Hello and welcome to Karen's specialist dyslexia and SpLD diagnostic assessment and teaching service!
You may have found my website because you have concerns about your child's progress at school and particularly in literacy and numeracy skills; and feel that there are indicators of dyslexia. Or this visit may be for yourself for an inquiry about a diagnosis of dyslexia that may assist you in the workplace, or in daily life.
You may be entering into university and need an up to date assessment and report for higher education (DSA). Or, you may wish to learn more about dyslexia, book onto a training event or ask about the delivery of exam access arrangements for your school or college.
Whatever the reason for your initial inquiry, rest assured that Karen is here to help at every step of the way. No question is ever too small and we offer a free advice service. Karen aims to answer your queries quickly, professionally and to sign post efficiently to other agencies/professionals, as required,
With more than 20 years of educational, SEND experience, you can expect a professional, knowledgeable, caring and confidential service here.
Karen Pollard Rylance is the CEO and dyslexia/Spld and Irlen expert who can screen for and diagnose dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and Irlen Syndrome in adults. In children,Karen can diagnose dyslexia, dyscalculia, Irlen syndrome and identify the indicators of wider neuro-divergences under the umbrella of specific learning differences, such as dyspraxia (DCD), autism (ASD) and attention deficits (ADD/ADHD) in children.
Karen is also qualified to teach multi-sensory spelling and reading routines to all age groups. She has detailed experience in teaching GCSE English, academic study skills, revision techniques and exam preparation. She also specialises in coaching, reiki and mindfulness too!
With a vast array of qualifications and experience, Karen is trained to a Masters degree in Specific Learning Differences MA SpLD/Dyslexia from the Manchester Metropolitan University. She has AMBDA, PATOSS/APC and SASC affiliation and constantly updates this 'gold star' standard of expertise.
Karen has more than 20 years teaching experience too: she was until recently one of the diagnostic dyslexia assessors in one of the top 10 sixth form colleges in the UK, delivering specialist teaching and diagnostic assessments for students with dyslexia and wider neuro-divergent conditions. She mentors students who have had poor educational experiences due to medical and/or mental health issues, low confidence and low self esteem.
Karen has a vast array of diagnostic assessment experience: she has conducted diagnostic assessments privately in prisons and the workplacetoo, as well as in clients' homes. She will travel all over the country if needed and is totally dedicated in what she does!
She has delivered webinars, online tuition and CPD sessions in homes, schools and colleges alike. She often gives her free time to answer parent queries on messenger and Facebook, at all times of the day and night. She works tirelessly to help others and strives to reduce the negative streams that often surround neuro-divergence!
Karen is also trained at the second level of Reiki and will shortly be progressing onto Reiki Masters. This assists clients by assessing and teaching in an environment that is full of positive universal energy streams. Reiki balances the mind and emotions, which brings about a more peaceful state of being: where a person is in a more open and relaxed mindset and hence able to manage more everyday stresses in a more conducive way. This mental balance also enhances learning, memory and mental clarity.
Where does all this take place? In Ramsbottom, Bury.
Karen opens up her home for assessments and teaching during the day, after school and in the holidays/weekends as necessary. Karen offers online teaching sessions too through the Zoom platform and this has been invaluable during the lock down situation of Covid-19.
Diagnostic assessments are conducted in a quiet, peaceful and confidential, yet professional and homely environment. (Biscuits are always available as are cuddles from Karen's pets: Izzy the Beagle and Sooty and Sweep her two black felines!)
More details relating to assessments can be found on our, 'our services', page.
So, why choose Karen Pollard-Rylance? Here are just a sample of Karen's reviews:
"An outstanding professional who always puts the student at the heart of everything she does! Karen is a great asset to our team. A highly regarded teacher and assessor."
"Without the care and consideration the Karen gives to my son when she tutors him, he would not have achieved as much as he has done recently. I wish I'd found her sooner!"
"Karen is a highly qualified assessor and specialist teacher. She has acted as my mentor for the last two years and has greatly motivated me throughout my studies. She is kind, patient and approachable and really knows her stuff!"
"I needed a DSA assessment quickly and Karen was able to accommodate my needs. I was diagnosed as dyslexic as a child but the report was out of date. Karen assessed me and produced another report - a Top Up report - to add to my original documents. Without her help I wouldn't have been able to access support at university."
"Incredibly empathetic and very professional, Karen assessed our 9 year old and made the whole process fun and enjoyable."
"My 8 year old daughter Daisy completed her full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia with Karen today. Karen made us feel so welcome and was so encouraging to Daisy. The whole experience was a pleasure! Karen remained professional throughout whilst making it not seem like a test at all. Would have no hesitation using Karen's services again!"
Karen strongly believes that all people have the ability to learn and excel: we just need to find the key to that success and unlock it forever!
I do hope that you find this site informative. I do strive to constantly update and improve it. If you would like to contact me, please do so by using the Contact page tab above, or via www.facebook.com/kpollardrylance/
Thanks so much. I look forward to hearing from you!
Karen Pollard-Rylance MA SpLD/Dyslexia, PGCE, APC, PATOSS, AMBDA, IRLEN