Contact details
Address:
Chichester (West Sussex), UK
Phone:
01243 252310
E-mail:
Fill in the contact form on this page
(Monday to Friday response)
Lesson Hours:
Monday: 11am to 6:30pm
Tuesday: 11am to 7pm
Wednesday: 11am to 6pm
Thursday: 11am to 8:30pm
Friday: no lessons
Saturday: 7.45am to 5.30pm
Sunday: no lessons
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 these frequently asked questions (below). Alternatively, please book a discovery call or send an email using the form below.
1. How to book a discovery call
Click on the link below to book a free discovery call. (This option is for UK residents only).
2. Sending an email enquiry
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 we 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 we 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 Sheilagh has spent time building up her knowledge on handwriting. Experiencing what works and does not work. She has 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 she can get to the problem quicker than others. And she can give you the solution before your child has a chance to switch off from handwriting altogether.
The school have said this...
Firstly, we 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 DIY courses through to one-to-one help with Sheilagh. If in doubt do ask and we’ll be able to help guide you.
This is a difficult one to answer.
We 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.
Our 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. We 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 we will say is that everything is possible, just there are no quick fixes.
Sheilagh tries not to have a long waiting time because when you have decided the time is right waiting even longer to see someone can be annoying.
Unfortunately this is not possible. Most appointments are usually booked up between 1 to 2 months in advance. The best advice we can give is if you see a time slot that you like, book it quickly because it may not be there tomorrow!
You can see Sheilagh’s availability before you pay. Her lesson diary page is here
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 our help is needed.
Click on the service of interest or go directly to the lesson dairy page.
About the handwriting options on offer...
Help with Handwriting offers 3 different services:
- DIY Courses, here you will gain access to a combination of video training and worksheets. Suitable for 6 to 11 years.
- Guided Courses. A combination of online training, worksheets and handwriting personally reviewed by Sheilagh. These are the ‘Make it Readable in 66 days‘ and ‘Exam Ready Handwriting‘. Suitable for 11 to 16 years.
- Handwriting lessons are all online using Skype or Teams. Suitable for 6 to 16 years.
We appreciate that not everyone will be able to print out my handwriting worksheets.
Personally, we 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. Sheilagh uses the DBS* upgrade service meaning you can search for her details at any time.
Many schools ask for these details before she visits. I am very happy to provide this information.
As the check involves giving you both her certificate number and her date of birth, this information is not put 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 Help with Handwriting records adhere to this law.
We 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.