Enabling all children and young people with dyslexia to thrive
The Dyslexia Outreach Team (DOT) is staffed by 5 experienced teachers, all of whom hold specialist qualifications for teaching and assessing pupils with dyslexia and/or literacy difficulties.
The team works in partnership with all schools across Suffolk to improve outcomes for learners who have significant literacy difficulties.
A diagnosis of dyslexia is not necessary to access this service however evidence of a dyslexic profile is required. For more information, please click the drop down menus below.
Mission Statement
ENABLING ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DYSLEXIA TO THRIVE
BY:
- Promoting resilience, independence, well-being and strengths
- Partnership with schools, ensuring a sustained impact
- Promoting high expectations from teachers, staff, pupils and parents for what all children and young people can achieve, in line with the Raising the Bar agenda
- Supporting schools to create positive and inclusive classrooms where all children learn effectively
- Working with schools to remove barriers to learning and supporting children and young people to develop positive strategies to promote independence
- Raising awareness of current thinking around dyslexia by providing high quality accredited training, open to all schools
Resources for Parents
Below are some links to some resources you may find helpful in supporting your child.
Parent-carer dyslexia information sheet 1
Parent-carer dyslexia information sheet 2
Reading at home support document.
Using Audiobooks and IT to support reading: Information for parents/carers
Supporting Memory Systems at Home: Information for parents/carers
Dyslexia Outreach Team - support for transition
Dyslexia and Personal Organisation
Newsletter: Issue 5 - Spelling 1
Newsletter: Issue 6 - Spelling 2
Newsletter: Issue 7 - Handwriting 1
Newsletter: Issue 8 - Alternative methods of recording
Newsletter: Issue 10 - Phonological Awareness
Newsletter: Issue 11 - Celebrating your child’s strengths
SENDIASS is offering a free, informal online session for parents and carers in Suffolk spotlighting on what is known as the ‘graduated cycle’ of SEN support and how this works for pupils with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia.
Information for Schools: Core Offer
Core Offer (free to Academies and LA Maintained schools)
Our core service aims to improve outcomes for individual students at Key Stage 2 and 3 who are not making expected progress despite having followed an appropriate literacy intervention.
This is achieved through working directly with the SENDCo and Class Teacher to plan individualised intervention, personalised strategies and teaching approaches in the classroom, alongside support to develop a whole school approach to supporting learners with Dyslexia and/or literacy difficulties.
For more information on when and how to refer a learner to our core service please see the documents below.
Information for Schools: Traded Offer
Traded Service:
Schools can access our traded service at any time. Please click the following link for a list of the support available through our Traded Offer.
Upcoming dyslexia training
DOT Training Offer: 2020-2021
All training packages can also be delivered as bespoke whole school training or to specific teams of staff within schools. If you would like to request this please email nicola.wilde@suffolk.gov.uk
All training will be delivered using Microsoft Teams until further notice.
Working Memory and Dyslexia
Have you ever wondered:
- What is Working Memory (WM)?
- How do WM difficulties affect pupils in the classroom?
- What is the relationship with Dyslexia?
- How can we support learners with WM difficulties?
A range of strategies will be discussed.
Book through Suffolk CPD Online: Course Code SCH 20/090
Date: 12th January 2021 Time: 2:00 -3:30pm Cost: £50
The Struggling Reader: Developing Reading Comprehension Skills
This training event will give an overview of the skills needed for effective reading comprehension to take place and provide strategies to support students who find reading comprehension difficult and /or students whose comprehension is challenged by decoding difficulties.
Book through Suffolk CPD Online: Course Code SCH 20/089
Date: Tuesday 9th February 2021 Time: 2:00-3:30pm Cost: £50
Dyslexia Awareness and the Primary School Classroom
This 2-part workshop will give the attendee an overview of what dyslexia is and provide a range of strategies for meeting the needs of learners with dyslexia. The following questions will be addressed:
• What is dyslexia and how can I identify it in my classroom?
• What does a Dyslexia Friendly classroom look like?
• What strategies can I employ to support learners with literacy difficulties and/or dyslexia?
Book through Suffolk CPD Online: Course Code: SCH 21/001
Dates: 2nd and 9th March Time: 16:30-17:30 Cost: £100
Working Towards Independence:
These two workshops provide an overview of the in-built accessibility features of the iPad, Microsoft Word and Google Docs, as well as highlighting assistive software and apps to support literacy and promote independent working.
Session 1 (11th May) - topics covered:
- in-built accessibility features of the iPad
- assistive tools on MS Windows10 and Google Docs, such as Immersive Reader and Voice Typing
- useful apps for the iPad/tablet (free and purchased)
Session 2 (18th May) – topics covered:
- new features of Clicker 8
- an overview of some other assistive software programmes which support learners by offering word prediction, speech feedback and proofreading tools, such as Docs Plus and WordQ 5
Book through Suffolk CPD Online: Course Code: SCH 21/004
Date: 11th and 18th May Time: 9:00 – 11:00am
Cost: £50 per session or £90 if attending both sessions
Dyscalculia and Maths Difficulties
This workshop will explore the distinct profile of Dyscalculia within the umbrella term ‘Maths Learning Difficulties’.
It will give an overview of:
- Dyscalculia as a specific learning difficulty
- Best practice regarding assessment procedures
- A range of teaching strategies and recommendations
Book through Suffolk CPD Online: Course Code: SCH 21/002
Date: Tuesday 25th May Time: 2pm – 3.30 Cost: £50
Gateway Level 3 Qualifications in Dyslexia
The next set of (online) training begins on 9/02/21. There are two modules on offer:
- Dyslexia Awareness – this deepens knowledge around why individuals with dyslexia may experience difficulties with processing information, self-esteem and self-organisation as well as literacy difficulties.
- Supporting Learners with Dyslexia – this develops understanding around administering and analysing assessment information to inform structured intervention/lesson planning: where to start on a programme, how/when to build in consolidation/overlearning activities and employ a range of resources and strategies whilst developing the learner’s confidence.
For further information about the course and the requirements for candidates, please look at Suffolk CPD Online course code SCH 21/012.
Useful websites
Suffolk Dyslexia Association provides information and support to parents of school-age children and adults about dyslexia.
The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust informs, advises and signposts parents, teachers and local authorities about training, interventions and research regarding dyslexia.
The Dyslexia International Foundation established in early 2020, is a charity-run organisation that offers support and services for dyslexic individuals.
The Professional Association for Teachers and Assessors of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) offers its members a range of services to help them in their day-to-day work.
The British Dyslexia Association aims to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society, that enable dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
Dyslexia Action offers a range of products and services for people with dyslexia, employers and educators.
Helen Arkell offers products and services, including courses, for people with dyslexia, employers, educators and parents.
RNIB Bookshare provides accessible textbooks and images to support dyslexic, partially sighted or blind learners who have difficulty reading standard print.
Calibre audio is a national charity providing a subscription-free service of unabridged audio books for adults and children with sight problems, dyslexia or other disabilities, who cannot read print.
The Communication Trust is a coalition of organisations offering support for everyone who works with children and young people in England with speech, language and communication needs.
National Association for Special Education Needs (NASEN) supports all staff in meeting the needs of pupils in schools and other settings, through promoting education, training, development and support.
Crick Software develops practical educational software to benefit all learners.
Made by Dyslexia is led by successful people with dyslexia. The organisation provides free online training for educators to identify, support and empower dyslexic children.
Contact details
The Dyslexia Outreach Teams Contact Details:
Professionals and parents are welcome to contact the specialist teachers for further information, either by calling 07872 007991 or on the following emails:
Nicky Wilde (County Lead Specialist Teacher) nicola.wilde@suffolk.gov.uk
Sandra Sidoli (Specialist Teacher): sandra.sidoli@suffolk.gov.uk
Anji Rico (Specialist Teacher): Anji.rico@suffolk.gov.uk
Zoe Bell (Specialist Teacher): zoe.bell@suffolk.gov.uk
Gail Southgate (Specialist Teacher): Gail.southgate@suffolk.gov.uk