Government launches dyslexia project

The government has launched a new project, which aims to ensure that children with dyslexia get the support they need at school.

The 'No to Failure' project is being launched in conjunction with charity Xtraordinary People and is part of a wider new programme of support for children with dyslexia and their teachers.

The project will identify 'trailblazer' schools and local authorities that are leading the way in meeting the needs of dyslexic pupils. It will champion specialist dyslexia training for teachers; develop examples of good practice which can be extended locally and nationally; and forge stronger partnerships with dyslexia charities and businesses to provide quality support and education for pupils with dyslexia.

The government's £900,000 funding will be matched by charitable contributions in cash or kind to launch 'No to Failure' as an independent managed project.

'No to Failure' will develop an initial pilot project in the London Borough of Southwark, as a model for extension to other local authorities over the coming months.

Launching the project at Lyndhurst School in Southwark, Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said: "This project is an excellent example of how working together with specialists in the field means that the needs of children with dyslexia are recognised early and acted upon.

"Equipping teachers with the skills and confidence to help children with a range of special education needs, including dyslexia, is a key way of successfully responding to pupil's individual needs. Every child should have the chance to reach their full potential and that is why through our work focusing on school development and personalised learning we are investing £4.9 billion.

"This project, bringing government and charities together, will increase awareness of the benefits to be gained from improved access to specialist support. For that reason we have committed £900,000 over two years to help the project get off to a flying start."

Kate Griggs from Xtraordinary People said: "Lyndhurst School is a shining example of how even severely dyslexic children can be supported and succeed in mainstream school. Success for most dyslexics isn't about specialist schools, it's about getting specialist teachers in mainstream schools so they can identify and help these children early. 'No to Failure' will seek to replicate and build on the Lyndhurst experience in other schools and local authorities."

'No to Failure' is part of transformation programme that the government is involved in with the Training and Development Agency for Schools in order to improve systemically the training of trainee and serving teachers in special educational needs. This includes initial teacher training pilots in nine universities - in University of Chichester, University of Derby, Edge Hill University, University of Gloucestershire, University of Greenwich, Oxford Brookes University, University of Reading, St Martin's College and Northumbria University.

The government will also launch a £2 million Inclusion Development Programme in October, which will enhance special educational needs training and support for serving teachers and other staff with the aim of developing their competence and confidence in working with this group of pupils.

The first year of the programme will focus on children with speech, language and communication needs and dyslexia.

(KMcA/JM)