Literacy Issues - What to do if you think there are problems.

Literacy Difficulties

Some people have a particular difficulty in acquiring literacy skills which can mean that they find it very difficult to read, write and spell accurately and fluently at the level expected for their age.

Areas of concern include but are not limited to:

• Phonological awareness (the ability to identify the small units of sound in a spoken word e.g. the ‘p’ sound in ‘pat’)

• Memory issues especially recalling words or numbers or sequences

• Verbal processing speed (the time it takes to process information such as letters and digits)

Some people with such difficulties may be identified as having dyslexia. This diagnosis is usually made by a psychologist or specialist assessor.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed the support offered will depend on the learner’s own particular range of strengths and needs.

With the right type and level of support, anyone with dyslexia can learn strategies that support them to succeed and achieve.

If you believe that your child has dyslexia or any difficulty with literacy then please do raise this with their tutor who will then be able to refer the concern on. We are able to assess them and report on their strengths and weaknesses. We use a wide range of tests which are useful in pinpointing exactly what the issues are. These include:

Single Word reading tests

Single word spelling test

Reading comprehension tests

Writing speed

Typing speed

Phonological Processing tests

General Conceptual Ability tests

Memory and recall ability test

Wide Range Intelligence test

Julie-Ann Biddles (SENDCO)