The move towards a needs-led SEND system is, in principle, a positive step. Shifting away from labels and towards understanding children more holistically should help schools respond more flexibly. However, there is a significant concern that cannot be ignored . The new SEND Code of Practice focuses on five areas of development but, “cognition and learning”, one of the current four areas has been removed. The new areas are as in the image above. This is the issue. The develop

Understanding Cognitive Processing in Dyslexia When people think about dyslexia, they often associate it only with reading and spelling. However, dyslexia is best understood as a difference in how the brain processes information. These differences are most clearly seen in literacy development, but they can also affect wider cognitive processes, including memory, attention and processing efficiency. Many individuals with dyslexia report difficulties with memory, concentration,

Many parents begin to explore dyslexia when reading or spelling does not develop as expected. However, what many families discover along the way is that dyslexia rarely exists in isolation. A child may struggle with reading, but also seem forgetful. They may avoid writing, but also appear anxious. They may work slowly, but also find it hard to stay focused. At this point, a common question arises: Is it just dyslexia, or could something else be going on too? What Are Co-Occur

The SEND White Paper has now been published, alongside a significant funding commitment. The government has announced multi-billion-pound investment over the coming years to reform the SEND system, including: • Expanded specialist support through the proposed “Experts at Hand” service • Standardised Individual Support Plans • Greater consistency across local areas • Strengthened expectations for mainstream inclusion • Reform of EHCP processes • Increased workforce development

When parents come to me with concerns about dyslexia, they are often feeling worried, confused, and unsure where to turn next. Many have already tried a range of strategies, apps, or extra practice, yet their child is still finding reading, spelling or writing hard work. One of the most important things I explain is this: effective dyslexia support starts with understanding how a learner thinks, not just what they are struggling with on the surface. Dyslexia is about processi

Dyslexia is something that we hope would always be picked up in early primary school. But in reality, many bright, articulate students are not identified until secondary school, further education, university, or even the workplace. Bright students often develop strong coping strategies. They may have excellent verbal skills, a good memory for information they hear, and a strong general understanding of topics. These strengths can mask underlying difficulties with reading flue

I’m very pleased to share a few updates about my professional journey in the world of dyslexia support. I’ve recently been appointed as an Associate Assessor for the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) – a role that recognises my commitment to high standards and ethical, evidence-based practice in diagnostic assessment and teaching. I’ve also joined the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity (HADC) as an Associate Consultant Specialist Teacher. Helen Arkell is one of the UK’s leading d

The British Dyslexia Association’s 2025 report, “Set up for Somebody Else: Young People with Dyslexia in the Education System”, shines a...

🌟Dyslexia Awareness Week🌟 Dyslexia is a language-based difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken information....

The Education Committee recently described England’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system as “broken.” For many...

Understanding Dyslexia: A New Expert Consensus Dyslexia is one of the most well-known learning difficulties, yet there is still confusion...

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that primarily affects skills involved in reading, spelling, and writing. It's essential to...

For children with special needs or who are neurodivergent, touch typing can be a game-changer. Traditional writing can be a challenging...

Talking with your child's teacher is important as it will help them support your child in the best way and help them understand your...

Introduction: Storytelling is a vibrant and essential tool in literacy development, offering a world of imagination and learning. At...

Introduction: If your child is struggling with reading, they may have dyslexia, a common learning difference that affects language...

🌟 Boosting Your Children's Confidence with Dyslexia in Primary School Learning 🌟 📚 Is your child facing challenges with dyslexia in...

Parents, are you looking for ways to enhance your child's reading ability and comprehension skills? Here are some helpful tips to support...

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/events/free-webinar-dyslexia-awareness-for-eyfs-2?token=QJVYZjdBIvFCp

Introduction: Welcome to our blog! Today, we embark on an exciting journey to explore the transformative power of phonics in early...