Raising Concern about Dyslexia

Some tips for parents and carers who would like to tell the school about their conce

"I think my child has problems at school, what can I do?"

Are you worried about problems your child is having at school?

You can:

Ask to speak to the class teacher or year tutor (arrange a convenient time)
Ask the teacher if she or he has any concerns
Say what your concern is
Ask what you can do to help
Find out what the school is doing (or will do) and when, about this concern
Ask for another meeting and agree with the teacher a date for the future meeting

If the teacher feels that the problem is affecting your child's learning, she or he will:

Tell you what help she or he is giving your child in class
Ask the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Co-ordinator to make a note of your concern, or you can ask to see the SEN Co-ordinator.

If you are still not happy, speak to:

The head teacher and if you still feel unhappy you can ask to see or speak to a governor with responsibility for special educational needs, or a parent governor if the concern is not bout a problem effecting your child's learning

How to get the most from the meeting.

Before the meeting:

Find out who will be at the meeting. Will there be anyone as well as the class teacher? For example, the Head teacher, Head of Year, School Nurse or anyone else who is involved with your child.
Consider whether you may like to bring a friend or relative for informal support. (You should let the school know if you do intend to take someone)
You could also speak to a relative charity and possibly be-able to take a volunteer be-friender with you.
Find out, if possible, the views of your child.
Try to have an idea in your mind about what you would like to get from the meeting.
Make some notes of your own, including:
- A description of your child's problems.
- Anything you have noticed that helps.
- Anything you notice that makes the difficulty worse.
You will achieve more by staying calm and remember that emotions may be raised for you because your child in involved.

During the meeting:

Make sure everyone introduces themselves and you are clear about their roles and responsibilities.
Check the finishing time of the meeting
If anyone is going to take notes as for a copy or take your own notes. Include what has been agreed, what has been disagreed and any relevant dates.
If anything is said that you do not understand, ask for an explanation.
Agree a summary and action points of what has been agreed and be included in the notes. Check that your concerns have been discussed.
Agree a date to check progress or ask for the name of someone you can contact in the future.
Print this page of and take it to the meeting, it may be useful!
Should you try all the suggestions above and still not feel satisfied you can make a formal complaint. All schools have complaint procedures. You can ask for a copy.