Some children of obvious intelligence never learn to read, write or compute at levels commensurate with their ability. Conscientious teachers and parents have realised that the problem is not due to laziness, especially since many of the affected children are amongst the most industrious in the class. Nor do their difficulties appear to result from stupidity since these particular illiterate children usually exhibit brightness in oral language fluency.
Many parents have been bewildered by the fact that their child has failed to master basic literacy and numeracy skills despite being generally articulate and apparently intelligent in the home environment.
Some of these children have come to be known as dyslexic or suffering from specific learning difficulties.
Early recognition of the dyslexic / SpLD child is of vital importance if effective specialist help is to be given soon enough. Parents and teachers should be aware of the set of symptoms which can constitute dyslexia. Some of these are as follows:
Discrepancy between apparent intelligence and performance at reading and/or spelling.
Bizarre spelling.
Confusion between “b” and “d” (other letters may be reversed or inverted).
Difficulty over distinguishing left and right
Poor short term memory.
Difficulty over repeating long words.
Difficulty over repeating numbers – especially in reverse order.
Difficulty memorising multiplication tables.
Difficulty remembering months of the year.
History of clumsiness, late walking, talking etc.
Difficulties at birth or pregnancy
Family history of similar learning difficulties
If a child over eight years possesses three or more of the above set of symptoms it is possible that he or she is dyslexic.
Whilst Dyslexia is now a recognised disability under both the Code of Practice (2002) and the Disability Discrimination Act in the UK, there is still a lack of awareness in many countries despite the stalwart efforts of the local Dyslexia Associations.
Merton House School has a dedicated Department which has been officially inspected and recognised by CReSteD (Dedicated Unit) as well as having the highest number of teaching staff of any school in Cheshire with a specialist qualification in dyslexia. The Department also has the active support of an educational psychologist, speech & language therapist, occupational therapist, and abehavioural optometrist.
The School recognizes that many of the world’s greatest artists, craftsmen, architects and engineers and entrepreneurs have been, or are dyslexic. Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Hans Christian Anderson, Richard Branson, Jackie Stewart are but a few who were or are dyslexic ! Therefore, the School encourages the development of skills and talents of these children who, whilst having difficulty in the classroom can and do excel in other fields.
It is hoped that greater awareness and appropriate teaching skills will not only help dyslexic children and adults aquire vital literacy skills but will also encourage schools and parents to exploit their very many and much needed talents.
Merton House has an established Gifted and Talented programme where children with particular skills and talents are withdrawn from class for individual and small group work with the intention of developing these skills to a higher level.
Fees
As the needs of you child may need to be independently assessed prior to admission, the school will provide details of the fees on application.
Merton House School is accredited by IAPS, is a full member of CReSteD (Category DU) and a corporate member of the BDA (British Dyslexia Association) and Dyslexia Action.Please feel free to speak to Mrs Millie Garrett who is the full time Head of Learning Support.E-Mail
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