SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

If you’ve noticed your child is struggling with reading, writing and spelling and you suspect they might be dyslexic; an assessment is a crucial step in understanding things better.

That’s where we come in.

Assessments by Dyslexia Sparks provide the opportunity to receive a formal diagnosis of dyslexia.

During an assessment, our experienced and qualified specialists gather information on your child’s underlying abilities and skills by carrying out a series of specifically designed activities.

Reading, writing and spelling skills are assessed, as well as underlying verbal and visual abilities. Memory, processing skills and phonological awareness are also measured.

The results give you

• a formal diagnosis of dyslexia if present;
• a detailed understanding of your child’s strengths and areas they’re experiencing difficulties in;
• insight into areas needing support and what is likely to suit them best in terms of learning methods.

Our dyslexia assessments take 2-2.5 hours, including breaks. They are carried out face-to-face in the professional yet friendly environment of our centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire.

Contact us to book an appointment or for further information.

• Dyslexia is identified through diagnostic assessments carried out by our qualified assessors.
• You do not need a referral from a GP to be assessed for dyslexia. But dyslexia does need to be formally diagnosed by a qualified SpLD assessor. Our specialist team holds the appropriate qualifications and is highly experienced in the field of dyslexia.

• Our dyslexia assessments are carried out on a 1:1 basis with a member of our specialist, qualified team in our centre in Hessle.
• Working through a series of activities, we measure:
  • literacy – word reading, decoding skills, writing, spelling, reading comprehension, speed of reading;
  • underlying abilities – verbal and visual;
  • cognitive processing – phonological awareness, phonological memory, short-term and working auditory memory, information-processing speed;
  • mathematical attainment (where deemed necessary).
• Dyslexia Sparks assessors take time to make sure your child feels relaxed; our assessments are not carried out in exam-type conditions. We explain each activity to ensure they feel comfortable and understand what’s expected each step of the way.
• We provide a ‘what to expect’ PowerPoint (including images and basic info) for you to look at with your child before you attend – this helps them to know what to expect and to feel more relaxed ahead of the appointment.

• Children aged seven years and over can be assessed for dyslexia.
• Contact Dyslexia Sparks direct to book a dyslexia assessment.

• Yes – please click HERE for further information on how we can support adults with an assessment for dyslexia.

• Following a dyslexia assessment with Dyslexia Sparks we’ll provide you with detailed and clear feedback on the information we’ve gathered.
• We offer a choice of verbal and written assessment reports, contact us for full details.
• Based on the information gathered we provide specific recommendations for formal adjustments, such as extra time in exams. We also give recommendations for in-class assistance, learning strategies and additional support. At-home advice is also provided.
• Following a dyslexia diagnosis you have the option to begin specialist tuition – a personalised programme of teaching to improve individual skills.

• We provide ongoing support for your child and you – this begins when you first make contact and continues for as long as you need it – many parents get in touch (sometimes years later!) to ask for further advice – we go above and beyond to ensure we do everything we can to help.
• Our specialist team is highly experienced in the field of dyslexia and has a good understanding of other SpLDs such as ASD and ADHD, so knows how to support your child during the assessment.
• Our team holds the necessary qualifications and ongoing CPD to offer a formal and recognised diagnosis of dyslexia  – click HERE for further info
• As a registered charity we’re able to provide financial support to eligible households in Hull and East Yorkshire to help with the cost of assessments and tuition.

• Our specialist tuition delivers results. We have a proven track record in improving the reading, spelling, writing and maths skills of our dyslexic students.
• Many dyslexic people struggle with traditional methods of teaching. Our specialist tuition supports dyslexic learners in ways that suit their individual learning preferences and utilise their areas of strength.
• Dyslexia Sparks’ tuition provides each learner with the support they need to improve. Building skills in areas they are experiencing difficulties in.
• Typically, we focus on
  • literacy – accurate word reading, writing, spelling, reading comprehension
  • cognitive processing – phonological awareness, memory, speed of working
  • study skills – skimming, scanning, memory strategies, revision techniques

• We recognise the unique talents of each of our students and deliver a personalised programme of learning support for each child. Which means we support specific needs and build individual strengths.
• Our tuition is also fun! Lessons deliver an interactive and multi-sensory experience that students enjoy and look forward to.

• Specialist tuition uses non-traditional teaching methods ideally suited to the particular ways dyslexic individuals learn.
• We use a wide variety of learning techniques and activities to create learning which is practical, hands-on and engaging. This helps to support difficulties many dyslexic children struggle with, such as short-term and working memory and speed of processing.
• With our approach to lessons our learners quickly come to understand what happens in each section of the session. Our teaching methods help students retain their learning, boost confidence and progress; building upon their previous achievements.

• Our multisensory teaching methods enhance memory and learning skills. Delivering a stimulating learning experience that utilises a variety of specialist visual, auditory and kinaesthetic techniques.
• Sessions progress in line with the student’s pace. There are no linear lesson plans here. We identify where students need to move to next and adapt our teaching strategies to suit individual needs.

• Focused lessons are delivered on a 1:1 or 1:2 teacher-to-student ratio.

• Fun and interactive lessons are delivered by our qualified specialist teachers who are experienced in dyslexia and associated SpLDs. All our teachers hold a specialist qualification in the understanding and teaching of specialist intervention for dyslexic learners

• As a registered charity we’re able to provide financial support to eligible households in Hull and East Yorkshire to help with the cost of tuition and
• We keep parents up to date with regular opportunities to discuss their child’s progress.
• You’ll also have access to ongoing advice and support including our monthly parent groups.
• Sparks’ teachers are passionate about helping each and every one of our dyslexic students build their skills and make progress. Our team is dedicated to developing ways of learning which suit each child and bring enjoyment to each lesson.

Our specialist tuition is suitable for children and adults and tailored to support individual needs.
If you notice that your child is struggling with skills such as reading and writing, or experiencing difficulties with memory and processing information, talk to us.
Your child does not need to have received a formal diagnosis of dyslexia to benefit from our specialist support. If you suspect your child is dyslexic or could benefit from specialist tuition, please get in touch to find out how we can help.