Contact details
Address:
Chichester (West Sussex), UK
Phone:
01243 252310
E-mail:
sheilagh@ helpwithhandwriting.co.uk
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9am to 6:30pm
Saturday: 9am to 3pm
It would be great to hear from you
Do you have a handwriting question or are just wondering whether this is the right place for you and your child?
Check out my frequently asked questions (below). Alternatively, please drop me a line.
As I am often out and about working in schools, the best method to make contact is by email. Whether you drop me an email or decide to call me, I will get back to you either that day or the next.
Frequently asked questions
Handwriting in general
Unfortunately this is one of those questions where the answer may appear a bit ‘woolly’.
It all depends on the age of the child, how often they practice and whether they are working on the primary handwriting difficulty.
For instance, they may be trying to improve their letter writing when actually the way they are holding their pencil could be limiting their progress.
If we do not address the pencil grip then no amount of practice on letter formations will make the change we are looking for.
What we do know is that handwriting is a developmental process, if we learn and master each step then we can improve.
Children’s brains are very adaptable. They are quick to learn new techniques. It will take them less time than if you or I were trying to learn a new skill. However, research does tells us that is takes 66 days for a new habit to be remembered.
What I will say is that everything is possible, just there are no quick fixes.
This sounds like a problem that is linked to how your child is gripping the pencil.
When children hold the pencil tightly it causes a loss of blood supply to the hand. This is why they say that their hand hurts. Often they will put the pencil down and shake their hands.
Although some of the recent research suggests that the type of pencil grip is not as important as we used to think. We do know that when a child’s hand hurts they write slower. Your child will write less. Often they are unable to show us their true academic ability.
Looking at the pencil grip is very important and I can advise on this.
Why choose an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist is a medical profession that is regulated by the HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council)
OT’s help kids with various needs improve all aspects of everyday life. We do this by looking at the cognitive, physical, sensory, and motor skills and finding out how to enhance a kids self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Over the last 20 years I have spent time building up my knowledge on handwriting. Experiencing what works and does not work. I have written 2 books, one is a best seller all about handwriting. The National Handwriting Association said this book was ‘fantastic’.
OT’s are trained to look at everyday function and task analysis. Meaning I can get to the problem quicker than others. And I can give you the solution before your child has a chance to switch off from handwriting altogether.
The school have said this...
Firstly, I would say do not panic.
Research tells us that between 10 to 34% of children in mainstream school struggle with handwriting. This equates to a third of your child’s class also having handwriting difficulties.
Your child will not be the only one.
By finding this website you are already in the right place to help your child. The best thing to do is to seek help early.
There is nothing worse than a child who is frustrated or one who starts to avoid writing completely.
Here on this site, you will find everything you need.
From the Get Set Write club with handwriting worksheets. Through to one-to-one help with myself. If in doubt do ask and I’ll be able to help guide you.
This is a difficult one to answer.
I would say that there are many teachers who do know how to teach a whole class handwriting.
However, they may not know exactly what aspect of handwriting your child is finding difficult.
As parents, you do know best. If your child is struggling, you’ll know they need extra help. Being told your child is part of an extra handwriting group and being taken out of class may not be the right thing for them.
Handwriting is part of the national curriculum. There are tutors across the whole of the country who help with all sorts of specific areas linked to the curriculum whether that be English or Maths, and teachers accept this.
My question to them would be why do they feel a child having extra handwriting help by an expert in this area is not the right answer?
If you are uncertain to what to do next, do contact me. I will be happy to help your child discover how handwriting can be enjoyable.
Asked before deciding to go book:
Unfortunately this is one of those questions where the answer may appear a bit ‘woolly’.
It all depends on the age of the child, how often they practice and whether they are working on the primary handwriting difficulty.
Children’s brains are very adaptable. They are quick to learn new techniques. It will take them less time than if you or I were trying to learn a new skill. However, research does tells us that is takes 66 days for a new habit to be remembered.
What I will say is that everything is possible, just there are no quick fixes.
I try not to have a long waiting because when you have decided the time is right waiting even longer to see someone can be annoying.
It is usually possible to get an appointment with me within 2 weeks.
When you pay you will be sent an automatic welcome email. In that email is a link to my online diary. Here you can book an appointment instantly for a time that suits you and your family.
Deciding your child needs extra help is a great step. Next, it is best to decide if you wish to help them yourself or if you feel my help is needed.
Click on the service of interest and go to the checkout to pay.
About the handwriting options on offer...
I offer 4 different services:
The Get Set Write club is a DIY option. You can get access to me every month and you download the worksheets you need 24/7 to work with your child.
My handwriting lessons are either in person or online using Skype.
Lastly, I offer a handwriting assessment with a programme of activities devised for your child’s needs.
This is down to yourself and your child. I personally prefer parents to be there. That way you can see ‘first-hand’ what we are doing. However, if you feel your child will work better without you there. Then I am happy to see them alone.
Regardless of whether you are there or not it can help children feel more relaxed by showing them a picture of myself. In the past other parents have used the images on this website to help their child ‘see’ who I am.
I appreciate that not everyone will be able to print out my handwriting worksheets.
Personally, I feel that the only way to practice handwriting is by putting pen to paper. Using handwriting apps or writing answers on a whiteboard does not help a child develop the muscle memory needed to learn the letter shapes.
Perhaps you could print things out in the library? Or if you have a friendly boss, at your place of work?
About Help with Handwriting processes & checks
Yes. I use the DBS* upgrade service meaning you can search for my details at any time.
Many schools ask for these details before I visit. I am very happy to provide this information.
As the check involves giving you both my certificate number and my date of birth I do not put this information on the website.
*DBS = Disclosure and Barring Service. This is a government run criminal record check.
Yes. GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It became law in May 2018. All my records adhere to this law.
I also follow the Royal College of Occupational Therapists code of ethics and professional conduct.
You can feel assured that any information you give me about your child’s needs is safe and secure.