Dyslexia Sparks, the region’s only registered dyslexia charity, has now safely reopened both of its centres as lockdown restrictions gradually ease.
The centres have reopened with COVID-19 secure measures in place, including social distancing procedures and strict additional hygiene precautions such as Perspex screens.
Diagnostic dyslexia assessments can also now be carried out by the charity for the first time since lockdown began in March. Assessments – which give a formal diagnosis of dyslexia where present – can only be carried out in person. The charity suspended assessments earlier this year to protect the safety and wellbeing of clients and in line with government guidance on lockdown measures.
Dyslexia Sparks delivers specialist tuition for adults as well as children but has most recently seen increased demand from parents in the region as schools remain closed for the majority of pupils. Jane Craig Founding Director, Dyslexia Sparks, said:
‘We recognise that this has been a turbulent and challenging time for everyone – and in so many different ways. We’ve been hearing from parents of children with additional learning needs – worried that their children are falling behind as schools remain partially closed. Others have found that home-schooling a child who struggles with literacy, numeracy or processing information has highlighted concerns that their son or daughter may have a specific learning difficulty. Our hope is that the reopening of our centres provides additional support for dyslexic individuals and their families at this time; as we’re able to resume the majority of our specialist services again.’
Dyslexia Sparks successfully and safely reopened their Melton centre earlier in the month and today completes the move to a ‘new normal’ for the organisation with the Hull centre now back in action. Jane Added:
‘We have been and will continue to closely monitor government advice to maintain the health and wellbeing of our Sparks community. We’re adapting our services as safely and quickly as we can in close consultation with clients to minimise disruption and ensure we meet individual needs. For some, online tuition just isn’t a viable option whereas for others it’s the only option as the coronavirus situation develops. ‘We’re thrilled to be welcoming students back to the centre and seeing new faces as we move towards a new normal. Although lessons may look a little different for now we’ll still be delivering an interactive – and fun! – learning experience.’