Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out if you cannot find an answer to your question.
What is Dyslexia and what are the signs?
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, spelling and writing and as many as 1 in 10 people are affected.
My child is very intelligent; could they still have dyslexia?
Absolutely. Dyslexia occurs across the entire range of intellectual abilities. In fact, many dyslexic learners are "twice-exceptional"—meaning they are gifted in areas like problem-solving, creativity, or verbal reasoning, but their reading and writing skills don’t yet match their high potential.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is centred on personalised instruction and student-centred learning. I believe in identifying each student's unique strengths and weaknesses and tailoring my approach to meet their individual needs.
What does "effective" dyslexia support actually look like?
It isn't just "more reading." Effective support is multisensory, structured, and cumulative. It involves teaching a child to use their strengths (like visual thinking) to overcome their hurdles (like phonics). It also includes using technology, such as "speech-to-text" software, to ensure their ideas aren't trapped by their spelling.
How long is a tutoring session?
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Tutoring sessions typically last one hour, but I can accommodate longer sessions if necessary.
What is the difference between a Screener, an Educational Assessment, and a Full Diagnosis?
Think of these as different levels of a "health check" for learning: •Screener (30 mins): A quick "indicator" to see if dyslexic traits are present. It doesn't give a diagnosis, but it gives an indication if you need to look deeper. •Educational Assessment (60–90 mins): A snapshot of current attainment in literacy and maths. It identifies exactly where the "gaps" are compared to other children their age. It doesn't give a diagnosis but gives an overview if current educational ability. •Full Diagnostic Assessment (3+ hours): The "Gold Standard." This is a deep dive into how your child’s brain processes information. It provides a formal diagnosis that can be used for long-term support and Exam Access Arrangements.
Does my child need a formal diagnosis to get help in school?
Technically, schools should support a child based on "need" rather than a "label." However, a formal report is often the key that unlocks specific doors. it provides the professional evidence required for Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Additionally, it gives teachers a clear, evidence-based roadmap on how to support your child in class and can help you/your child have a better understanding of themselves and can help improve their confidence.
My child complains that words "dance" or move on the page—is this dyslexia?
Visual difficulties such as words appearing to move, blur, or shimmer on the page—are not symptoms of dyslexia. While some dyslexic learners do experience these visual sensations, they are separate issues that must be addressed by a specialist. A dyslexia assessment cannot accurately measure a child’s processing if their vision is creating an immediate barrier to the text. Steps Before an Assessment To ensure we get the most accurate results for your child, I follow a specific screening process: 1.Visual Questionnaire: Before booking, you will be asked to complete a background information form. 2.Optometrist Consultation: If the form highlights specific visual concerns, I will recommend an appointment with an optometrist (ideally one who specialises in school-aged children or behavioural optometry). 3.Pacing the Process: If visual issues are identified, we may need to delay the dyslexia assessment until these are addressed. This ensures that when we do test, we are seeing your child's true cognitive profile, not a vision-based struggle.
What is the duration of a full diagnostic assessment?
Assessment sessions typically last 3-4 hours, including breaks, however, this can vary depending on the needs of the child. Occasionally, we may decide to split the assessment into two smaller sessions.
Where do assessments and tuition take place?
They usually take place in my garden room at my home address. It provides a calm, warm environment away from noise and distractions. However, I may be able to come to the child's school by arrangement.
What actually happens during a dyslexia assessment?
I aim to make the session as relaxed and "game-like" as possible. We do a series of puzzles and tasks that look at memory, speed, phonics, and logic. There are no "passes" or "fails"—it’s simply about finding out how your child’s brain prefers to work. There will be a settling in period to ensure your child is happy and comfortable and frequent rest/movement breaks throughout to avoid your child becoming overwhelmed.
Do you offer remote assessments/tuition?
Yes, this is available, by arrangement, but the student must have a quiet space, away from distractions.
What should we bring to the assessment?
• Any previous school reports or EHCPs/SEND support plans if not already shared • Any other professional reports if not already shared • If possible, samples of your child’s independent writing. • Any prescribed glasses/hearing aids/coloured filters if they use them. • A drink and a light snack to keep their energy up! • Your child is welcome to bring an item such as a cuddly toy/ fidget toy to help support them
What happens after the assessment is finished?
Once the session is over, the real work begins behind the scenes. I carefully collate all the test results alongside the background information provided by you and the school to ensure a complete picture of your child’s learning profile. •The Decision: Please note that a diagnostic decision is not given on the day. This is to ensure that every piece of data is cross-referenced accurately before any formal conclusion is reached. •The Report: You will receive a comprehensive, easy-to-read report (usually within 10–14 working days). •The Roadmap: After you have had time to read the report, we can have a follow-up conversation. I don’t just hand over a document; I explain the findings so you feel confident discussing the next steps with your child’s school.
Why choose Dyslexia and Education Support as a parent?
At Dyslexia and Education Support, I offer a unique "360-degree" perspective. I’ve sat on both sides of the desk: as a specialist teacher and national consultant, and as a mother navigating the SEN system for my own four children.
Why choose Dyslexia and Education Support as a school?
Schools operate under different pressures than parents—they need compliance, efficiency, and strategic value. When a school chooses Dyslexia and Education Support, they are gaining a partner who understands the high-level requirements of the UK education system