If reading is still slow and hard work for your child, you may wonder whether they need more help. Extra reading support is usually planned and run by school, so that is the place to start.

Ask school what is happening now

Ask your child’s class teacher or the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCo):

• what they have noticed about your child’s reading;

• what extra help your child gets in school, and how often;

• what that help is working on;

• how they will know if it is helping, and when they will review it; and

• what, if anything, would help at home.

Agree when you will next talk.

If you are thinking about a tutor

Whether to use a tutor is up to you. If you decide to look for one, ask:

• how they will find your child’s starting point;

• what a session involves and how long it lasts;

• how they will share progress with you and with school; and

• what it costs, and how you can stop if it isn’t working.

Tell school if you arrange a tutor, so the tutor and school can use the same approach. Be wary of anyone who promises a fixed result before they have met your child.

Keep reading at home enjoyable

Keep sharing books your child enjoys. Read to them, take turns, or listen to an audiobook together. Your local library is free, and the staff can help you find books at a level your child can manage. Oxford Owl also has a free e-book library for children aged 3 to 11, including books grouped by phonics stage. You need to register to use it.

Keep it short and relaxed, so reading at home stays something you do together.

Programme options

• The Reading Doctors (paid): One-to-one reading support delivered by qualified teachers, with personalised programmes for children and young people who find reading difficult.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.