Dyslexia scheme announced
Wednesday, 05 Dec 2007 15:55
The new scheme will help children with dyslexia
Intensive support for children with dyslexia in ten local authority areas has been announced by the government today.
The support is part of a package of measures to improve help for dyslexic children, which has been given a grant of £1 million a year for the next three years.
Ed Balls, children, schools and families secretary, said the measure would help children identified through the Every Child a Reader programme.
Half of the children in the ten areas receiving intensive support will be given one-to-one 'reading recovery' support and the other half will receive one-to-one tuition from specialist dyslexia teachers.
Their progress will be closely monitored and if the scheme is successful the government will consider rolling it out nationwide.
Funding of £250,000 has been set aside for Dyslexia Action over the next three years so it can provide specialist dyslexia tuition in a further ten schools.
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is to be given £150,000 over the next two years to develop its helpline that provides advice about dyslexia, including to teachers and parents.
"There are still some old stigmas around and still not enough widespread understanding of dyslexia and support for the individuals who experience it," said Mr Balls.
"This condition should not hinder young people's education and life chances. Sadly, it all too often does.
"This package of measures will help give parents and teachers more information, help identify pupils with dyslexia and assess the impact on their progress of support from specialist dyslexia teachers by running pilots of one-to-one tuition across a range of schools."
BDA chief executive Judi Stewart welcomed the extra funding.
"The BDA helpline is often inundated with calls and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to build our service," she said.
"The right support and information can make the difference between a child who feels frustrated and excluded and one who feels confident and able to manage their dyslexia."