We work in partnership with schools, staff, individual children and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do we do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe enable staff to meet the needs of pupils with SpLD (Dyslexia) including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- High-quality teaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Targeted group interventions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Individualised learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Whole-school development, consultancy and training.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Direct engagement with parents and carers is always facilitated in partnership with school staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do schools access the service?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPrimary and secondary settings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSupport from the SpLD (Dyslexia) Service for school aged children (Year 1 onwards) continues through Devon\u2019s referral process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRequest for access to SEND support<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo access our Service, the SENCO must ensure that the referral meets our eligibility criteria outlined in: Eligibility Criteria 2025-26<\/a>.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDevon’s graduated response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe graduated response tool has been developed to support Devon schools. The tool outlines some of the practices and adaptations that are part and parcel of Quality First Teaching (QFT): the inclusion of all pupils in high-quality everyday personalised teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training opportunities with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNetwork meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n- Primary network meetings<\/span><\/a>
All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos and teachers who lead on Dyslexia at their school are invited to attend the Primary network meetings, run termly by:<\/p>\n
Rebecca Hughes rebecca.hughes@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> and
\nOssian Pleasance ossian.pleasance@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 20 October 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 9 February 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 8 June 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- Secondary network meetings\u00a0<\/span><\/a>
All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos, Assessors and teachers who lead on dyslexia (or severe literacy difficulties) in their school are invited to attend. The meetings are run by:<\/p>\n
Deborah Lynch\u00a0 deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 13 October 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 2 February 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 29 June 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Drop in sessions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These sessions intend to provide SENCOs and HLTAs with support and advice on issues related to those pupils experiencing severe and persistent difficulties with literacy. If you would like to secure a slot on these sessions, please use the appropriate link below to make a booking. The sessions are 15-minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Book one slot only<\/strong> when you have a specific case\/group\/issue to discuss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be prepared<\/strong> please ensure the right person attends – someone who knows the CYP and situation well (for example, who can provide info on any additional needs). Have key, up-to-date information to hand (if relevant: single word spelling results, 10 min piece of writing, examples of writing\/spelling etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use the Targeted Support Framework before booking<\/strong> this is an expectation. The Devon SpLD Service can then strengthen your graduated approach through further advice and support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Act early<\/strong> don\u2019t wait for crisis point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Implement existing advice first<\/strong> if you\u2019ve received or are awaiting professional input, implement this first, through your graduated approach, before booking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A drop-in alone is not evidence of a graduated approach<\/strong> it is a supportive conversation to guide your next steps. You are responsible for implementing and evidencing actions, as part of your assess, plan, do, review cycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Please cancel your slot (using your booking link) if you cannot attend.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Please be aware that from September 2026, we are changing the way we offer our drop-in sessions. Rather than booking on a primary or secondary session, we are now offering sessions by area: North Devon, South Devon or East Devon. Exeter is covered by Rebecca Hughes and Deborah Lynch, and Mid-Devon by Ossian Pleasance and Deborah Lynch – so please book a session with your present Advisory Teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n
- South Devon and (some schools in) Exeter<\/span><\/a>
Rebecca Hughes (Central and South Devon): <\/strong>Book time with Rebecca Hughes: Central and South Devon Drop-In 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- North Devon<\/span><\/a>
Ossian Pleasance (North Devon and Mid Devon): <\/strong>Book Time with Ossian Pleasance: North Devon Drop-in 2 – 4pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- East and Mid Devon and (some schools in) Exeter<\/span><\/a>
Deborah Lynch (Exeter, Mid and East Devon) <\/strong>Book time with Deborah Lynch: Central and East Drop-in 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 please contact Deborah Lynch at deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> to book a drop in session.<\/p>\nAutumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Online training courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to attend one of the courses listed below, please contact ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n- Assessing Pupils Struggling with Literacy – required training in order to refer pupils to the SpLD Service (2 full days) \u2013 online<\/span><\/a>
A course for primary SENDCos and their assistant SENDCos.\u00a0These courses run from 9.30am to 3.00pm, and are via Zoom. Cost: \u00a385 per person (online).<\/p>\n
Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 22 September<\/li>\n
- Tuesday \u00a06 October<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- TBC<\/li>\n
- TBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- TBC<\/li>\n
- TBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This course will enable SENDCOs to identify students with Specific Learning Difficulties and will give them the tools to support such students. Since January 2020, any SENDCos wishing to refer students to the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service must have completed the course.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Morning courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAll morning courses are aimed primarily at Teaching Assistants, but teachers and SENDCos are also welcome. They are held via Zoom, on a Tuesday morning, from 9.30am \u2013 12.00pm, and are currently free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Phonics and Spelling<\/strong>\n
\n- Tuesday 13 October<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Struggling Writers<\/strong>\n
\n- Tuesday 15 September <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tuesday 8 December<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reading Interventions (two mornings)<\/strong>\n
\n- Reading morning 1 Tuesday 3rd November<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reading morning 2 Tuesday 17th November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you would like to attend one of the courses listed above, please email ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAfternoon courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nReading Volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Tuesday 24 November \u2013 1.15pm-2.45pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For any further information, or to book a place on any of the above courses, please do not phone QE directly in order to make contact with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service since staff are often out and about visiting Devon\u2019s schools. Please contact us at devonspld@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThrough years of hands-on teaching experience, specialist teachers from Devon\u2019s Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) Service have observed that a purely phonics-based approach does not meet the needs of every child in developing effective literacy skills. This is often particularly true for those students who have a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia) and have weak phonological awareness and often poor working memory skills. For these pupils, it is essential that a whole word approach to literacy (including visual support and a focus on morphology, etymology and orthography) is employed in addition to catch-up phonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phonics programme a school chooses for catch-up <\/strong>provision should be a Systematic Synthetic Programme (SSP), as for beginner readers. However, for older pupils who are still at the earliest stages of learning to read and spell, schools will need to explore a more age-appropriate version of the school’s present SSP or consider following an alternative SSP that is aimed at the pupil’s age group, as well as <\/strong>targeted teaching that develops spelling and literacy through morphology, etymology and orthography (please see ‘The Writing Framework’ 2025: page 7, 42,45,82).<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe phrase ‘fidelity to the programme’ suggests that schools should adhere to the school’s SSP programme’s specific systems and terminology so as not to confuse pupils by mixing material from different SSP programmes across different classrooms (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 47). \u2019Fidelity to the programme’ does not exclude the use of morphology, etymology and orthography for supporting reading (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 63, 70, 105) or spelling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n‘The guidance considers the challenges of the complex alphabetic code in English and recommends developing pupils\u2019 knowledge of orthography, morphology and etymology when appropriate, to help them to spell accurately.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Writing Framework, 2025: page 7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nLEAP Workshops – LEAP (Learn. Empower. Advocate. Prepare)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDevon County Council are offering a new programme of practical workshops, to support families and professionals to better understand SEND. They are open to all parents and carers in Devon and Torbay<\/strong> and as long as you have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, you\u2019ll be able to join \u2013 free of charge!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service will be offering a \u2018Dyslexia\u2019 session for Devon and Torbay\u2019s parents and carers. <\/strong> The session will cover questions related to the identification and support of children and young people with severe and persistent literacy difficulties (dyslexia). Parents will come away with clear information and lots of practical suggestions for supporting their child at home. We will also look at raising any concerns you have with school staff and exploring ways forward for your child in their educational setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBook onto a LEAP Workshop<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDecision Spelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2025\/01\/Decision-spelling.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service is delighted to endorse the Decision Spelling programme designed and written by our advisory teacher, Ossian Pleasance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is intended to be used for all learners from Year 2 to Year 6 and is a provision for whole class, small groups and 1:1 teaching. It follows the National Curriculum and because it employs a dyslexia-friendly approach, many of those pupils who struggle to spell accurately have found it extremely helpful to embed the skills needed to spell confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focus on etymology, vocabulary, and morphology in a multi-sensory way, captures the pupils\u2019 interest and encourages them to engage enthusiastically with an area of the curriculum that can be challenging for many. For further information, please see: www.decisionspelling.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nContact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In order for schools to access the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service, the school\u2019s SENCo will need to firstly check that the referral meets our eligibility criteria<\/a> and then complete a request for access form to SEND support.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor further information please see the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Direct engagement with parents and carers is always facilitated in partnership with school staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do schools access the service?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPrimary and secondary settings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSupport from the SpLD (Dyslexia) Service for school aged children (Year 1 onwards) continues through Devon\u2019s referral process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRequest for access to SEND support<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo access our Service, the SENCO must ensure that the referral meets our eligibility criteria outlined in: Eligibility Criteria 2025-26<\/a>.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDevon’s graduated response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe graduated response tool has been developed to support Devon schools. The tool outlines some of the practices and adaptations that are part and parcel of Quality First Teaching (QFT): the inclusion of all pupils in high-quality everyday personalised teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training opportunities with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNetwork meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n- Primary network meetings<\/span><\/a>
All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos and teachers who lead on Dyslexia at their school are invited to attend the Primary network meetings, run termly by:<\/p>\n
Rebecca Hughes rebecca.hughes@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> and
\nOssian Pleasance ossian.pleasance@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 20 October 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 9 February 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 8 June 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- Secondary network meetings\u00a0<\/span><\/a>
All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos, Assessors and teachers who lead on dyslexia (or severe literacy difficulties) in their school are invited to attend. The meetings are run by:<\/p>\n
Deborah Lynch\u00a0 deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 13 October 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 2 February 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 29 June 1.30 \u2013 3.30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Drop in sessions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These sessions intend to provide SENCOs and HLTAs with support and advice on issues related to those pupils experiencing severe and persistent difficulties with literacy. If you would like to secure a slot on these sessions, please use the appropriate link below to make a booking. The sessions are 15-minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Book one slot only<\/strong> when you have a specific case\/group\/issue to discuss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be prepared<\/strong> please ensure the right person attends – someone who knows the CYP and situation well (for example, who can provide info on any additional needs). Have key, up-to-date information to hand (if relevant: single word spelling results, 10 min piece of writing, examples of writing\/spelling etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use the Targeted Support Framework before booking<\/strong> this is an expectation. The Devon SpLD Service can then strengthen your graduated approach through further advice and support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Act early<\/strong> don\u2019t wait for crisis point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Implement existing advice first<\/strong> if you\u2019ve received or are awaiting professional input, implement this first, through your graduated approach, before booking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A drop-in alone is not evidence of a graduated approach<\/strong> it is a supportive conversation to guide your next steps. You are responsible for implementing and evidencing actions, as part of your assess, plan, do, review cycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Please cancel your slot (using your booking link) if you cannot attend.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Please be aware that from September 2026, we are changing the way we offer our drop-in sessions. Rather than booking on a primary or secondary session, we are now offering sessions by area: North Devon, South Devon or East Devon. Exeter is covered by Rebecca Hughes and Deborah Lynch, and Mid-Devon by Ossian Pleasance and Deborah Lynch – so please book a session with your present Advisory Teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n
- South Devon and (some schools in) Exeter<\/span><\/a>
Rebecca Hughes (Central and South Devon): <\/strong>Book time with Rebecca Hughes: Central and South Devon Drop-In 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- North Devon<\/span><\/a>
Ossian Pleasance (North Devon and Mid Devon): <\/strong>Book Time with Ossian Pleasance: North Devon Drop-in 2 – 4pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAutumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>
- East and Mid Devon and (some schools in) Exeter<\/span><\/a>
Deborah Lynch (Exeter, Mid and East Devon) <\/strong>Book time with Deborah Lynch: Central and East Drop-in 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 please contact Deborah Lynch at deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> to book a drop in session.<\/p>\nAutumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 6 October<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 24 November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 26 January<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 23 March<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 27 April<\/li>\n
- Tuesday 22 June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Online training courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to attend one of the courses listed below, please contact ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n- Assessing Pupils Struggling with Literacy – required training in order to refer pupils to the SpLD Service (2 full days) \u2013 online<\/span><\/a>
A course for primary SENDCos and their assistant SENDCos.\u00a0These courses run from 9.30am to 3.00pm, and are via Zoom. Cost: \u00a385 per person (online).<\/p>\n
Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tuesday 22 September<\/li>\n
- Tuesday \u00a06 October<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- TBC<\/li>\n
- TBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- TBC<\/li>\n
- TBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This course will enable SENDCOs to identify students with Specific Learning Difficulties and will give them the tools to support such students. Since January 2020, any SENDCos wishing to refer students to the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service must have completed the course.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Morning courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAll morning courses are aimed primarily at Teaching Assistants, but teachers and SENDCos are also welcome. They are held via Zoom, on a Tuesday morning, from 9.30am \u2013 12.00pm, and are currently free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Phonics and Spelling<\/strong>\n
\n- Tuesday 13 October<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Struggling Writers<\/strong>\n
\n- Tuesday 15 September <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tuesday 8 December<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reading Interventions (two mornings)<\/strong>\n
\n- Reading morning 1 Tuesday 3rd November<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reading morning 2 Tuesday 17th November<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you would like to attend one of the courses listed above, please email ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAfternoon courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nReading Volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Tuesday 24 November \u2013 1.15pm-2.45pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For any further information, or to book a place on any of the above courses, please do not phone QE directly in order to make contact with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service since staff are often out and about visiting Devon\u2019s schools. Please contact us at devonspld@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThrough years of hands-on teaching experience, specialist teachers from Devon\u2019s Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) Service have observed that a purely phonics-based approach does not meet the needs of every child in developing effective literacy skills. This is often particularly true for those students who have a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia) and have weak phonological awareness and often poor working memory skills. For these pupils, it is essential that a whole word approach to literacy (including visual support and a focus on morphology, etymology and orthography) is employed in addition to catch-up phonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phonics programme a school chooses for catch-up <\/strong>provision should be a Systematic Synthetic Programme (SSP), as for beginner readers. However, for older pupils who are still at the earliest stages of learning to read and spell, schools will need to explore a more age-appropriate version of the school’s present SSP or consider following an alternative SSP that is aimed at the pupil’s age group, as well as <\/strong>targeted teaching that develops spelling and literacy through morphology, etymology and orthography (please see ‘The Writing Framework’ 2025: page 7, 42,45,82).<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe phrase ‘fidelity to the programme’ suggests that schools should adhere to the school’s SSP programme’s specific systems and terminology so as not to confuse pupils by mixing material from different SSP programmes across different classrooms (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 47). \u2019Fidelity to the programme’ does not exclude the use of morphology, etymology and orthography for supporting reading (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 63, 70, 105) or spelling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n‘The guidance considers the challenges of the complex alphabetic code in English and recommends developing pupils\u2019 knowledge of orthography, morphology and etymology when appropriate, to help them to spell accurately.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Writing Framework, 2025: page 7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nLEAP Workshops – LEAP (Learn. Empower. Advocate. Prepare)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDevon County Council are offering a new programme of practical workshops, to support families and professionals to better understand SEND. They are open to all parents and carers in Devon and Torbay<\/strong> and as long as you have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, you\u2019ll be able to join \u2013 free of charge!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service will be offering a \u2018Dyslexia\u2019 session for Devon and Torbay\u2019s parents and carers. <\/strong> The session will cover questions related to the identification and support of children and young people with severe and persistent literacy difficulties (dyslexia). Parents will come away with clear information and lots of practical suggestions for supporting their child at home. We will also look at raising any concerns you have with school staff and exploring ways forward for your child in their educational setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBook onto a LEAP Workshop<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDecision Spelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service is delighted to endorse the Decision Spelling programme designed and written by our advisory teacher, Ossian Pleasance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is intended to be used for all learners from Year 2 to Year 6 and is a provision for whole class, small groups and 1:1 teaching. It follows the National Curriculum and because it employs a dyslexia-friendly approach, many of those pupils who struggle to spell accurately have found it extremely helpful to embed the skills needed to spell confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focus on etymology, vocabulary, and morphology in a multi-sensory way, captures the pupils\u2019 interest and encourages them to engage enthusiastically with an area of the curriculum that can be challenging for many. For further information, please see: www.decisionspelling.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nContact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In order for schools to access the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service, the school\u2019s SENCo will need to firstly check that the referral meets our eligibility criteria<\/a> and then complete a request for access form to SEND support.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor further information please see the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Support from the SpLD (Dyslexia) Service for school aged children (Year 1 onwards) continues through Devon\u2019s referral process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To access our Service, the SENCO must ensure that the referral meets our eligibility criteria outlined in: Eligibility Criteria 2025-26<\/a>.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Devon’s graduated response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The graduated response tool has been developed to support Devon schools. The tool outlines some of the practices and adaptations that are part and parcel of Quality First Teaching (QFT): the inclusion of all pupils in high-quality everyday personalised teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos and teachers who lead on Dyslexia at their school are invited to attend the Primary network meetings, run termly by:<\/p>\n Rebecca Hughes rebecca.hughes@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> and Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n All SENDCos, Assistant SENDCos, Assessors and teachers who lead on dyslexia (or severe literacy difficulties) in their school are invited to attend. The meetings are run by:<\/p>\n Deborah Lynch\u00a0 deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n These sessions intend to provide SENCOs and HLTAs with support and advice on issues related to those pupils experiencing severe and persistent difficulties with literacy. If you would like to secure a slot on these sessions, please use the appropriate link below to make a booking. The sessions are 15-minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please be aware that from September 2026, we are changing the way we offer our drop-in sessions. Rather than booking on a primary or secondary session, we are now offering sessions by area: North Devon, South Devon or East Devon. Exeter is covered by Rebecca Hughes and Deborah Lynch, and Mid-Devon by Ossian Pleasance and Deborah Lynch – so please book a session with your present Advisory Teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n Rebecca Hughes (Central and South Devon): <\/strong>Book time with Rebecca Hughes: Central and South Devon Drop-In 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Autumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Ossian Pleasance (North Devon and Mid Devon): <\/strong>Book Time with Ossian Pleasance: North Devon Drop-in 2 – 4pm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Deborah Lynch (Exeter, Mid and East Devon) <\/strong>Book time with Deborah Lynch: Central and East Drop-in 2 – 4 pm<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 please contact Deborah Lynch at deborah.lynch@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a> to book a drop in session.<\/p>\n Autumn term 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n If you would like to attend one of the courses listed below, please contact ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n A course for primary SENDCos and their assistant SENDCos.\u00a0These courses run from 9.30am to 3.00pm, and are via Zoom. Cost: \u00a385 per person (online).<\/p>\n Autumn term 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer term 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n This course will enable SENDCOs to identify students with Specific Learning Difficulties and will give them the tools to support such students. Since January 2020, any SENDCos wishing to refer students to the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service must have completed the course.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n All morning courses are aimed primarily at Teaching Assistants, but teachers and SENDCos are also welcome. They are held via Zoom, on a Tuesday morning, from 9.30am \u2013 12.00pm, and are currently free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to attend one of the courses listed above, please email ann.atherton@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading Volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For any further information, or to book a place on any of the above courses, please do not phone QE directly in order to make contact with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service since staff are often out and about visiting Devon\u2019s schools. Please contact us at devonspld@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Through years of hands-on teaching experience, specialist teachers from Devon\u2019s Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) Service have observed that a purely phonics-based approach does not meet the needs of every child in developing effective literacy skills. This is often particularly true for those students who have a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia) and have weak phonological awareness and often poor working memory skills. For these pupils, it is essential that a whole word approach to literacy (including visual support and a focus on morphology, etymology and orthography) is employed in addition to catch-up phonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The phonics programme a school chooses for catch-up <\/strong>provision should be a Systematic Synthetic Programme (SSP), as for beginner readers. However, for older pupils who are still at the earliest stages of learning to read and spell, schools will need to explore a more age-appropriate version of the school’s present SSP or consider following an alternative SSP that is aimed at the pupil’s age group, as well as <\/strong>targeted teaching that develops spelling and literacy through morphology, etymology and orthography (please see ‘The Writing Framework’ 2025: page 7, 42,45,82).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The phrase ‘fidelity to the programme’ suggests that schools should adhere to the school’s SSP programme’s specific systems and terminology so as not to confuse pupils by mixing material from different SSP programmes across different classrooms (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 47). \u2019Fidelity to the programme’ does not exclude the use of morphology, etymology and orthography for supporting reading (The Reading Framework, 2023: page 63, 70, 105) or spelling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘The guidance considers the challenges of the complex alphabetic code in English and recommends developing pupils\u2019 knowledge of orthography, morphology and etymology when appropriate, to help them to spell accurately.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Writing Framework, 2025: page 7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Devon County Council are offering a new programme of practical workshops, to support families and professionals to better understand SEND. They are open to all parents and carers in Devon and Torbay<\/strong> and as long as you have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, you\u2019ll be able to join \u2013 free of charge!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service will be offering a \u2018Dyslexia\u2019 session for Devon and Torbay\u2019s parents and carers. <\/strong> The session will cover questions related to the identification and support of children and young people with severe and persistent literacy difficulties (dyslexia). Parents will come away with clear information and lots of practical suggestions for supporting their child at home. We will also look at raising any concerns you have with school staff and exploring ways forward for your child in their educational setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book onto a LEAP Workshop<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service is delighted to endorse the Decision Spelling programme designed and written by our advisory teacher, Ossian Pleasance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is intended to be used for all learners from Year 2 to Year 6 and is a provision for whole class, small groups and 1:1 teaching. It follows the National Curriculum and because it employs a dyslexia-friendly approach, many of those pupils who struggle to spell accurately have found it extremely helpful to embed the skills needed to spell confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The focus on etymology, vocabulary, and morphology in a multi-sensory way, captures the pupils\u2019 interest and encourages them to engage enthusiastically with an area of the curriculum that can be challenging for many. For further information, please see: www.decisionspelling.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In order for schools to access the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service, the school\u2019s SENCo will need to firstly check that the referral meets our eligibility criteria<\/a> and then complete a request for access form to SEND support.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For further information please see the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTraining opportunities with the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Network meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n
\nOssian Pleasance ossian.pleasance@qe.devon.sch.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Drop in sessions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Online training courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Morning courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Afternoon courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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LEAP Workshops – LEAP (Learn. Empower. Advocate. Prepare)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Decision Spelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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