National recognition for local schools for their education for dyslexic pupils

Wednesday, 2 August 2023 01:00

Twelve schools across Wiltshire, including six in our area, have achieved national recognition for high standards in education for dyslexic pupils.

The secondary and primary schools have been awarded the Dyslexia-friendly Schools quality mark which recognises effective practice supporting pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

The British Dyslexia Association award is issued to schools or organisations that can demonstrate that they provide high-quality education and/or practice for dyslexic individuals. Obtaining the Quality Mark provides a framework for schools to improve their understanding of dyslexia and literacy difficulties and to develop strategies that support the achievement and engagement of dyslexic learners.
The schools have been supported by the Wiltshire Specialist SEN Service (SSENS) on a two-year project to become accredited. Following the project's success, the council has launched a second project which will train and support 15 schools to achieve the quality mark from September 2023.

The 12 schools that have been officially recognised as dyslexia-friendly schools are:

Malmesbury C. of E. Primary School Lyneham Primary School Kings Lodge Primary School The Clarendon Academy The Trafalgar School Zouch Academy Royal Wootton Bassett Academy St Mark’s C. of E. Junior School, Salisbury St Peter’s C. of E. Primary School, Salisbury Southbroom St James Academy Sarum Academy Wilton C. of E. Primary School

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “I’m delighted that 12 of our schools have been successful in obtaining the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark.

"Achieving this award is a positive statement and lets everyone know that the school is a good place for dyslexic individuals. Wiltshire Council has supported these schools and is committed to the dyslexia-friendly schools project, with a further 15 schools across Wiltshire aiming to also achieve this quality mark in 2022-23.

“Becoming a dyslexia-friendly school requires the involvement and commitment of all of those within the school and a review of the school’s approaches to teaching and learning; monitoring and assessment; differentiation; and high-quality practice across the range of ability and need.

“Well done, and congratulations to both schools and the council specialist SEN Service for all the hard work and commitment to supporting young people with dyslexia and their families.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about dyslexia in Wiltshire can attend a drop-in event to mark Dyslexia Awareness Week at County Hall, Trowbridge, on 5th October 2023.

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