Home:Welcome

Debby Pollard Dyslexia - Mid Cornwall based assessor.

Dyslexia Assessment and Teaching in Cornwall

About me..

Based in mid Cornwall, I am a Level 7 qualified teacher and assessor of learners with specific learning difficulties. Following 16 years in a mainstream secondary school, first as a science teacher then as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, I specialised in the area of Dyslexia. Having trained at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. I have an Assessment Practicing Certificate 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, as well as assessments for exam access arrangements and DSA applications and can provide training for anyone working with, or supporting people with dyslexia.

When teaching I generally work 1:1 with learners who need additional support with literacy, numeracy and science. 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.

Get in Touch

Back to Top

About me

What is Dyslexia?

The most commonly used definition of Dyslexia is based upon the Rose Report written in 2009 by Sir Jim Rose.

"Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed."

It can occur across the range of intellectual abilities and it can also be present alongside other specific learning difficulties.

People working in this area recognise that those with Dyslexia have a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect their learning. Some also have strengths in other areas such as problem solving and creative thinking.

An assessment covers all the areas noted above and the report provided is very detailed. Every effort taken to make the process and report as accessible as possible. As you can see above there will be certain technical terms used. Therefore, I offer everyone the opportunity to talk through both the assessment process, and the report, and ask questions.

More information about Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties can be found at these sites -

Back to top

Assessment

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 verbal and visual abilities, how 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 £420.

Get in touch

Back to top

Specialist teaching

Teaching and Other Services

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, numeracy and study skills. Having a science background I can also cover up to GCSE science.

Other services

Access arrangements for exams.
Assessment for DSA.
Training for school staff.
Parent course on supporting your child with dyslexia.

Back to Top

Get in touch

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".

Back to Top

Reviews