To ask the Minister of Education what steps she is taking increase access to diagnostic assessments for parents who have concerns that their child may have dyslexia.

The Education Authority Literacy Service (EALS) does not provide diagnostic assessments for parents; however, the service provides a broad range of training, information and suggested activities and resources to help parents and schools to support literacy development https://send.eani.org.uk/support-services/literacy.

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice is needs led and not dependent on a pupil having a diagnosis of dyslexia. Pupils experiencing literacy difficulties should be recorded on the school SEN register under the category Cognition and Learning.

Where a parent has a concern in relation to their child’s literacy, they should, in the first instance, discuss this with their child’s school. All schools have access to a designated EA Educational Psychologist (EP) to consult with on these matters. Currently, if following assessment by an EP a request is made to the EALS for support, this may be in the form of advice and guidance, small group support or individual support. This will depend on the level of need.

The supports and resources available from all EA SEND services to support schools in the implementation of the SEN Code of Practice are set out on the EA SEND Plan of Arrangements. Further details can be viewed here:

https://send.eani.org.uk/ea-plan-arrangements

If any parent or school has a specific query, they can contact the service at any time by e-mailing literacyservice@eani.org.uk or phoning 028 9448 2228.

As part of the End to End (E2E) Review of SEN, all pupil support services delivered by the EA are being reviewed.