Government plans special needs investment to tackle dyslexia

A new report into tackling dyslexia in the classroom has proposed investing more heavily in training teachers and teaching assistants to respond more effectively to children with dyslexia.

In a move designed to boost the quality of special needs teaching in the UK, schools secretary Ed Balls has announced the government is investing £10 million into providing greater training on dealing with dyslexic pupils in the classroom.

The investment comes following the publication of Sir Jim Rose's report into the identification and teaching of children with dyslexia and how people in special needs jobs can help to support pupils who suffer from the condition.

"Sir Jim's recommendations mean that every child's reading needs will be monitored, those who need extra help will receive one to one support and children with severe literacy difficulties will have the help of a specialist dyslexia teacher," said Mr Balls.

The funding will help up to 4,000 teachers to receive specialist training in helping pupils with dyslexia and could also increase the availability of special needs jobs as more schools look to employ dyslexia specialists.

The British Dyslexia Association, which supports and campaigns on behalf of dyslexic young people and adults, has welcomed the announcement.




Published On 25/06/2009