Support for Dyslexia

Kemnay Primary School demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support for all its learners. As an integral aspect of our continuous improvement planning, we have strategically focused on enhancing outcomes specifically for children grappling with persistent literacy challenges and/or Dyslexia. Through targeted initiatives and tailored interventions, we aspire to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of every student, ensuring they thrive academically and personally.

One in ten learners in Scotland’s schools are dyslexic (https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/, Aug 2023).

This page is designed to inform parents and carers about Dyslexia and to provide further information, support and signposting.

The impact of dyslexia on communication varies from person to person, affecting individuals in distinct ways. Contrary to common misconceptions, dyslexia extends beyond reading and writing challenges and does not correlate with low intelligence. It is a condition present across diverse cultures, spanning a spectrum of abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Dyslexia is on a continuum or spectrum, which means individuals can be mildly or severely dyslexic and each will experience different strengths and difficulties (https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/additional-support/specific-support-needs/learning-environment/dyslexia/, 2023).

The Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 places education authorities under duties to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils, including those with dyslexia.

(https://enquire.org.uk/enquire-resources/additional-support-for-learning-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers/, Aug 2023)

According to the 2009 Scottish government definition, Dyslexia is :

A continuum of difficulties in learning to read, write and/or spell, which persist despite the provision of appropriate learning opportunities. Unidentified it can result in low self-esteem, high stress, atypical behaviour, and low achievement. Additionally, it is a hereditary, life-long, neurodevelopmental condition.

How is dyslexia identified at Kemnay PS....

SO, WHAT CAN PARENTS AND CARERS DO TO HELP?

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in aiding children with dyslexia. Timely and targeted intervention, as emphasised on the Addressing Dyslexia toolkit webpage, is essential. A significant responsibility for parents and caregivers is to cultivate a secure and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. The emphasis should be on recognizing the child's strengths and abilities rather than dwelling on perceived limitations.

https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/addressing-dyslexia-toolkit/

Some of the strengths dyslexic children have include…

Can be very creative and enjoy practical tasks.

Strong visual thinking skills e.g., seeing and thinking in 3D, visualising a structure from plans.

Good verbal skills and good social interaction.

Good at problem solving, thinking outside the box, seeing the whole picture.

FURTHER INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

There is an excellent range of tools available for parents at the following weblink.

Supporting Learners and Families | Addressing Dyslexia

Dyslexia Unwrapped is a very helpful website developed by and for dyslexic children and young people.

http://unwrapped.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/

Education Scotland provides advice, guidance and practical steps parents and carers can undertake to support their child.

Dyslexia ScotlanD

Meet Rachel, Dyslexia Scotland's Young Ambassador, the superhero of spelling snafus and champion of creative crisscrossing of words! In her video, she unveils the magical mysteries of how dyslexia plays hide-and-seek in the classroom.

But fear not! Rachel's positivity about her dyslexic superpowers is contagious. She spills the beans on how parents and teachers can join the dyslexia adventure squad. Tune in for Rachel's witty wisdom on the dyslexic pupil's perspective, and learn the secret handshake to help them conquer the learning labyrinth with style! 🚀📚✨

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