Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council’s Specialist SEN Service (SSENS) has been working with 18 primary and secondary schools across the county to achieve the Quality Mark.
Following successful verification visits from British Dyslexia Association (BDA) the following schools have been officially recognised as dyslexia-friendly schools:
- St Mark’s C. of E. Junior School, Salisbury
- The Trafalgar School, Downton
- Zouch Academy, Tidworth
- King’s Lodge Community School, Pewsham
- The Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge
The award is issued to schools or organisations that demonstrate 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.
Becoming a dyslexia-friendly school requires the involvement and engagement of all of those within the school and a review of the schools’ approaches to teaching and learning; monitoring and assessment; differentiation; and high-quality practice across the range of ability and need.
Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “I am delighted that five more of our schools have been successful in obtaining this national recognition, bringing the total across Wiltshire to seven schools that have now achieved this Quality Mark. Holding the Quality Mark is a positive statement and lets everyone know that the school is a good place for dyslexic individuals.
“Wiltshire Council is committed to ensuring that young people get the best start in life and the dyslexia-friendly schools project supports this aim. There are a further 11 schools across Wiltshire currently working to achieve the BDA Quality Mark this year.
“Well done and congratulations to the schools and the council Specialist SEN Service for all their hard work and commitment to supporting young people with dyslexia and their families.”
Wiltshire Council’s Specialist SEN Service is now looking to recruit a further ten schools to work with and support to achieve this Quality Mark.
