KD DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST
Teacher and Assessor
‘Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.’ (BDA)
KD DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST
Teacher and Assessor
‘Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.’ (BDA)
HOW CAN I HELP?
ASSESSMENTS
Dyslexia and ADHD assessment in Swansea and and South Wales
All age groups covered
Full diagnostic assessment
Assessment for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Assessment for Exam Access Arrangements
Detailed Skills Profile Assessment
Diagnostic Assessment
I offer a full diagnostic assessment to identify dyslexia, alongside other specific learning difficulties, e.g. ADHD. A full diagnostic assessment is the only way to formally identify dyslexia and must be carried out by a qualified assessor. I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) . I am an Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) and The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS). I have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance and insurance.
A diagnostic assessment may be useful for someone who is experiencing significant difficulties in their studying or daily life and wants to understand the underlying causes of these difficulties, and find strategies to help support them. A full diagnostic may be required for Exam Access Arrangements at Higher Education, to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) or to seek Reasonable Adjustment from employers.
A diagnostic assessment involves several activities involving sounds, words, numbers, shapes and pictures. It usually takes around 4 hours. A diagnostic assessment provides a clearer picture of underlying ability and learning needs - areas of strength and weakness - and enables a targeted individual intervention programme. A full detailed report is written giving a detailed account of tests, test results, implications for learning, strategies for learning and recommendations for support.
Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)
Testing is tailored to meet individual need, to ensure that reasonable adjustments that can be made for an examination candidate, and might include: extra time to complete an examination paper, permission to use assistive technology, or provision of rest breaks. Schools must be involved in the process, as it is the school’s responsibility to apply through the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) to the examination awarding body. However, a specialist assessor has the breadth of testing experience, to determine and offer advice of the most appropriate EAA. Assessment will include the completion of a Form 8, required for the school’s implementation of any EAA.
Skills Profile
I offer a Skills Profile Assessment, which identifies the specific learning needs and strengths of the individual, to target learning support and teaching, without the need for a formal diagnostic assessment of a specific learning difficulty. A Skills Profile provides a good foundation for targeted intervention and for monitoring progress following intervention. A concise report is written, outlining attainment in reading, spelling, writing speed, processing speed and memory. The report will provide a ALNCo/SENDCo and class teacher key recommendations for learning.
HOW CAN I HELP?
SPECIALIST TEACHING
Your child may have dyslexia/literacy and/or numeracy difficulties and require some specialist teaching support.
Specialist Teaching
I offer one to one specialist teaching to meet the needs of those with specific learning difficulties, both in person and remotely on-line. Teaching is tailored to meet individual learning needs and to suit the individual’s pace of learning. Initial assessment, will enable a tailored Individual Learning Plan to be developed. An individual multi-sensory learning approach is taken to ensure best learning, focusing on the strengths and needs of the learner. Activities focus on developing phonological awareness, word recognition and building vocabulary to support reading, spelling and writing. Teaching combines using recognised programmes such as Active Literacy Kit , Units of Sound and Alpha to Omega, alongside a mix of games and strategies to support learning. Teaching may focus on improving the following skills:
Reading accuracy, speed, fluency and comprehension
Spelling: A phonological approach
Writing: Grammar, punctuation, writing fluency (speed and legibility), content, sophistication
Key words and subject-specific vocabulary
Memory and dictation skills
Numeracy
Use of assistive technology
Study skills and revision techniques
Time management and organisational skills
Anxiety management and building self-esteem and confidence
HOW CAN I HELP?
TRAINING
I can deliver training to:
Whole staff/organisation
CPD
Teachers
Parents/families
Training on a range of specific learning difficulties, in particular dyslexia
Identification of learning difficulties, strategies to support individuals, use of assistive technology, whole school approaches
Support for parents/families in helping their child’s learning
Advice or signposting further support
ABOUT ME
Qualified dyslexia specialist teacher
Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)
Membership of The Association of Teacher of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS)
Current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC)
Full DBS and insurance
Additional learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) in Primary and Secondary settings
Specialist teacher Primary and Secondary
English teacher to A Level standard
Willing to travel for assessment and training purposes
"This was an excellent, well worthwhile lesson, highly relevant to the learner's needs"
"Teaching strategies entirely multisensory in nature to aid recall and retention of learning"
“We know what we are, but not what we may be”
William Shakespeare
PRICING
Example pricing given below. Please contact for a more detailed quote
ASSESSMENT
Full diagnostic assessment £475
Skills Profile Assessment £300
Exam Access Arrangement £150-£250 (dependent on tests required)
SPECIALIST TEACHING
£35 an hour
TRAINING
Contact for a quote