Dyslexia and how to get extra time in exams

[supermum98]

I'm posting for a friend, who has two dyslexic daughters diagnosed by specialist. They were diagnosed at 7 and had no further assessment. From what she has said to me, one of them might qualify for getting extra time in exams. They are both now teenagers. What should I advise her? She lacks confidence to help them as she is dyslexic herself. What is the process for getting extra time in exams and is it worth her getting a private Ed Psych. assessment done?

She needs to talk to the SENCo of their school. Both my eldest children get extra time for all tests and exams, the youngest hasn't even been diagnosed. The SENCo can do tests which will judge if they qualify for extra time at GCSE, and if any other accommodations are needed. She should be in contact with the SENCo anyway.
If she is at a state school and they try to fob her off she should contact her local parent partnership who will help her.

mummytime, she has been to Senco and they have got no-where. Daughters think tests been done and shown they won't get extra time. I am not convinced. I have suggested she get private Ed. Psych. assessment done as have now been told that LEA has to honour them if they put in report that more time should be given int tests/exams. THanks everyone.

Not true supermummy sorry.

My EP report recommended lots of things that have not been "honoured". Its not a legal document, its not binding and school can completely ignore it if they so choose.

To get a legally binding document of sen it would have to be statement.

HTH

Second the parent partnership advice.

SENcos - with the best will in world - are regular teachers who have done a course. They simply arent qualified to dx whether your friends dc need extra time/provision in exams IMO.

You don't get extra time just because you have dyslexia. It should be when you need it to process the curriculum.

Ok thanx, what should I advise her then. I have a friend who had private Ed. Psych. assessment done and he recommended extra time in exams and they got it. What is the variable here? Do u think it's not worth her spending the money?

If reading is below 15th centile or below standardised score of (I think) 85 = reader

If spelling is below 15th centile or below standardised score of (I think) 85 = scribe

Extra time = on need e.g. writing/ processing speed

Scribe can also be for physical difficulties or slow/ illegible/ painful writing

HTH

Thanx avoid the light, meeting her for lunch tomorrow so will give her this info. really helpful thanx. SHe is bringing her dyslexia assessment paperwork so will have a look at them with her. Cheers