EHCP for Dyslexia: How To Get Support and Guidance
According to the British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the UK population. Understanding how to secure tailored educational support has never been more essential. For SEN parents, an EHCP for dyslexia can be a crucial step in ensuring their child receives the specific help they need to thrive in school.
Navigating the educational needs of a child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, especially when figuring out how to get the right support through an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). At SEN Tutors, we understand the importance of clear guidance and actionable steps to help parents secure an EHCP for dyslexia. This guide covers everything you need to know to get the right support, from understanding the process to securing effective resources.
Does Dyslexia Affect Memory and Learning?
Dyslexia impacts various cognitive functions, including memory, which plays a significant role in a child’s learning process. Working memory dyslexia affects a child’s ability to retain and process information, often challenging tasks like reading, spelling, and following instructions. Furthermore, difficulties with working memory in dyslexia can mean struggling to remember sequences of instructions, making it hard to keep up with classroom activities.
An EHCP for dyslexia can provide:
- Structured support to address these memory challenges
- Strategies and interventions tailored to working memory and dyslexia
- Specialised teaching techniques, memory aids, and personalised learning resources
This highlights the need for a customised support plan that accommodates the diverse ways dyslexia affects each child. By understanding how dyslexia impacts memory, parents and teachers can better support the child’s learning journey. Furthermore, incorporating social and emotional care into an EHCP dyslexia plan can help children build confidence and resilience, supporting their education.
What is an EHCP for Dyslexia?
An EHCP for dyslexia is a legal document that outlines the specific educational, health and social care support a child with dyslexia needs to thrive in school. An EHCP is crucial for children with significant challenges that impact their learning. An example of this can be working memory dyslexia, which affects how a child retains and uses information.
An EHCP for dyslexia offers comprehensive support, including dyslexia support in school and social and emotional care to ensure children thrive. The plan details every aspect of the support a child requires and undergoes regular updates to adapt to their changing needs. This approach provides a stable foundation for their educational journey and allows parents to stay updated with their child’s needs.
Do You Need a Diagnosis for an EHCP?
Yes, obtaining a diagnosis of dyslexia is often the first step toward applying for an EHCP dyslexia plan. However, you do not need a formal diagnosis to initiate an EHC needs assessment. An EHC assessment helps identify if the child’s needs are significant enough to require additional support through an EHCP. While a diagnosis isn’t mandatory, having a formal diagnosis for minor dyslexia or working memory dyslexia helps clarify the type of support needed.
Is your child also struggling with ADHD? Learn more about EHCP for ADHD.
In the UK, you can start by discussing your child’s needs with their school SEN program or teacher, who may refer them for a free assessment by an educational psychologist. Alternatively, you can seek private assessments through organisations like the British Dyslexia Association or The Dyslexia Association, which provide detailed reports and tailored recommendations.
Why Get an EHCP for Dyslexia?
If a child’s needs go beyond what a school can provide through regular SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, an EHCP for dyslexia can secure extra help, resources, and adjustments. This is especially valuable for children with working memory and dyslexia, as they often require tailored teaching methods and specific interventions to improve literacy and memory retention.
The EHCP assessment criteria help determine what level of support is necessary and whether additional resources, such as assistive technology or specialised tutoring, are needed.
Dyslexia in Schools: How the Support Process Works
The process ensures that dyslexia support in schools is as comprehensive and personalised as possible. Teachers and staff work with the EHCP for dyslexia plan to provide individualised support, including:
- Specialised learning materials and aids.
- Access to a dyslexia teacher or SEN teacher trained in handling working memory in dyslexia.
- Opportunities to engage in small-group or one-on-one sessions.
- Adjustments in assessments, such as more time for exams and modified tasks.
A trained dyslexia teacher is skilled in adapting learning materials for students with dyslexia, ensuring they’re accessible to all SEN students. For families exploring other schooling options, it can be helpful to search “schools for dyslexia near me” to find institutions specialising in learning disabilities.
What Should You Expect in the EHCP Application Process?
The EHCP application process for dyslexia involves several key steps. Each step is designed to ensure a thorough understanding of your child’s unique needs and the best strategies to support them. From requesting an initial assessment to drafting and implementing the plan, each stage helps build a personalised EHCP. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during each step.
Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment
Parents or schools can request an EHC needs assessment if they believe the child needs more support than is typically available. The local authority reviews the child’s needs to determin whether an EHCP dyslexia plan is necessary.
EHC Assessment and Drafting of the EHCP
Specialists conduct assessments to gather information on the child’s educational, health, and social needs. For children dealing with high-functioning autism and dyslexia, an EHCP can ensure they receive both autism and dyslexia support.
Creating and Implementing the Plan
Once the EHCP for dyslexia plan receives approval, specialists draft and review it with parents. Here, the support measures, resources, and funding necessary to implement it effectively are specified. The final plan is reviewed yearly to stay up-to-date with the child’s evolving needs.
Support Options Beyond Traditional Schools
For some children with dyslexia, traditional school settings may not fully address their unique learning needs. In cases like these, Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) can provide tailored support in a non-traditional learning environment. EOTAS, included as part of an EHCP, ensures that your child receives individualised educational, health, and social care support outside the conventional school system.
This can be especially beneficial for those with additional challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, or irlens. EOTAS programs vary widely, including private tutoring, online learning, or specialised therapy sessions. This flexible approach helps meet the EHCP requirements and ensures your child has access to the resources needed to succeed academically and socially.
For families exploring alternatives to mainstream education, searching for SEN schools can help identify specialised programs. Certain schools also offer EOTAS options that include online learning. This can be ideal for children whose needs surpass traditional settings. If this sounds like something your child might benefit from, SEN Tutors UK is a great choice for you.
FAQs About EHCP for Dyslexia
Here are some frequently asked questions about EHCP for Dyslexia:
1. Is Dyslexia Classed as a Disability?
Yes, dyslexia is classified as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, entitling children with dyslexia to specialised support in educational settings.
2. What are the EHCP Assessment Criteria for Dyslexia?
The EHCP assessment criteria evaluate whether a child’s learning needs are significantly beyond what their school can provide through SEN resources. It considers aspects like working memory in dyslexia and how it impacts the child’s daily schoolwork.
3. Can I Apply for an EHCP for Minor Dyslexia?
Yes, even if a child has minor dyslexia, you can apply for an EHCP if their learning is notably impacted. The EHC needs assessment will determine the appropriate level of support.
4. Does My Child Need a Specific Dyslexia Teacher?
A trained dyslexia teacher or SEN teacher is highly beneficial for children with dyslexia, as they employ strategies to help with literacy, memory, and self-confidence.
5. How Can SEN Tutors Help with an EHCP for Dyslexia?
SEN Tutors UK provides specialised tutoring and resources that align with EHCP guidelines, ensuring children with dyslexia receive tailored support that matches their EHCP.
6. Does Dyslexia affect memory?
Yes, dyslexia can affect memory, particularly working memory, which is crucial for processing and retaining information.
How SEN Tutors Can Help
SEN Tutors offers services aligned with EHCP dyslexia provisions, including:
- Personalised tutoring sessions designed for dyslexia and other SEN needs.
- Support for home education for families needing flexible options.
- A network of trained tutors skilled in handling working memory dyslexia, dyslexia and irlens, and other co-occurring conditions.
At SEN Tutors Hertfordshire, we’re dedicated to helping children with dyslexia reach their potential by working in harmony with their EHCP to create an empowering learning experience.
How an EHCP for Dyslexia Can Help Your Child Today
In conclusion, an EHCP for dyslexia is a valuable tool to ensure children with dyslexia receive the specialised support they need to succeed in school. This comprehensive plan covers everything from specific educational resources to health and social care interventions, addressing the unique needs of each child.
An EHCP is particularly beneficial for children with challenges like working memory dyslexia and those requiring adjustments in mainstream or specialised schools. Understanding the EHCP assessment criteria and the steps to apply can help parents secure the most effective support for their child’s educational journey.
Need Help with Your Child’s EHCP for Dyslexia?
If you’re ready to start the EHCP process or simply want more information on how to best support your child’s dyslexia in school, contact SEN Tutors UK today. We’re here to help every step of the way!