Pennard Primary School
Dyslexia Friendly School
We are very proud to be recognised as a Dyslexia Friendly School.
We underwent a Blue Ribbon Assessment to achieve our Dyslexia Friendly status in 2018
What is Dyslexia?
Most children learn to read and write easily. Others take longer and may need extra help, but do manage it. However, a few children find the process of learning to read, write and spell particularly hard. Such children may have underlying problems that affect their ability to learn these skills. This is called “dyslexia”, which means “difficulty with words”. It is sometimes referred to, particularly by professionals, as a “specific learning difficulty” or “SpLD”.
The Rose report in 2009 gave this description of dyslexia which has been adopted by the British Dyslexia Association: “Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.”
Dyslexic tendencies occur in people of all backgrounds and of all abilities. It is estimated that about 10% of the population may be affected, with 4% of these having severe difficulties.
If you feel that your child’s difficulties with reading, writing and spelling are affecting their progress at school, this may be the time to talk to your child’s teacher and discuss your concerns.
Signs
Dyslexia creates difficulties with the ability to deal with text, and sometimes numbers too. Children may find it difficult to sort out the individual sounds that make up words. This will mean that they have problems with reading, writing and spelling.
Children may also have difficulty with memory and sequencing, numeracy and sometimes in other areas too. Some dyslexic children are described as being disorganized and forgetful – they never seem to have the right books and equipment for school. Dyslexia is sometimes seen alongside other conditions such as dyspraxia, so others may have difficulty with motor skills – that is, how they move their body or use equipment such as pens or scissors.
However, dyslexia is not all about difficulties. Children may be good at problem-solving, many are artistic or sporty. Every child has things they like and are good at. It helps to discover and celebrate these strengths and work with the school to develop them. It is important to keep a child’s self-esteem high
What should I do if I think my child is dyslexic?
If you are worried about your child’s progress please coma and speak to us. You may wish to make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher or Mrs Dardecker, the school ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator). They may be able to reassure you that adequate progress is being made, or they may share your concerns.
Our teachers have experience of supporting children with reading and writing difficulties. All our teachers have received training on dyslexia and several have additional qualifications in teaching pupils who are dyslexic. As a Dyslexia Friendly School we are always thinking about how we can provide support classroom to make it easier for children to learn. The strategies we have in place to support children with Dyslexia support all children.
These website links will give further useful information and activities for you to use with your child.
