What is Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SPLD). This is an umbrella term that is often used in schools to describe difficulties in certain skills. It is different from General Learning Difficulties, a term used to describe pupils with difficulties in all areas of learning. Many practitioners prefer the term “Specific Learning Difference” because it describes a pattern of strengths and weaknesses; there are often positives from having dyslexia as well as negatives.
The most commonly recognised description of dyslexia can be found in Sir Jim Rose’s Report on ‘Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties,’ written in 2009, as follows:
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in:
- phonological awareness (the ability to discriminate and manipulate speech sounds)
- verbal memory
- verbal processing speed
Dyslexia can occur across the range of intellectual abilities. It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points. Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.
My Reviews
Sara, Principal, Primary School
‘I have worked with Lucy in both a personal and professional capacity, as a parent and in my capacity as a headteacher, and she is, without a doubt, one of the most skilled professionals I know. Her understanding and knowledge of all things neurodivergent are exceptional and her way of making children feel safe and secure in her presence is admirable. Both of my own children were assessed by Lucy, and during the assessment process she made them feel comfortable and at ease. Following the assessment her reports were clear and laid out tangible ways to put support in place. Lucy has carried out a number of assessments at the school I lead and the feedback from parents, teachers and children has always been very positive. I would recommend Lucy’s services in a heartbeat.’
Diana, Heading of Learning Development, Secondary School
‘I wanted to email you to say what an excellent report you produced on Olivia, and it was simply lovely to read. I got a strong sense of Olivia being at the centre of the whole process and I know how hard they are to write. Please can I recommend you to other parents?’
Mary, Assistant SENCo, Primary School
‘Lucy’s services have been invaluable to us as a school. Her assessments are meticulous and attentive to the needs of individual children. Her recommendations for key strategies/provisions for supporting children in school are well communicated and extremely thorough. She has also delivered Precision Teaching training to our support staff – these staff members have been full of praise for her support and careful feedback for helping improve practice. This training has equipped us to deliver high quality interventions to the children who need it the most.’
Kellie Boost
Lucy is one of the most patient, kind, inspirational,understanding and professional teachers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Not only was I lucky enough to work with Lucy with children with SEN but she also taught and assessed m son for dyslexia and that has set him on amazing grounding for secondary school life and beyond.
I would high recommend Lucy ❤️
Emma Taylor
Lucy was asked by my daughter’s school to provide a dyslexia assessment for Liv.
Lucy was thorough and professional throughout and although I as a parent was a little anxious, Lucy went through explaining the process and also the details of the final report.
The report had been instrumental in Liv’s secondary education and has also now been used as she moves onto her apprenticeship. I would very much recommend Lucy’s services.
Clare Basham
Lucy is amazing! She is professional, patient, kind and an expert in her field. As a coworker Lucy always has excellent insight to offer and practical solutions to implement. All the student she works with love her calm and supportive approach.
Helen Sze-Jien Tnr
As a primary school teacher, I was grateful to have received training from Lucy with regard to employing classroom writing strategies that not only supported pupils with dyslexia but had whole class benefits. Her suggestions enabled me to easily adapt my working practises and approaches to teaching and learning. I continue to find her input valuable many years on and it definitely helped me to improve not only my pedagogy but my impact and effectiveness as a classroom teacher and private tutor, particularly in times where teacher staffing support has been at an all-time low. I would highly recommend her services for anyone looking to progress their quality of education provision.
Gemma Brown
Lucy is brilliant, she has been just what our son needed. She was patient and incredibly thorough with her assessments and subsequent reports. She explained her findings clearly to us and our son. He went from feeling he was stupid to thriving at school. Her advice, support and suggestions have helped with ensuring he has the correct and appropriate support at school. I can not rate her highly enough x
Christine Field
Lucy has worked with two of my children and has always been so professional and caring in her approach.
Lucy assessed and diagnosed both of my children with Dyslexia and her attention to detail in her reports is really outstanding ensuring recommendations that will lead to success in their education going forward.
One of my children struggles with his social skills and is very quiet and unsure around new people but Lucy put him at ease straight away and they were able to get through the assessment without any issues.
Lucy really puts the needs of the child first and adapts to meet them. Lucy is always open with parents, encourages asking questions and clarifying any points whilst also being very reassuring.
I cannot recommend her highly enough.