1.6 Effective Communication

Effective communication, respect and partnership working are key requirements between schools and families. They are essential in supporting appropriate and effective identification, planning and monitoring of literacy difficulties and dyslexia and maintaining positive relationships.

All partners need to feel they are included and that there is transparent and regular communication. This could be done via phone calls, emails and letters – please ensure that the communication method used is appropriate for the family. Dyslexia can be hereditary and there may be situations where the parents /carers also have literacy difficulties. A regular short message to a parent about progress can be extremely effective in avoiding a situation escalating negatively.

It is important that:

  • Parents and carers feel that they are being listened to and their views are valued.
  • Parents and carers are informed of all the support their child receives. This will reduce perceptions that no supports are in place, as often they are discrete and the learner may not be fully aware of the additional support they are receiving.
  • Parents and carers are provided with information on what assessment and support means within the ‘needs led’ Scottish educational context - the ‘label’ of dyslexia is not in itself required in order for resources or support to be made available for learners. Equally, the label of dyslexia can be very valuable to the learner and their family in terms of the learner’s sense of self and understanding from others.
  • Effective consultation takes place with parents and the young person. If the young person is old enough to understand what is happening they can participate in their meetings.
Described image
Figure 5 Interlinking stakeholders

Activity 4 Reflective log

Think about the role of communication in supporting a person with dyslexia. Who are the partners? How do you communicate with them?

Write approximately 200 words in your reflective log on your understanding of the importance of effective communication and identify some of the challenges in discussing dyslexia.

Discussion

For example you may write about how you liaise with colleagues to gather information on the learner’s profile and what support approaches would be appropriate or how you have provided information to parents and carers on their child’s progress, highlighting your awareness of the support needs and providing opportunities for discussion.

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  1. Watch the film clip and within your Reflective Log note the key themes and recommendations the presenter highlights.
  2. Consider this information in relation to your own practice and note areas for improvement.

1.5 Breaking the Myths

1.7 Appropriate Support approaches