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Note: While the term Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is specific to the education system in the UK, the following information is valuable for any special education program.

The transition to secondary school can be a challenging time for any parent, and there are a number of additional considerations for the transition from primary to secondary school for children on the autism spectrum. The following are some pointers to guide your discussion with each of the prospective school's Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCO).

In advance of the school visit, check the school's website for their special needs policy, read through and see if there's anything that you'd like further clarification on. It might also be useful to read their behavior and bullying policy and see if it makes specific reference to behaviors resulting from special educational needs, or when pupils with SEND are targeted. OFSTED inspection reports are available online and provision for pupils with SEND is an aspect that is observed and evaluated.

SENCOs love paperwork, so if you have a copy of a report as evidence of your child's diagnosis, that's a good starting point, plus any other recent assessment reports from outside specialists is helpful. If you have an appointment, provide a copy of this in advance of the visit and expect that the SENCO will be able to comment specifically on the strengths and needs of your child.

1. Are there are other children in the school with similar needs and can the SENCO give exact figures?

2. How is the information about children's diagnosis and strategies for best practice communicated to teachers?

3. How experienced are the teachers in working with pupils with ASD and do any have additional skills and qualifications?

4. How often does staff INSET training take place and has ASD been covered?

5. If your child finds it difficult to manage unstructured time, social situations and noise such as break and lunch times, are there activities in place/classrooms open with staff supervision for them to go?

6. How does the school handle communicating unexpected changes to routine - what notice is given for changes, e.g. staffing, room changes, school trips?

7. How are instructions given, for example, homework and do teachers recognize the importance of literal instructions for tasks?

8. What are the communication systems from school to home and how much information is expected to be communicated from the pupil to you? Are there alternatives if this is problematic for your child?

9. What support is given with friendships, is there a buddy system for all year 7s?

10. What support can be provided for emotional difficulties e.g. if your child finds it difficult if they are not chosen to answer a question in class, picked for a team, making a mistake etc.?

11. How are punishments and consequences such as detentions explained and children supported to understand what is expected in terms of behavior, punctuality, appearance etc?

12. Is support available for certain subjects or tasks that require imagination and how can these be differentiated to reflect your child's understanding and ability to interact? E.g. acting in drama, creative writing, poetry?

13. What provision is there for exams and assessments if your child is unable to cope in a large exam hall and manage their time effectively?

14. What pastoral support is in place from staff - e.g. will your child have a named person such as a personal tutor in a consistent location that they can go to with any concerns?

15. What support will be given in terms of finding the way around - are the classrooms clearly numbered/labeled, are there signposts around the building?

16. Does the school use Individual Education Plans and what involvement you will have as parents in target setting and review?

17. Are there any Teaching Assistants or classroom assistants in school, and if so who, and how, do they support?

18. How are children set and what are the class sizes like?

19. When is the first parent's meeting in year 7 and how often are reports written?

20. Once a place is offered by the local authority, what transition planning is there and what is the time frame?

It is important to bear in mind that some of the questions may bring up considerations that prompt further discussion and clarification. Areas for development do not necessarily mean that the school isn't right for your child. SENCOs may not have all the answers, but then they also don't know your child as you do. As at least five years of your child's life will be spent at secondary school forming a positive partnership and having open communication is crucial. You as parents need to feel confident that the SENCO will understand your child's strengths and needs, not only this but that they are also able to clearly communicate this to the rest of the teaching team so there is a consistency of approach.

Once a place has been offered, consider whether a follow up meeting would be useful. Ask the school if it is possible to arrange visits for your child in addition to the standard year 6 taster day/evening where they will be one of many children. Request to meet key staff such as the year 7 head of year / your child's personal tutor if that is known then. Suggest taking some photos to make a booklet or poster about the new school for, or with, your child, so that the concept of the future is more concrete for them.

Schools need to be willing to work with you, to be consistent, and yet also be flexible when needed. Every child is an individual and there may be matters of concern that are specific to your child that will need further discussion. The future years may bring unexpected issues and difficulties that need to be overcome together. Decide on some of the key things that you are looking for your child as they start the next stage in their education and gear yourself up for the new.

This article was featured in Issue 42 - Autism: Fighting the Stigmas
Support Autism Parenting Magazine

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School Transitions - What You Need to Ask Special Education Needs Coordinators

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Note: While the term Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is specific to the education system in the UK, the following information is valuable for any special education program. The transition to secondary school can be a challenging time for any parent, and there are a number of additional considerations for the transition from primary to [...]

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What to ask when looking at secondary schools

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What to ask when looking at secondary schools

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Choosing the right school for a child with SEN • SEN Magazine

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A guide to help parents with one of the most difficult decisions they will ever make

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Guide to choosing a secondary school (attachment needs)

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Guide to choosing a secondary school (attachment needs)

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Preparing for next term (secondary school)

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Preparing for next term (secondary school)

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This is a great method for reluctant readers. There is a 'How to' video within the doucment.

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From the Driver Youth Trust

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Tips and tricks to try at home. Produced by the SSENS service

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Home Learning Newsletter April 2021 Spelling

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Lots of resources that are free to use on the Oxford Owl website

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The world of maths can sometimes be a challenge for both little ones and grown-ups.

If you're looking for ways to support your child, this is a great place to find accessible resources, videos and advice - as well as some handy reminders of what those different maths terms mean.

You can also go straight to our maths skills section to explore all the different skills your little one will be learning.

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Find out how maths is taught at primary school with tips and activities to support your child's learning at home.

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Oxford Owl have an online library. They also have lots more resources for reading.

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If you have a child at Primary School, this is a great place to find out about how they are learning to read and what you can do to help at home.

Get some fresh ideas for encouraging your child's reading at home, check out our online eBook library with access to over 130 free books and find out more about how reading is taught in school.

There's also a handy guide to understanding phonics and information on the reading schemes used in schools.

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Advice on helping your child with reading. Simple ideas, top tips, activities and games to use at home. Expert advice on phonics and helping struggling readers.

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Practice worksheets to try at home

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Choosing a book at the right level can be difficult. Children don't want to read something that is 'too easy' or 'too hard'. This guide shows you how to get it 'just right'!

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Dyslexic Advantage | What is Dysgraphia ?

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Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Astronomer and space scientist, co-producer of the long running TV programme 'The Sky at Night' with Chris Lintott. She is a research fellow in UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies and an Honorary Research Associate in UCL Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Orlando Bloom

Hollywood actor most commonly known for his starring roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings. When he was discovered as dyslexic at school his mother encouraged him to take art and drama classes. Bloom continued on to appear in many Hollywood hits and made his Broadway stage debut as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet in August 2013 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson struggled in school and dropped out at age 16 - a decision that ultimately led to the creation of Virgin Records. His entrepreneurial projects started in the music industry and expanded into other sectors. He is now estimated to be worth over £3 billion. Branson is also known for his adventurous spirit and sporting achievements, including crossing oceans in a hot air balloon.

Tom Cruise

Blockbuster action film actor Cruise was diagnosed with Dyslexia age 7 but that didn't stop him. "I'd try to concentrate on what I was reading, then I'd get to the end of the page and have very little memory of anything I'd read". He eventually adopted unique techniques in order to learn his lines and went on to be a multi award winning Hollywood star!

Leonardo da Vinci

Primarily a painter accomplishing the famous Mona Lisa, however Da Vinci was skilled in many other areas including mathematics, sculpting and as an inventor.

Walt Disney

An American icon who built the Disney Empire with his brother and is responsible for the growth of animation production. The popular Disney Land Parks have since been developed globally.

Jim Carrey

The two-time Golden Globe-winner rose to fame as a cast member of the Fox sketch comedy In Living Color. Leading roles in Ace Ventura, Dumb & Dumber and The Mask established him as a bankable comedy actor.

Albert Einstein

One of the most influential physicists in history who developed the laws of relativity and shaped the ways we think of the world today.

Sally Gardner

English children's writer and illustrator. She won both the Costa Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal for Maggot Moon.

Whoopi Goldberg

Comedian, political activist but more recently talk show host. Whoopi is one of a handful of people to win an Oscar, a Grammy, a Tony and an Emmy.

John F Kennedy, George Washington & George W Bush,

All of these Presidents of the United States of America were believed to be dyslexic.

Keira Knightley

Keira gained widespread recognition in 2002 after co-starring in the film Bend It Like Beckham and achieved international fame in 2003 after appearing as Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. Since then she has succeeded in many more world-renowned performances.

John Lennon

Lead singer of the Beatles in the 1960's and singer songwriter. Lennon produced a critically acclaimed album for his solo career despite his worldwide fame with 'The Beatles' and seemingly endless lists of smash hits.

Jamie Oliver

Professional Chef, bookseller and TV personality. He initially left school at 16 without any qualifications, however working his way up the kitchen ladder he rose quickly to head chef.

Theo Paphitis

Known for his entrepreneurial skills and his appearances on the TV series 'Dragons Den'. In 2014, Paphitis was reported to have an estimated net worth of £210 million. He has made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector and is the former Chairman of Millwall Football Club.

Pablo Picasso

One of the most renowned artists of all time with his ability to paint unusual abstract art. Many believe it was his dyslexia that inspired his extraordinary painting ideas.

Guy Ritchie

The well-known filmmaker (and ex of Madonna) was a school dropout without even attending film school, however he didn't let that be an issue and through years of hard work broke onto the scene of major crime films.

Chris Robshaw

England Rugby Captain and Harlequins player, Robshaw has represented his country 38 times. Through his determination and hard work, he has proven to be a testament to young aspiring players.

Steven Spielberg

One of the most influential film personalities in the history of film, Steven Spielberg is perhaps Hollywood's best known director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world. Winner of 3 academy awards, 3 Golden Globes, 4 Emmy Awards, and the list goes on!

Holly Willoughby

Model and Television Presenter Holly Willoughby demonstrates that despite having dyslexia, you can still be a professional in your field with application and hard work.

Dominic Wood

An English magician, entertainer and half of the presenting duo 'Dick and Dom' who specialise in children entertainment.

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Astronomer and space scientist, co-producer of the long running TV programme 'The Sky at Night' with Chris Lintott. She is a research fellow in UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies and an Honorary Research Associate in UCL Department of Physics and Astronomy.

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10 minute mental maths questions

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QR CODE

Scan this on mobiles and tablets to quickly open this web page.

Daily 10 is a primary maths resource for primary teachers which covers addition, subtraction, ordering, partitioning, digit values (place value), rounding, multiplication, division, doubles, halves and fractions. It has been designed primarily for use on an interactive whiteboard. The aim is to help teachers deliver 10 maths questions many which can be used for mental maths practise.

Sets of questions can be timed or untimed and the activities are ideal for starter and plenary sessions. They are graded in levels of difficulty which match year group levels in England's National Curriculum Maths requirements. This means the resource is suitable for children from 5 to 11 years of age.

AGE

5-11 Years

SUBJECTS

Maths Number Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Ordering Place Value Rounding Fractions

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Daily 10 - Mental Maths Challenge - Topmarks

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Daily 10 is a primary maths resource for teachers of Years 1 to 6. It asks ten random questions on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, ordering, partitioning, digit values and more. Ideal for use on a IWB and as a starter or plenary activity.

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Quick fire maths questions. Free app!

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QR CODE

Scan this on mobiles and tablets to quickly open this web page.

Hit the Button is an interactive maths game with quick fire questions on number bonds, times tables, doubling and halving, multiples, division facts and square numbers. The games, which are against the clock, challenge and develop mental maths skills. An untimed, practise mode is available in our Hit the Button app along with lots more extra features.

The activities can be matched to appropriate mathematical ability. Regular use of Hit the Button can help students to sharpen their recall of vital number facts in a fun way and learning multiplication tables need not be boring.

AGE

6-11 Years

SUBJECTS

Maths Times Tables Division Number Bonds Doubles Halves Square Numbers

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Hit the Button - Quick fire maths practise for 6-11 year olds

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Quick fire questions on number bonds, doubles, halves, times tables, division facts and square numbers against the clock. Superb!

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Dyslexic and Reluctant Readers - Barrington Stoke

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How to add a coloured tint to a screen to reduce glare. This can be applied to the whole screen.

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ColorVeil: Reduce eye strain, help with Dyslexia and Visual Stress

A screen color filter over any application you are using

Helps users with Dyslexia and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Reduce eye strain along with screen brightness

Easily customize the color and opacity of the filter

Match the prescription from the optometrist

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Dim screen brightness, reduce eye strain, and save energy. It helps with eye strain, Dyslexia, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, or Visual Stress.

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My Dyslexic Mind - A Newsround Special - CBBC Newsround

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Find out what dyslexia is and how it affects the brain in Newsround's special programme 'My Dyslexic Mind'.

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Times Tables Rock Stars – Times Tables Rock Stars

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Clear explanation guide to different elements of grammar. Although it's aimed at KS3, its useful for Year 3 upwards.

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Help Your Kids with English, Ages 10-16 (Key Stages 3-4): A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, Revision and Reference

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Help Your Kids with English, Ages 10-16 (Key Stages 3-4): A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, Revision and Reference eBook : Vorderman, Carol: Amazon.co.uk: Books

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Clear explanations for parents about modern teaching methods of maths.

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ages 10-16 (key stages 3-4): a unique step-by-step visual guide

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Help Your Kids with Maths, Ages 10-16 (Key Stages 3-4): A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, Revision and Reference

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Help Your Kids with Maths, Ages 10-16 (Key Stages 3-4): A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, Revision and Reference eBook: Vorderman, Carol: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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Recommended app by parents. Fees apply.

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Supported through animated tutorials and audio support, Mathletics adapts to help and challenge primary maths learners, encouraging them to think critically, make learning choices and reflect on their learning.

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Mathletics for home Bring the love of learning home with the most engaging online mathematics program in the world Start a Free Trial Mathletics for home Bring the love of learning home with the most engaging online mathematics program

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Online programme for maths. Fees apply.

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The Maths Factor : Homepage - make Carol Vorderman your child's online maths tutor

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Unlock your child's maths confidence with Carol Vorderman's maths site for 4-11 year olds. Kids can watch her maths videos, play games practise and even make their own medals with the 30 Day Challenge!

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Theodorescu Handwriting Programme

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write from the start: unique programme to develop the fine motor and perceptual skills necessary for effective handwriting (3 volumes)

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teaching of specific groups & persons with special educational needs

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teaching of students with special educational needs

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educational: first / native language: handwriting skills

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teachers’ classroom resources and material

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teaching of students with different educational needs

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teaching of specific groups & persons with special educational needs

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teaching of specific groups & persons with special educational needs

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Write from the start: Unique Programme to Develop the Fine Motor and Perceptual Skills Necessary for Effective Handwriting (3 volumes)

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Write from the start: Unique Programme to Develop the Fine Motor and Perceptual Skills Necessary for Effective Handwriting 3 volumes: Amazon.co.uk: Teodorescu, Ion, Addy, Lois, Alexander, James: Books

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speed up!: a kinaesthetic programme to develop fluent handwriting

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Speed Up!: a Kinaesthetic Programme to Develop Fluent Handwriting

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Speed Up!: a Kinaesthetic Programme to Develop Fluent Handwriting: Amazon.co.uk: Addy, Lois, Lawrie, Robin: Books

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Nessy App for children with dyscalculia

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Dyscalculia, sometimes called maths dyslexia, affects 1 in 20 children in the UK.

Simply put, dyscalculia describes the difficulty some people have with mental mathematics and number recognition. Someone with dyscalculia may:

Misidentify a number - e.g. 6 as 9

Struggle to add, multiply, subtract or divide numbers

Have trouble understanding the relationship between numbers and connecting numbers to objects

Have difficulty telling the time

"The underlying problem leading to dyscalculia is a core deficit in processing and labelling quantities of objects, which affects the ability to compare numbers." Chris Woodin
Why don't we hear about dyscalculia?

With an education system that struggles to supply resources, under pressure of increasing cuts and slashed budgets, there's sadly no space to introduce the appropriate and necessary help. Our system needs to change to accommodate all students.

We are starting to see a shift in awareness. In 2019, for the first time, three dyscalculia conferences are being held by key education organisations, including the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). In the future the term dyscalculia should be as familiar to our ears as dyslexia.

What teaching methods work for a child with dyscalculia?

There are pioneering experts developing new and ground-breaking methods of teaching mathematics and number recognition to a new generation.

One of these is Chris Woodin, Maths specialist at the prestigious Landmark School in the United States and leading specialist in the field of dyscalculia. He believes in Whole-to-Part teaching over the traditional Part-to-Whole. His technique involves tracing and identification of numbers so learning is kinaesthetic and multisensory. This is effective for developing number sense.

Does Nessy offer anything to help with dyscalculia?

We are thrilled that Chris has agreed to join our team and collaborate on a brand-new program, Nessy Number Bubbles. We hope that it will help shape the way children are taught mathematics for years to come.

Nessy Number Bubbles uses techniques that are different to traditional maths teaching methods. It will begin with teaching the identification of numbers 1-10 and understanding the relationships between them through Whole-to-Part teaching.

In the game children will be asked to trace the number, then identify the correct number of bubbles to pop. They will be taught understanding between shapes and numbers by tracing and finding shapes within (e.g 4 is a square, 3 a triangle) and finally draw over the bubbles in the shape of the number. This Whole-to-Part teaching method means students learn via kinaesthetic, visual and spatial methods. This gives them a variety of access points to content; leading to a better overall understanding of mathematics.
"The kinaesthetic act of tracing shapes within dot patterns as they are being named, helps to enhance the visual perception of quantities." Chris Woodin
Nessy Number Bubbles is coming soon and will be available on the App Store, with numbers 1-3 totally free!
"Quality Whole-to-Part methodology can level the playing field for children with a core deficit in the ability to enumerate quantities from Part-to-Whole, enabling these young children to develop numeracy with their peers" Chris Woodin

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Dyscalculia, sometimes called maths dyslexia, affects 1 in 20 children in the UK. Simply put, dyscalculia describes the difficulty some people have with mental mathematics and number recognition. Someone with dyscalculia may: Misidentify a number - e.g.

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Some free and paid for services

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Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games

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Help children learn with our free, award-winning reading, mathematics and phonics games.

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Online phonics programmes for children with literacy difficulties. Fees apply.

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Improve Your Spelling, the latest book written by Nessy founder Mike Jones, explains the rules of reading and spelling. It will help teachers teach, and parents to understand how to help their children.

By the end, you'll be a master speller!

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You've found Nessy; World leader in helping children who learn differently. Founded and run by educators and dyslexia specialists, our award-winning programs are guided by the Science of Reading.

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Online programme for children with Dyslexia. Paid for service.

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NEW FOR 2019!! CODEBREAKERS® LIVE ONLINE TUITION (WORLDWIDE) FIND OUT MORE

CodeBreakers® is more than simply phonics. It focuses on multi-sensory learning opportunities and over learning, to ensure learning 'sticks'. CodeBreakers® works on learning patterns through logic, word morphology, language, vocabulary and analytical skills. It develops transferable skills and creates learners who are independent and confident.

CodeBreakers® can be used with students of all ages; primary, secondary and post-16.

It has been found to be successful and engaging for all ages.

How do I get CodeBreakers® Dyslexia programme?

Choose from 3 options

for Children & adults

Private, school & workplace referrals

Online tuition anywhere in the world from the author of CodeBreakers®

*Other CodeBreakers® trained tutors are available, please ask for details

*1:1 subject to availability

from CodeBreakers®
Suitable for children and adults

Just like having your own Dyslexia tutor on-demand.

Learn in the comfort of your own home, school or workplace

Work at a time that suits you at your own pace.

Suitable for children and adults

Choose the workbooks only and receive the manual to help you deliver CodeBreakers® at home or school.

Choose the added option of the CodeBreakers® Delivery training course.Train staff online to deliver a Dyslexia specific intervention programme efficiently in school.

*Individualised training is available on request

Georgina is not only a warm and friendly Tutor but she's also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about helping children and adults with Dyslexia.

Her approach is methodical, engaging, and (most importantly for our old son) FUN! In a relatively short period of time, our son has come on incredibly well and we have no doubt that this is due to Georgina and her dedication - Thank you!

Parent

Georgina always makes learning engaging and full of games. Tasks are tailored to her needs and pitched at a challenging level. Language has been explained and broken down so that she understands, possibly for the first time. My daughter is now enjoying regular lessons. I can already see improvements, yet it is still very early days. Georgina is very thorough and professional in her approach and for the first time I feel supported and positive about my daughter's educational journey.

Parent

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Since leaving school I got a place at the local football team academy. It was a two year course and I now play and train in semi professional football and completed a Level 3 Diploma in Sports and Coaching. I worked part time saved and bought my first car and passed my driving test. After finishing my diploma I decided I wanted a full time job. I was successful at interview working for a large leisure company and now work full time in housekeeping and maintenance"
Student, Staffordshire, Age 18

"After leaving school with a negative view of education I later went on to work in the Youth Service.I've worked for many years as volunteer with St John's Ambulance and as an instructor.I have also worked as an ambulance technician for many years. I've just been accepted to university for the first time to train as a paramedic".
Mature student, Staffordshire, Age 47

Our working mum in Derbyshire had been attending adult education but wanted a more personal approach to learning.Her aim was to be able to support her child with reading and spelling, once they became of school age. She's now writing more complex sentences and reading with good flow and is passing on good skills for reading and spelling development.
Working Mum, Derbyshire, Age 37

"I've successfully completed GCSEs which has now led to a Foundation Diploma in Art after completing the first year of a BTEC with a double star distinction and year 2 with a B.I'm nowlooking to complete further study in surface pattern design and completed work experience in 2of the toppottery manufacturing companies in Stoke.
Student, Staffordshire, Age 18

"My GCSEs results were much higher than anticipated which resulted in attending Level 3 Sport Course at College, I'm now in year 2 and considering apprenticeship options".

Student Staffordshire Age 17

"At the moment I am looking at post-16 options and considering a BTEC in Law and an additional accountancy course".
Student, Staffordshire, Age 15

"Since leaving school I've been working in part time jobs while continuing to study. Now I'm in an excellent full-time job formally training as an Engineer in the career I always wanted".
Student, Staffordshire, Age 19

PRESS RELEASE

Georgina has been nominated for a ' Sentinel Our Heroes Award' as an education star for her CodeBreakers® programme.

'Commended' for new start up business at the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2019

'Nominated' for National Diversity Award 2019

- SUMMARY OF FINDINGS -

**Following 16-20 weeks (1 hour per week) intervention

- Where speed of reading and spelling have decreased a direct correlation in an increase in accuracy can be seen -

MID TERM STATISTICS - MARCH 2019

I just wanted to say a great big thank you on behalf of all the children that you have helped support at our school!

These results are fantastic and I know that CodeBreakers® has made a very real difference for our children and for our staff!

Thanks so much for all you have done to support us so far!

March 2019 - Headteacher

For private tuition and in-depth screenings , click the link below.

FIND OUT MORE...

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Dyslexia CodeBreakers® - A programme that helps students of all ages

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NEW FOR 2019!! CODEBREAKERS® LIVE ONLINE TUITION (WORLDWIDE) FIND OUT MORE It has been found to be successful and engaging for all ages. for Children & adults Private, school & workplace referrals Online tuition anywhere in the world from the author of CodeBreakers® *Other CodeBreakers® trained tutors are available, please ask for details *1:1 subject to availability from CodeBreakers ® Suitable for children and adults Just like having your own Dyslexia tutor on-demand.

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How can I support my child? - British Dyslexia Association

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The British Dyslexia Association is the voice for the 10% of the population that are dyslexic

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TED Talk about dyslexia. Parental guidance necessary.

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The True Gifts of a Dyslexic Mind | Dean Bragonier | TEDxMarthasVineyard

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BDA explanation of what is Dyscalculia

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Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.

Mathematics difficulties are best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and they have many causal factors. Dyscalculia falls at one end of the spectrum and will be distinguishable from other maths issues due to the severity of difficulties with number sense, including subitising, symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparison, and ordering. It can occur singly but often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties, mathematics anxiety and medical conditions.

(BDA Definition)

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Dyscalculia - British Dyslexia Association

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What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with...

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Legal advice for parents who have children with SEND

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - helping children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law

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What is Dyslexia? - The Dyslexia Association

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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, verbal memory and verbal processing speed. Dyslexia occurs 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 coordination, 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.

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This page shares some useful resources about learning needs and how parents can support at home.

This page includes:

Reading

Dyslexia

Maths

Dyscalculia

Handwriting

Parent Support Agencies

Support we offer at St Mark's

A question we are often asked at school is: 'Do I need to get my child diagnosed?' The short answer is 'no'. We will provide support for your child in class if they display difficulties in any areas of literacy or numeracy. A diagnosis is not needed.

Some people find it useful to have a diagnosis when they go to university to access exam arrangements. Generally, evidence of a diagnosis in not needed for SATS, GCSE's or A Levels.

Parents can support their child at home in many ways. Most importantly:

1. Read daily with your child

2. Practice maths in fun ways at home

3. Celebrate your child's strengths

If you have concerns about your child's learning, please speak to the class teacher or SENCO.