Dyslexia Friendly Schools London

A feature of dyslexia friendly schools is to take the fear out of school for children with dyslexia; many of whom, if not correctly and expertly helped can feel alienated and disorientated with an increased risk of becoming problem pupils or school phobic. 

A prime aim of the original campaign was to ensure teaching is multi-sensory; something that benefits ALL children, not just those with dyslexia. Has that ideal finally been achieved?

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has lobbied for the formation of ‘dyslexia friendly schools’, a term coined by Neil Mackay. Local authorities may know which of their schools have this status. There is still some way to go on setting and monitoring a common standard, but this is a really important step.

What makes a dyslexia-friendly school?

Dyslexia friendly schools should not only acknowledge that dyslexia exists; they should actively engage in making additional provision to ensure a child's needs are met, not just in essential skills such as English but, across the curriculum. Dyslexia Friendly Schools are expected to have a specialist teacher of children with dyslexia and should ensure ALL teachers receive on-going training in the teaching of children with dyslexia. Screening and early detection programmes should be in place; additionally a dyslexia friendly school will recognise that children with dyslexia can experience significantly higher stress levels than their non-dyslexic peers and this may impact, on academic performance as well as socially and emotionally - a good parent-school partnership can significantly enhance these aspects. As always there is no excuse for lowered expectations of the child or their learning.

Dyslexia friendly schools are awarded a 'dyslexia-friendly' mark.

Other organisations that identify good dyslexia provision

The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD) has a list of schools, mainly in the independent sector, who have agreed to have their provision for dyslexic pupils examined by the council and who have met set criteria, which are listed on their website. These schools are not inspected by the council for anything other than provision for dyslexia.

See also

CReSTeD schools reviewed by The Good Schools Guide

Special schools in The Good Schools Guide

When to choose a special school

Sussing out a school and horses for courses

The special needs register

Teaching assistants

The Dyslexia Counsellor