Hear from our community

“Talking in person to my tutor was most helpful, as it was easier to discuss different techniques.

“Training has helped me focus on the main reasons for dyslexia and our choice and effectiveness of interventions. The use of mnemonics (for 2 Y6 pupils) in a regular 3x week intervention (1:1 ) have shown some improvements on their spelling results when recently assessed. They are not at age expected but have retained some spellings, one child is better at spotting an incorrect spelling and has learned the blends needed, but still struggles to retain the word in its entirety. Both these children have co-morbidity- ADHD diagnosed, one on medication, but without doubt their focus is frequently affected. I am constantly having to stress the frequency that the interventions need to be delivered i.e. at least 3x week in order for them to be successful; and include some independent time on the other 2 days for the children to practise e.g. over learn by playing a sound game; use Nessy or similar software, teachers like the speed of precision teaching (having assessed tricky word knowledge/first 100 HFW/statutory year group spelling lists or words commonly spelled wrong in their daily writing) and several children can be managed effectively over a week when teachers organise their adult support well. We are including this in Y1 to focus on the lowest spellers, we will be able to check in on their progress after phonic screening and evaluate who may need further assessment to check whether dyslexia is a likely concern.

“This has really given an insight into ways to assist the VI child in our setting so that they can become more independent both in and out of school. There were lots of tips and advice within the useful videos that have been put into practice straight away. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic has disrupted the face-to-face sessions as normally there would have been more and we could, as a collective, learned more from each other and discussed our ongoing learning. I have enjoyed this course, gained a lot from it and would recommend it.

“The training has given me a deeper understanding of the difficulties that students with VI face. I have been able to support my student by enlarging worksheets and using visual clues and timetables, which have contributed to raising his self-esteem and feeling of achievement.