Supporting children and young people with dyslexia at home

If you have concerns over your child, the first stage is to speak with their class teacher or the School SENCo.

• Schools will firstly try to support your child in the classroom and maybe through smaller group intervention.
• In fact, in Coventry, this MUST happen first before any diagnosis can be given.
• This is because dyslexia is classed as a legally defined disability, and as such, guidance must be followed before testing can take place.
• Children under 7 years of age cannot be tested for this reason.

Dyslexia assessments are carried out in line with the Code of Practice, following a graduated approach, with regular reviews of progress.

Coventry has developed the Literacy difficulties / Dyslexia Pathway, which should be followed.

Checklist for a dyslexia assessment

Questions to be considered:

1. Has the pupil had a sight test within the last year, (preferably within the last 6 months)
2. If there are concerns around hearing, has the pupil had a recent hearing test?
3. If there are concerns around speech and language, has the pupil had a speech & language assessment?
4. Has the pupil had an initial learning assessment?
5. Has this been reviewed?

Paperwork to be completed:

1. Updated Summary of Literacy Support form – by teacher AND SENDCo
2. Updated parental questionnaire – by parents
3. Visual Difficulties Screener – by parents
4. If the pupil is not known to SEMHL an electronic CIF must be completed as well – by SENDCo

All paperwork must be received before an assessment can take place.