Dyslexia Assessment and Teaching in Cornwall
For an experienced and supportive approach to assessment and tutoring.
About me..
Based in mid Cornwall, I am a Level 7 qualified specialist teacher/assessor of learners with specific learning difficulties. With 16 years in a mainstream secondary school, first as a science teacher then as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, and 8 years as a specialist/teacher assessor you can be assured of an experienced and supportive approach.
Having trained at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, I gained an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC) from PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties www.patoss-dyslexia.org).
I undertake diagnostic assessments for people of all ages, this is mainly focused on Dyslexia. Although I can investigate ADHD and/or Dyspraxia for students 18 and over. As well as completing assessments for exam access arrangements and DSA applications.
I am also involved in the training of new assessors with PATOSS, as well as acting as a mentor to practising assessors.
When teaching I generally work 1:1 with learners who need additional support with literacy or study skills. I have experience working with learners from Key Stage 2 up to and including sixth form. Having been a SENCo I am experienced at working with learners with a wide range of additional needs.
I am based in Perrancoombe, Perranporth, Cornwall.
Following a review, referred to as the Delphi Study, the definition of Dyslexia was updated. Any diagnosis of Dyslexia is now made with reference to this definition.
Nature
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The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depend on multiple genetic and environmental influences.
Manifestation
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Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed. Working memory, processing speed and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.
Impact
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In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments. Across languages and age groups, difficulties in reading fluency and spelling are a key marker of dyslexia.
Variance and co-occurrence
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Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity. Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language. Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.
More information about Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties can be found at these sites -
Assessment is not just about getting a label, it details strengths as well as the areas of difficulty, and gives clear guidance on the way forwards. Having gone through this process with one of my children I appreciate the emotions that can be involved in this process.
A diagnostic assessment involves looking at the individuals underlying language and reasoning skills, how, and at what speed, they process sound based information and use their working memory. This is considered in relation to their current reading, spelling and writing skills. This level of investigation means that an assessment takes around 3 hours.
For individuals 16 years or older, it is also possible to investigate symptoms linked to Dyspraxia (Developmental Co-ordination Disorder, DCD) and ADHD. In this case the assessment is likely to take around 4 hours.
Assessments usually take place in my home-based office. This is a quiet and comfortable space dedicated to assessing and teaching. Other arrangements can be made for learners with specific needs.
The cost of a diagnostic assessment is £430.
Specialist teaching
Teaching
I have worked 1:1 with learners from 7 - 17 years old. For each student I set personalised targets and plan lessons based on the individual needs of the learner. Using a multi-sensory approach I can cover literacy and study skills.
What people say about me..
Parent of an 8 year old boy who received dyslexia tutoring
"He was struggling mostly with his writing and, as a result, his confidence was low. Debby has been giving him some tips and strategies to overcome his difficulties, in a fun and energising way. Our son’s confidence and writing have greatly improved since and he is now happy to write for the fun of it."
Falmouth University Student who was assessed
The report is absolutely perfect. It's very interesting to read and really helps me to begin to understand how my brain works and why things function the way they do.
Thank you so much.
Parent of a year 6 boy who had an assessment
Thank you so much for your hard work in producing such a comprehensive and well executed report, we really appreciate it. Honestly we’ve seen a lot of poor reports over the years, yours was really excellent.
Parent of a year 5 girl who received dyslexia tutoring
"Patience and empathy with my daughter does not go unnoticed. Really do not think we would have made as much progress without Debby's support and tutoring".
Parent of year 4 girl who was assessed
My daughter enjoyed her time with Debby and felt better about herself after the assessment. To the extent that she read some easy stories to her brother and cousin which was previously unheard of.
Parent of a year 4 girl who was assessed
"You managed to put her at her ease during the assessment process....the approach you have taken has helped her to understand why she finds things tricky".
Qualifications and Training
Academic Qualifications
BSc Biochemistry : University of Surrey
PGCE Secondary Science : Open University
Masters in Education : Open University
Professional Qualifications and Affiliations
Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties : OCR
Full Member PATOSS (APC)
National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination : University of Reading
Other Professional Roles
Tutor on the PATOSS training course - Diagnosing Dyslexia - Assessment Practice and Reporting
Mentor on the PATOSS Professional Mentoring Programme
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about these services, please get in touch.
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Perrancoombe, Perranporth, Cornwall
07500 955169
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