Please look at my "Tips for Parents" talk at:

http://www.dystalk.com/talks/40-practical-advice-on-handwriting

To be able to write in a clear and neat style is important. People will find it difficult to reach their true potential if they have not gained a good mastery of this skill. Students learn to write, move from print to joined writing and progress to writing with fountain pens, during hourly handwriting sessions.

The McLeod Centre for Learning encourages the use of a joined script for several reasons, amongst which are:

• It aids the acquisition of reading as it encourages children to link blends, digraphs and prefixes etc. and see the whole word rather than a string of letters.
• Joined script encourages the correct direction of writing across each page and helps stop common letter reversals such b and d.
• It is a faster form of writing. This assists students to gain the speed of 17-23 words a minute needed in GCSE examinations more easily.

However, we do respond to individual needs and, following an initial assessment, will devise an appropriate, individual programme for each pupil. We use a variety of resources to encourage correct sitting position and pencil grip. We have a large selection of left, and right-handed, fountain pens to enable students to choose a nib that is compatible with their writing style.

We will work with children with dyspraxia or DCD on their fine motor and writing skills. We are happy to work in conjunction with occupational therapists in this area. Please go to Dyspraxia for more information.

Amanda McLeod undertakes handwriting assessments to support students applying for extra time in examinations and write supporting statements for current students applying for statements.

I am a committee member of the National Handwriting Association.

I am happy to visit Schools.