1. Can you give me individual advice for my child?
We are a charity, consisting mainly of volunteers, and work primarily with teachers, schools, universities and therapists to establish good handwriting policies and practice. Our resources are limited and, unfortunately, at this time we cannot deal with individual queries regarding private tuition and help. You will find helpful information about handwriting from our publications section.
2. Is joining NHA useful for me as a parent?
While the articles and information on our website in back issues of the NHA Journal are very clear and user friendly, you might want to encourage your child’s school to join NHA. In this way we can exchange information, help to raise standards and support those who teach children with handwriting problems. The publications are written for parents as well as professionals, and are well worth buying.
See more information in Handwriting… are you concerned?
3. Can you recommend tutors?
Patoss (Professional Association of Teacher of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties) has the Tutor Index which is a nationwide list of suitably qualified teachers/tutors willing to carry out assessments – both for teaching and for exam special arrangements – or to give private lessons. All those on the list are Patoss members who have either the RSA/OCR Diploma or a Certificate of SpLD or are AMBDA. Details include qualifications, special professional interests, and preferred age ranges. Updated annually, it is available to non-members by post. For more information contact Patoss.
4. Do you help adults with handwriting?
We plan to improve our provision for adults but in the meantime, please take a look at these resources.
5. Do you know of any other people, places, websites, or organisations that might help my child?
The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3BW Tel: 01252 792400 provides a range of services including assessment and tuition.
Paediatric Occupational Therapists at your local Child Development Centre will assess your child for any underlying motor or perceptual reasons for your child’s handwriting difficulties. Referral is normally by your GP or school doctor.
Your school SENCO should have information about local help available.
The British Dyslexia Association Helpline: 0118 966 8271
6. Can you offer help and advice for left-handers?
Writing Left-Handed by the NHA, is available via this website, with a discount for members.
Teaching Left-Handers to Write by the Handedness Research Institute looks helpful.
Anything left-handed offers supplies, information on left-handedness and a club for left-handers.
Lefthand education offers advice, products and training for teachers and parents of left handed children.
