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SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulties Service

Overview

As part of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the SpLD Service is dedicated to empowering learners, parents, and educators in addressing specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. These services are designed to help identify and remove barriers to learning and enable all learners to access education fully and confidently.

What you'll get

For Students

• The dyslexia specialists at SpLD Service offer practical advice and evidence-based strategies to help students manage these learning challenges and build essential skills. Additionally, students have access to a library of Maltese and English reading materials and resources tailored to their needs. Building confidence and fostering a positive attitude towards learning are central goals of the service, ensuring that students feel empowered in their educational journey. Support is individualised and delivered in person, allowing specialists to address each student’s unique learning preferences and concerns effectively. 

For Parents

•Parents/guardians can consult with dyslexia specialists to discuss their child’s particular difficulties and receive tailored advice. Following the student's assessment to identify dyslexia, they are also provided with practical strategies and resources to support learning at home. To accommodate different needs and schedules, the service offers flexible options, through webinars and face-to-face sessions, available for guidance and support.

For Educators

• Educators benefit from ongoing professional development and practical resources, including support on achieving the Dyslexia Friendly School Initiative award. Through close collaboration and support, the SpLD Service works alongside educators to implement effective classroom strategies, ensuring that students with specific learning difficulties receive the support they need to thrive throughout their educational journey.

Eligibility

From 8 years upwards to apply for an assessment for dyslexia however parents/teachers can contact SpLD Service if they require support (such as strategies) on how to help their child at home. 

How to apply

It is recommended that parents/legal guardians are to begin the referral process for assessment through the child's school. The students are put on a waiting list.

Additional Information

Contact information: email [email protected]

Telephone 2598 1660 

Timeline

  • Step 1:School Identification (throughout the scholastic year): Class teacher and SLT identify literacy challenges which could possibly indicate dyslexia, despite class-level support being in place. School-based information is collected (e.g. work samples), and discussion with SpLD Service staff members takes place to make informed decisions on the best way forward.

  • Step 2: Referral Form Submission: SLT member completes SpLD Referral Form with consent and signature of BOTH parents/legal guardians, demographic details, reason for referral, prior actions and samples of work of the student. Before sending the SpLD referral form to SpLD Service (Floriana), kindly make sure that: a) In case of single parents, a birth certificate must be attached to the referral form. b) In case of parents/legal guardians who have the sole custody of the child, legal documents supporting this statement need to be attached to the referral.

  • Step 3: Acknowledgement of referral form by SpLD Service is sent to parents/legal guardians and schools within 2 weeks from date of registration. A reference number is assigned to each referral.

  • Step 4: Parents/legal guardians and the school of the learner are informed by SpLD Service prior to the assessment, which will be carried out by the dyslexia specialist teacher. SpLD Service implements a ‘first-come, first-served' approach in relation to assessments. Parents/legal guardians and school of the learner will be informed at the beginning of the term when the child will be assessed. The information supplied in this correspondence will not indicate a specific date, but will indicate a timeframe for the assessment to be carried out.

  • Step 5: Scheduling of consultation: when the assessment by SpLD specialist is completed, a Feedback Meeting is held. A report is issued with relevant recommendations. This is shared with family and school.

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