working with school senco
Support for dyslexic children
Preparing for SATs
SATs preparation compresses time and raises expectations, and for a dyslexic child that combination can feel unpredictable and draining.
Dyslexic learners are entitled to Access Arrangements to remove disadvantages without providing an unfair advantage. Common solutions include
- 25% extra time
- A readers or reading pen
- Rest breaks to manage anxiety and fatigue
- Adjusted materials such as bigger print or coloured papers
A conversation with the class teacher or SENCo can bring clarity and reassurance.
Exam Access Arrangements for GCSE & A' Levels
In the vast majority of cases for GCSE and A’ level exams, short assessments are handled in-house from year 9 onwards. Sometimes this isn’t possible so the school would have an established working relationship with external educational psychologists and specialist teacher assessors and can advise families on who to approach whilst following the regulations set by JCQ.
Michala regularly assesses and is on the SASC Approved Assessors list for common entrance and GCSEs/A’ levels exam access arrangements and am on the list of approved assessors for many schools and colleges in the following areas:
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Cheshire
- Liverpool
- St. Helens
- Wigan
- Warrington
If you would like to add Michala to the list at your school, please get in touch.
All dyslexia diagnostic assessments are validated and approved by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC).
The assessment reports are nationally recognised and clearly state the diagnosis and recommendations for moving forwards in school, Further and Higher Education or in the workplace. The assessment reports can be used as medical evidence when applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Having a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment is the first step to ensuring that the dyslexic individual receives the correct specialist support, strategies and interventions that they need to succeed and to make progress.
