Number of children with dyslexia 'grossly underestimated'
One in five children has dyslexia, survey finds
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Friday, 14, Mar 2008 11:45
The government is severely underestimating the number of dyslexic schoolchildren in the UK, a study has warned.
According to charity Xtraordinary People, two million British children have dyslexia or specific learning difficulties (SpLD), compared to the government's school census figure of 76,000.
A study carried out by Hull University and part-funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) found 21 per cent of children are either dyslexic or have SpLD.
In addition, Xtraordinary People says 55 per cent of children who fail their standard assessment tests (Sats) fall under the same categories.
The charity says its "groundbreaking" research is proof of the need for mandatory dyslexia awareness training for teachers and a commitment to provide at least one teacher in every school with specialist dyslexia training.
Kate Griggs, founded of Xtraordinary People, said: "This research shows why so many children are failing – we cannot let this continue for the sake of needless pilot schemes.
"Children are failing now, teachers are crying out for training now – the government needs to rethink and act now to avoid more failure all round."
A spokesperson for the DCSF rejected accusations children with undiagnosed learning difficulties were "hidden or neglected in the schools system".
"We are absolutely committed to making sure that children with all kinds of learning difficulties get the support that they need," the representative added.