There is much to celebrate at The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre. Our Centre is a welcoming, happy place where people are helpful, considerate, and respectful of each other. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team of specialist teachers and assessors, who have a passion to support children with specific learning difficulties. We strive to ensure that every child is celebrated, building their confidence and self-believe by supporting them on their learning journeys.
We work in partnership with parents, schools, and other educational settings to support children with their specific learning difficulties. We provide a happy, caring and effective learning environment, where expectations and standards are high. We treat all children as individuals, recognising their strengths and guiding them to use these to become better learners.
I hope you find what you are looking for on our website, but if not, perhaps you would like to visit us. Please get in touch and make an appointment – we will be happy to help.
Ms Annelize Alfredo
Head of Centre
We are delighted to announce that James Lamont has become the new Patron of The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre!
James attended our Centre as a child, where he received specialist support and encouragement during his education. His journey from student to award-winning screenwriter is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when young people with dyslexia are given the confidence and tools to thrive.
Today, James is an acclaimed writer and creator, best known as the co-writer of Paddington in Peru and for his work across television and film comedy. Alongside writing partner Jon Foster, he has won two British Academy Children’s Awards for writing on ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’, as well as an Emmy Award for ‘The Adventures of Paddington’. James was also involved in writing the much-loved sketch featuring Queen Elizabeth II having tea with Paddington Bear for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which delighted audiences around the world.
Despite the challenges dyslexia can bring, James has built a hugely successful creative career through imagination, determination, and resilience. He has also spoken publicly about the importance of recognising and supporting dyslexia in children, encouraging young people to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
As Patron, James will help champion awareness of dyslexia and support our mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. His personal connection to the Centre makes this role especially meaningful, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him back in this new capacity.
A diagnostic assessment begins with the gathering of background information about your child’s development and education. This helps the assessor to understand the nature of the difficulties encountered so far.
The assessor carries out a range of standardised tests to establish your child’s learning profile and identify their personal areas of strength and weakness.
We have assessors in the following areas that will be able to assess your child for dyslexia:
We have received our 2025 CReSTeD report following our inspection last November
Due to an increase in demand for Assessments, we are currently recruiting additional freelance Level 7 Assessors (holding APC) to join our professional team.
Please click the button below to send us your CV if you are interested in this exciting opportunity.
During our annual Awards Evening this year, we had the wonderful James Lamont as our guest speaker. James was a student at The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre as a child and is a true inspiration to our students.
James is a BAFTA and EMMY award-winning screenwriter and has been involved in writing, amongst others, the ‘Paddington’ films and ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ with his writing partner.
