 2010 and is a recognised disability.