I don't know where to turn for help with DD. She had a private ed psych assessment 15 months ago when she was in year 2. School had suggested 'dyslexic tendencies' but that they would not be able to fund an assessment. Report showed very poor phonological and spelling skills and very high levels in other areas such as verbal reasoning and vocabulary.
I have met with class teachers and SENCO at least half termly since. DD has made no progress in writing. Her writing is below Year 1 expected level I think. She is now approaching the end of year 3.
So far, school have provided: a fortnight of not doing class literacy but working on a 'project' instead. 6 ad hoc sessions with a TA - outcome of which was 'yes, she has got lots of gaps'. One session with the SENCO using a THRASS chart. A place at the front of the class directly in front of the board.
At my insistence they have finally dropped weekly spelling tests of 'year 3 words', having told me that she 'must learn them because all year 3 need to know them'. It isn't clear what she does when the class do these tests. I get different responses each time I ask. I suspect she reads quietly.
She appears to be a very able reader (Little House on the Prairie, Harry Potter, younger Terry Pratchetts, as examples) and comprehends what she reads. We still read to her too. However, she cannot decode new words out of context.
After trying a few different things at home, I have been doing Apples and Pears for three months with her. She is on the second part of Book A and does well in the sessions but there is not yet any discernible improvement in her free writing.
Writing and any homework is now hated. She does everything possible to avoid it.
Please could I have any suggestions about what to do now? What else should I be asking of the school? I have asked for the head to be present at some of our meetings but she hasn't been. She retires at the end of term.
Changing schools isn't an option. She has already moved once (as we moved areas) and is a sensitive type at the best of times. She loves her friends and the wider curriculum of the school. Reception sibling is settled well. Ofsted have just been and just the school 'good'.
Thanks.