What support is available if my child is dyslexic?
Is my child dyslexic?
Dyslexia is a difficulty with words and particularly sounds in words. This leads to slow progress in reading and writing, and can affect maths, number work and other areas of life.
Early recognition is important, so that we can help before your child becomes frustrated by his or her difficulties.
Children with dyslexia come from all backgrounds and abilities. They can often be creative and successful in particular areas of work and have many strengths.
Dyslexia is a frequently occurring type of Special Educational Need (SEN) and in most cases difficulties are not likely to be serious, and can be managed in the classroom. In some cases, additional help will be needed from the school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).
Where can I get help for my child?
If you think your child might have dyslexia you should speak first to their class teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at their school. Maintained (state-run) schools in East Sussex are trained in identifying and supporting children with dyslexia.
For more information you can also contact the Language and Learning Support Service. The service provides support to schools and is staffed by specialist teachers.
What support is available?
Once your child has been identified as possibly having dyslexia the school will want to work with you to identify their individual needs. It is important that parents and carers are closely involved in this process and in planning the way forward.
The school may want to carry out an initial assessment on your child. The type of assessment will depend on the individual needs of your child and can vary from classroom observation to a full assessment of special educational needs.
An assessment will enable the school to provide your child with the learning material and support that is appropriate for their reading and writing level.
The support provided to you child will be tailored to their needs, such as:
- support in class
- involvement of the SENCO at the school
- special help with the National Strategies for Literacy and Numeracy
- following an individual education plan
- summer literacy or numeracy schools in some secondary schools
- advice and support to your child’s school from a range of professionals
- a full assessment by an educational psychologist for those with the most severe difficulties
Many schools in East Sussex have a specialist trained teacher to help them to identify dyslexic pupils and give them any support they need. Teachers receive this training as part of a training programme for schools called ‘Dyslexia friendly’. Ask your child’s school if they have taken part in this programme.
How Children's Services can help
Children's Services have produced a policy on helping children and young people with dyslexia. To read the policy and related frequently asked questions for parents, go to our website for people working in Children's Services in East Sussex czone – dyslexia.
Further sources of help
If your child fails to make progress or has been identified as having a statement of special educational needs then the school will discuss appropriate support with a range of professionals. This includes educational psychologists and the Language and Learning Support Service.
How can I help my child?
The school and support services will work closely with you so that your child gets the support they need both at school and at home.
Software is available to help children with dyslexia. To find out more download our list of software programs.
You can also read about ways to support your child in our booklet 'My child is dyslexic – how can I help?'.
Contact us
For more information you can contact the Language and Learning Support Service.
