At Julian’s Primary School, we recognise that every child learns differently, and we are committed to ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive. We understand that children with dyslexia may experience challenges with reading, writing, spelling and processing written information. With appropriate teaching strategies, resources and encouragement, children with dyslexia can develop confidence, build on their strengths and achieve their full potential.

Identifying Dyslexic Profiles

At Julian’s, we use the Nessy Dyslexia Screening Assessment to help identify children who may have a dyslexic profile. This screening provides valuable information about a child's strengths and areas of difficulty and helps us consider appropriate support strategies.

It is important to note that the Nessy screening is not a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. However, the results can provide a useful indication of whether a child may benefit from a more detailed assessment.

Families who wish to pursue a formal diagnosis can arrange an assessment with a qualified specialist dyslexia assessor. Dyslexia assessments are not routinely provided through paediatric services.

Some Julian’s families have previously used the following independent assessors:

• Anne Sheppee – Further information can be found here.

• Bloomfield Dyslexia Centre – Information about assessment services and costs can be found here.

These are examples of providers previously used by families at Julian’s. Parents and carers are welcome to explore other qualified independent assessors.

How We Support Children with Dyslexia

At Julian’s, we believe that identifying a child's individual learning needs enables us to make appropriate adaptations to teaching and learning. Children do not need a formal diagnosis of dyslexia to access support in school.

Where a child demonstrates a dyslexic profile, we can provide a range of strategies and resources to help remove barriers to learning and promote independence.

These may include:

• Dyslexia-friendly reading books: Access to Barrington Stoke books across both school sites. These books provide engaging, age-appropriate stories with accessible layouts and dyslexia-friendly formatting.

• Coloured overlays: Available where helpful to support visual comfort when reading.

• Adapted assessment arrangements: Additional time to complete assessments or adult support to read instructions and information, where appropriate and permitted by assessment guidance.

• Nessy Learning Programme: Access to the Nessy programme, providing a personalised sequence of learning activities focused on developing reading, spelling and phonics skills.

• Dyslexia-friendly learning materials: The use of coloured paper and workbooks, where beneficial, to support accessibility and reduce potential visual discomfort.

• Adapted classroom teaching: Teaching approaches and learning activities that take account of individual needs, helping children access the curriculum and demonstrate their understanding.

Working in Partnership with Families

We recognise the importance of working closely with parents and carers to understand each child's learning needs.

Our Inclusion Team and class teachers work collaboratively with families to identify potential difficulties, discuss screening outcomes and put appropriate support in place.

Our aim is to ensure that every child feels understood, supported and confident in their learning, recognising that dyslexia is just one aspect of a child's individual learning profile.

If you have concerns about your child's reading, writing or spelling, or would like to discuss possible dyslexic characteristics, please speak to your child's class teacher or a member of our Inclusion Team.