A big but brilliant question…
Recently a friend of mine messaged to ask me what 3 (or 4 or 5) things did I wish that head teachers would understand or change in schools in order to better support teaching and learning and the wellbeing of children with dyslexia?? A big but a brilliant question! Below is my reply, which I thought I would share here.
There are lots of things, but I think these are a good start…… It’s estimated that 10 to 15% of the population are dyslexic, some estimates are 20%, so at least three children per class on average. But despite this, knowledge about it still varies and people/children can be as hampered by that as the dyslexia itself. Therefore, I would say the following:
Ensure that they and all their staff have had dyslexia training so that they know the signs to look out for in the classroom and how to support in the classroom using reasonable adjustments as well as appropriate interventions. (Finances are an issue but there are some good basic online training packages from both Nessy and Made by Dyslexia)
Acknowledge and use the word dyslexia.
Have (& encourage staff to have) open and honest conversations with pupils and parents.
Provide screenings for pupils to establish if there is a likelihood of dyslexia and whether this should then be investigated further.
Advocate for dyslexic students and encourage/teach them to advocate for themselves.
Encourage & build on dyslexic strengths.
Acknowledge the extra effort that working within our education system and school day takes for dyslexic learners.
Enable and promote dyslexia awareness amongst pupils.
For further information/reading about dyslexia friendly schools please see:
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/dyslexia-friendly-awards/dyslexia-friendly-quality-mark-awards
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/shop/books/dyslexia-friendly-schools-good-practice-guide-2nd-edition
