Touch-Typing Classes.

• Open to all students from Year 5 to Year 11.
• Small group of up to 12 students. Children do not need to be dyslexic to attend.
• 50-minute lesson.
• Cost £8.00 per class. Please note that classes take place during term time only.
• In person touch typing classes take place during term time, at two separate locations:
  • Tuesdays at Henry Maynard Primary School, Maynard Road E17 9JE (The hub at the infant site) from 4.20pm – 5.10pm.
  • Thursdays at Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ from 4.10 – 5.00pm.

Please note: There is no parking or waiting area/reception at either school.  Children can be dropped off at the entrance to the school and collected once the lesson has finished.  Parking on the roads near each school may be an option, but please check for any permit signs before parking.

Benefits of joining our touch-typing class:

• Your work is easier to read.
• Properly learnt typing can be faster than handwriting.
• Your hand/arm won’t get so tired.  Typing is usually much less stressful.
• Spelling patterns can be easier to learn.  Confusions, such as b/d and u/n, are removed since it’s the learnt position of the letters that is used not their orientation.
• It’s easier to construct sentences correctly when the speed of writing is closer to the speed of thinking.
• Many people with writing and/or spelling difficulties find typing much easier than handwriting.  Exams, such as SATs, GCSEs, and degrees, can often be typed rather than hand-written.
• It’s a useful life skill.

Payment of classes:

Invoices will be sent by email, in the last week of the previous half-term. All fees should be paid by the first date of the new half term, unless otherwise agreed with the Children’s Co-ordinator.

Please note that Parents/carers of students are liable for fees for all classes, regardless of attendance; if your child is unable to attend a class, WFDA still require the class fee to be paid.

If your child is going to leave Classes, WFDA require a half-term’s notice.

A reduced class fee is offered if a child attends more than one class.

Your child’s progress.

All children attending WFDA Literacy or Numeracy classes will have an Individual Learning Plan and weekly homework may be set. The lessons are 50 minutes in duration, to allow a few minutes at the beginning and end to talk to your child’s tutor. Please ask a week in advance if you need a longer discussion or written feedback.

From time to time, we also ask for your feedback. This helps us plan the classes, as well as providing information for our funders. You are also welcome to give feedback at any time.

How to book classes:

Please contact our Children’s Co-ordinator, Sheena Penfold, if you would like your child to attend one of our Classes. If necessary, they will be registered on the Waiting List and contacted as soon as a place becomes available.

Please provide Sheena with the following information:

• Child’s full Name
• Date of Birth
• Age
• Address
• Name of School
• Current School Year
• Name of Parent/Carer
• Contact details of Parent/Carer – mobile and email address
• Please tell us if your child has been screened or assessed for Dyslexia, the date when this took place and the organisation that conducted the screening or assessment. (This information is not necessary for Touch Typing classes).

Please contact Sheena by email, childrens.coordinator@wfda.org.uk or phone 07852 232 509. Her working days are Monday and Wednesday, during term-time. The Children’s Co-ordinator phone number will be open from 9am to 2pm, both days.

Membership of the Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association (WFDA).

WFDA is a charity run by local people. We rely on grants, donations and fees to run our classes. As parents/carers of children who attend our classes we feel that it is important for you to join the Association and have the opportunity to help in the running of the activities, as well as adding your voice to the recognition and support needed for dyslexia.

 For more details about membership of WFDA click here.