HomeWhat is Dyslexia?AssessmentsSupport at Schools & FEHelp in the WorkplaceAbout UsContact Us
HomeWhat is Dyslexia?AssessmentsSupport at Schools & FEHelp in the WorkplaceAbout UsContact Us

About Dyslexia West Midlands

We are a team of Specialist Dyslexia Teachers and Educational Psychologists based across the Midlands

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Specialist Dyslexia Teachers and Educational Psychologists
Suzanne McDowell BSC(Hons) PGCE Dip SpLD AMBDADyslexia West Midlands staff

Suzanne McDowell BSC(Hons) PGCE Dip SpLD AMBDA

Specialist Teacher, Assessor and Workplace Consultant

Suzanne has a vast range of experience working in education and has always had a particular passion for ensuring children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities succeed.

Suzanne has had experience as a senior leader and teacher, SENCO, Specialist advisory teacher and Area Manager of SEND in the West Midlands. She has over 23 years' experience working with students across a variety of Primary, Secondary and Higher Education Facilities across the West Midlands. She has current knowledge of the new SEND system and its implications in Educational Facilities.

She has a wide variety of knowledge in the areas of Dyslexia, Autism, Dyspraxia, General Learning Difficulties and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Suzanne has currently been involved in a DFE project expanding knowledge of Neurodiversity in schools.

Suzanne undertakes tuition and assessments at the Coventry Centre and training in schools and she is an experienced Consultant for Workplace Needs assessments.

Alison Pierson BA(Hons) PGCE Dip Spld AMBDADyslexia West Midlands staff

Alison Pierson BA(Hons) PGCE Dip Spld AMBDA

Specialist Teacher and Dyslexia Assessor

Alison is a Specialist Dyslexic teacher with over 25 years of experience of working with children at primary school level. Alison has worked in Coventry and surrounding districts and is familiar with the current curriculum delivered in schools. Alison has delivered bespoke interventions in Primary schools. Alison delivers multi- sensory tuition at our Coventry Centre.

Octavius Ross BSc(Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych), C PsycholDyslexia West Midlands staff

Octavius Ross BSc(Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych), C Psychol

Consultant Chartered Psychologist and Educational Psychologist
  • ‍Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, and Division of Educational & Child Psychology
  • Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists
  • Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
  • HCPC Practising Certificate / Registration no: PYL20400

Octavius has over 20 years experience of working with Pre-school, Early Years, Children and Adults. He conducts Diagnostic Assessments for Children from age 6 years and adults (including for employment) for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia. He also conducts GCSE and A-Level Examination Access Arrangements and Disabled Student Allowances (DSAs) for University.

Dawn Francis BSc, PhD, PG Dip, C.PsycholDyslexia West Midlands staff

Dawn Francis BSc, PhD, PG Dip, C.Psychol

British Psychological Society - Chartered Psychologist
  • Consultant Chartered Psychologist
  • Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society
  • Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
  • Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
  • HCPC Practising Certificate / Registration no:  PYL29162

Dawn is a psychologist who has worked in the dyslexia field for the past 16 years.  Her Specialist area is with the assessment of clients aged 16+ years for dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.   Her clients seek assessment for all sorts of purposes, including university/Disabled Students Allowance applications, applications for extra time at GCSE and A level, and work and career-related issues.  

She can also assess clients who may have acquired dyslexia and other literacy difficulties later in life through brain injury, strokes, or other brain conditions such as tumours and meningitis.  

All Specialist teachers and Psychologists have up to date enhanced DBS Certificates and have up to date knowledge on Safeguarding procedures.

Contact Us

0333 577 9422

Our centres are located in Coventry in the West Midlands.

111 New Union Street
Coventry, CV1 2NT

Teaching Centre
Trescoe House
Stoke Green
Coventry, CV3 1AA

Free 15 minute Consultations available

Assessments for adults and children starting from £250

Please phone to book

Need extra time for examinations?

We have specialist teachers that can conduct a FORM 8 for GCSE's and A levels. Please call or e mail to find out more.

0333 577 9422

Customer Reviews

chrissy d

Our son had been struggling academically, socially and emotionally at school. The team have been so patient with him and employed many different strategies to enable him learn at his own level. Suzanne came in to do an observation on him at school and provided  a detailed report to the school, suggesting many strategies the school could try to enable him to access his learning more effectively, maintain concentration for longer and generally be happier at school.

Camille Stedall

Thank you for all your assistance. We have found your team very supportive and helpful it’s be great to have your experienced advice and educational support.

M

Martin Gould

I can't praise Suzanne and her team highly enough; very professional but with a relaxed manner which creates a great atmosphere for our 9 year old son to learn in.

I

Izzy Aylwin

I booked a dyslexia test earlier this year and was in a rush to meet my universities deadline. Dyslexia West Midlands were very considerate about the time pressure due to my deadline and I received my report much quicker than estimated. The test was carried out professionally and in a comfortable environment. I highly recommend if you are considering getting a dyslexia test.

M

Michael John Bayley

After a discussion through a free consultation we decided to get my daughter assessed. The process was very simple and the report was very thorough. My daughter now feels more confident and happy in her approach to learning and school. Thanks Dyslexia West Midlands.

Ulrike Nichols

I only called to get more information because my daughter (year 4) really struggles with spelling. Suzanne asked a number of very precise questions and suggested to do a vision test. Now my daughter has glasses and seems much more confident. We will see how that might affect her spelling but I would never have known that she might be struggling with  her vision. Thank you so much! I am beyond grateful.