Hello!
I'm currently working as a teaching assistant in a primary school in the UK. I have experience of teaching and qualified to teach secondary in a previous life, but only have a few years of teaching under my belt.
Most of my job entails taking children out of class to do reading or literacy, especially those struggling with English.
I have a child who doesn't have any apparent developmental problems, but just can't write. In Year 5 she can barely spell a word properly and struggles to structure a sentence. Her handwriting is also quite messy. She has attended this very reputable primary school since reception.
So far I haven't come across any dyslexic children in any class between yr3 and yr6.
I'm wondering if it's not as common as I thought or if there is a bit of a gap in training and knowledge about dyslexia in this particular school?
What should I look for if I suspect she may be dyslexic? I feel that as a TA I would need to give some evidence as to why I think she may be, rather than just having a hunch!
There is only a temporary part-time senco at the moment, who knows of the child and just said 'I have no idea why this child can't write', which didn't really answer my question as to how to help her!
Another child who has suspected ASD keeps writing in capital letters and getting his words the wrong way round (eg - SALM instead of SMALL).
The other question is what is the current 'thing' with inclusion and sen? I seem to be constantly whipping children out of lessons and I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not? My previous headteacher, albeit it in a private school, was all about inclusion and implementing ieps within the lesson. Which I realise is a nightmare with 30 children.
But no one seems to worry about what I'm doing with the children, and I'm a bit worried about what Ofsted will say about what I do and what they will expect to see...?
Sorry, a bit long winded!!!!
Thanks!