Skills around sequencing, working memory, auditory processing and visual discrimination are needed for literacy and if these are delayed for any reason, then learning to read and write may be difficult.
The information below may be appropriate for primary and/or secondary pupils according to their age, stage and individual needs.
Websites
- National research and resources for teachers - What is literacy?
- Understanding and meeting the needs of a child with dyslexia, Dyslexia - British Dyslexia Association
- Effective interventions - What works for literacy difficulties
- Using technology to support literacy difficulties - callscotland.org.uk
- Supporting with handwriting difficulties - nha-handwriting.org.uk
Self-help resources
- Guidance on including pupils with literacy difficulties in the curriculum – Oxfordshire literacy difficulties (562KB)
- Explore gaps in phonological knowledge and processing - literacy assessment pack
- Dyslexia checklists - British Dyslexia Association
- Strengths-based tool to identify reasonable adjustments in learning settings -
- SENSS DSCN Down Syndrome good practice checklist
- SENSS DSCN complex needs good practice checklist
- OCC EP video: Understanding Literacy Acquisition: Foundations, Barriers and Implications
Video transcript (docx format, 19 KB)
Training
Training available on Clicker 8, using assistive technology, and Down’s syndrome. Access training through education services
Training on Dyslexia - in-school CPD and as an OXSIT training courses
Training on understanding the building blocks for reading. Access training through Whole School SEND
Specialist support in school
Options and referral routes to specialist support in settings
Oxfordshire School Inclusion Team (OXSIT)
Dyslexia and literacy difficulties consultancy package (whole school training and pupil focus)
- Training on literacy assessments: Salford, PhAB, LAPACK, YARC, NARA
- Supporting the monitoring of inclusive practice for literacy
- Supporting the development of robust systems to enable an effective graduated approach for pupils with cognition and learning needs
- Middle leaders as leaders of SEND.
- Consultancy support bespoke to school including learning walk, book look at training.
Find out more on what is available from OXSIT
Educational psychology service
- Bespoke training for schools and settings.
- Joint problem-solving/psychological consultation around a specific case or issue.
- Whole class /whole school interventions
Find out more about what is available Educational Psychology Service.
Down Syndrome and Complex Needs
- Online drop-In sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual pupils with the DSCN advisory team on a no names basis and will be available monthly. Book a 20-minute slot via the website.
- Free online training ‘Supporting pupils with Down’s syndrome and complex needs’ will run every half term. Access training through education services. Attendance at the training is necessary before a referral can be made.
- Use the good practice checklist (in resources above) to get lots of ideas for implementing good practice. This will help you decide if further support from SENSS DSCN is required.
- If SENSS DSCN support is required, complete a DSCN referral form (this is on the local offer) and email this together SENSS with the completed good practice checklistto SENSS senss@oxfordshire.gov.uk
- A DSCN advisory teacher will arrange a virtual Teams meeting with the SENDCO and class teacher to discuss the referral.