FOR PARENTS · AGES 5–11
Signs of reading difficulties and dyslexia, and how to raise them with school
Talk to the class teacher first, then the school's SENCO: that's the NHS's suggested first step. Help in school shouldn't wait for a diagnosis, which only a qualified assessor can make.
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If reading seems much harder for your child than for others, the first step is a conversation with school, not a test at home. This guide sets out the signs the NHS and the British Dyslexia Association describe, and the route from first worry to support, so you know what to ask for.
By the Litsee team · Last reviewed · About this guide
The short answer: talk to the SENCO, and don't wait for a label
The NHS says that if you think your child may have dyslexia, a useful first step is to “talk to their school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)” (NHS). Schools don't need a diagnosis to start helping: the SEND code of practice says “schools should not delay in putting in place extra teaching or other rigorous interventions designed to secure better progress, where required” (SEND code of practice).
Diagnosis is a job for specialists. The British Dyslexia Association is clear: “The only way that dyslexia can be formally identified is by a Diagnostic Assessment for Dyslexia carried out by a qualified assessor.” (BDA). And the NHS adds: “A GP cannot diagnose dyslexia”, though a GP can check other things such as hearing. This guide won't tell you whether your child is dyslexic. It will help you get the right people looking.
Signs to look out for
These are the signs as the NHS and the BDA describe them. A sign on its own isn't a diagnosis, and as the BDA says, “Remember that not all dyslexic children will display the same weaknesses and abilities.” (BDA).
The NHS lists signs such as
- learning to speak later than other children
- not being interested in activities around language, like saying the alphabet
- reading at a level below what's expected at their age
- having difficulty with numbers, telling the time, and remembering the order of things, like days of the week
- written work that looks messy and has lots of spelling mistakes
- being slow and hesitant when reading aloud
- finding it challenging to plan and organise schoolwork
The BDA's reading signs include
- Slow reading progress
- Finds it difficult to blend letters together
- Hesitant and laboured reading, especially when reading aloud
- Misses out words when reading, or adds extra words
- Fails to recognise familiar words
The NHS also notes that children living with dyslexia may become frustrated, which can show up as behaviour rather than as a reading problem. What matters most is whether difficulties carry on despite good teaching and plenty of practice.
What dyslexia is
In 2025 a panel of UK experts agreed a new definition (Carroll and others, 2025), which the BDA has adopted: “Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments.” (BDA). The BDA adds that “there is no suggestion that anyone diagnosed under the previous definition would not continue to meet the criteria for a diagnosis”.
The NHS puts it simply: dyslexia mainly affects reading, writing and spelling, and “It does not affect intelligence.” (NHS).
The route, step by step
- Notice and note. Jot down what you see over a week or two: words guessed, how long reading lasts, what upsets your child. Bring examples of reading and writing.
- Talk to the class teacher. Ask what they see in class, and what they are already doing to help.
- Ask to meet the SENCO. The NHS suggests this as a useful first step. The SENCO can look at whether your child has special educational needs.
- Support in school. Schools work in a cycle of assess, plan, do and review, and should not wait for a diagnosis before giving extra help.
- Screening. The SENCO may arrange a dyslexia screening test at school. Screening suggests whether there may be difficulties; it isn't a diagnosis.
- Diagnostic assessment. Done by a qualified assessor: a specialist teacher or an educational psychologist. Most families pay, though the school may help refer.
- More help if needed. If school support isn't enough, you can ask the local authority for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment.
The BDA says of screening tests that “they can only give an indication of possible dyslexic difficulties” (BDA). The NHS says “Most people have to pay for an assessment.”, but notes that your child's “school may be able to help refer your child for an assessment” (NHS). The SEND code calls this cycle of assess, plan, do and review “the graduated approach” (SEND code of practice).
A checklist for your meeting with school
Print this and take it with you, alongside a few examples of your child's reading and writing. Fill it in on paper: nothing on this page asks for, saves or sends any information about your child.
Meeting with school about reading
- What do you see when my child reads in class?
- Which parts of reading or spelling are hardest for them?
- What extra help are they getting now, and how often?
- How will we know if it's working, and when will we review it?
- Do you think they may have special educational needs? Can we involve the SENCO?
- Would a screening at school be useful?
- What can we do at home that matches what you're doing?
- Can you put what we've agreed in writing?
What I've noticed at home
What we agreed, and the review date
From litsee.com/guides/signs-of-dyslexia
If you're told to wait and see
You may hear that assessments aren't usually done before a certain age, or that it's too early to tell. Practice varies between assessors, and we can't tell you what's right for your child. What you can ask for in the meantime is support:
- What extra teaching is my child getting now, and how will we review it?
- Can we agree a date to look at progress again?
- What should we be doing at home that matches it?
Keep reading to your child, so stories stay enjoyable while decoding is hard. Our guide to reading to your child has ideas.
Your rights: SEN support and EHC needs assessments
If your child needs more help than the school can give, a parent has the right to ask the local authority for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment. The code says: “The local authority must make a decision and communicate the decision to the child’s parent or to the young person within 6 weeks of receiving the request.”, and the whole process up to a final plan “must take no more than 20 weeks (subject to exemptions set out below)” (SEND code of practice). IPSEA, a charity, explains that this assessment is the first step to getting an EHC plan, and offers free legal guides, template letters and an advice line (IPSEA).
In February 2026 the government published proposals to reform SEND support, including new Individual Support Plans for children with SEND (DfE). These are proposals: the current law and the 2015 code of practice still apply today.
Dyslexia and the Year 6 tests
Children who need it can have access arrangements in the Year 6 tests, such as extra time. A diagnosis isn't required: the Standards and Testing Agency says “Reports from educational psychologists or other education professionals are not required.” (STA). The school decides and applies, based on how your child normally works in class, so it's worth asking about early in Year 6.
Questions parents ask
What are the signs of dyslexia in a 7 year old?
The NHS lists signs such as reading below the level expected for their age, slow and hesitant reading aloud, and written work with lots of spelling mistakes. A sign on its own isn't a diagnosis: only a qualified assessor can diagnose dyslexia. If you're worried, talk to the school's SENCO.
How do I get my child tested for dyslexia in the UK?
Start with the class teacher and the school's SENCO, who may arrange a screening at school. A formal diagnosis needs a diagnostic assessment by a qualified assessor, usually a specialist teacher or educational psychologist. The NHS says most people have to pay, though the school may be able to help refer your child.
Can my GP diagnose dyslexia?
No. The NHS says a GP cannot diagnose dyslexia, but can check for other things that may affect learning, such as hearing, and may suggest an eye test.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get help at school?
No. The SEND code of practice says schools should not delay in putting extra teaching or interventions in place where they're needed. A diagnosis can still help explain a child's difficulties and plan support, which is why some families seek one.
Sources
- Dyslexia in children NHS, reviewed 11 March 2026, checked 3 November 2026
- Signs of dyslexia (primary school age) British Dyslexia Association, undated, checked 3 November 2026
- What is dyslexia? British Dyslexia Association, undated, checked 3 November 2026
- Assessments vs. screening British Dyslexia Association, undated, checked 3 November 2026
- Toward a consensus on dyslexia: findings from a Delphi study (Carroll and others), Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Wiley (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry), 2025, checked 3 November 2026
- SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years Department for Education and Department of Health, January 2015, updated 12 September 2024, checked 3 November 2026
- EHC needs assessments IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice), updated 28 May 2025, checked 3 November 2026
- 2027 key stage 2 access arrangements guidance Standards and Testing Agency, updated 12 October 2026, checked 3 November 2026
- Every child achieving and thriving and SEND consultation supporting information Department for Education, updated 25 August 2026, checked 3 November 2026
About this guide
Written by the Litsee team and checked line by line against the sources listed on this page.
This guide does not diagnose and is not a substitute for advice from your child's school, the NHS or a qualified assessor. The signs are quoted from the NHS and the British Dyslexia Association. It has not yet been reviewed by a dyslexia specialist; we will add their name when it has.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Email info@litsee.com and we will fix it. Last reviewed: .
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