More help for Patty

Patty Cole, 10, has dyslexia and ADHD. She is pictured with her mum Kelly Cole.

Christopher Chan

PATTY Cole, 10, is dyslexic and she needs a little extra support. She's in Grade 5 at Gladstone South State School.

Her mum Kelly reckons she's not getting the help she needs.

"She struggles with her maths - she has to use a calculator for very simple sums.

"And she can't follow basic instructions," Kelly said.

She added that Patty came home from school "very frustrated" at her inability to understand her school work.

Patty said it made her feel "emotional".

Kelly said Patty just wasn't getting the support she needed.

"It's not the teacher's fault. It's the system. We need to get more teachers, get more aides.

"When there are 30 other kids in the class the teacher can't give one-on-one attention.

"Patty's teacher would love to sit there and help her - I know that - but she can't.

"It's impossible."

Patty said she liked school, and especially her teacher. She added that she needed extra help, that wasn't always available.

Central Queensland regional director Wayne Butler said the school was providing Patty with support appropriate to her needs.

"This includes access to a specialist learning support teacher and specialised programs that assist with literacy and numeracy as well as life skills."

He added that the department was committed to improving the educational outcomes for special needs students.

"Our schools work hard to ensure all students receive a quality education that meets each of their diverse learning needs."

Kelly has little faith in the education system. "It's pathetic. We need to put the boot up Queensland Education."

To download a report with strategies to help dyslexic kids visit www.thekidwhisperer.com.au/

For a checklist of dyslexia traits visit www.dyslexia-australia.com.au/assessment.htm