Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD). There is no one agreed upon definition of dyslexia, however at Bursted Wood we use the definition given below, used by the British Dyslexia Association, which was developed from the definition by Sir Jim Rose in his 2009 report ‘Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties.

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.

Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.

It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.

Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia.

A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.'

In addition to these characteristics, the BDA acknowledges the visual and auditory processing difficulties that some individuals with dyslexia can experience, and points out that dyslexic readers can show a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process.  Some also have strengths in other areas, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills.

At Bursted Wood we are proud to have held the British Dyslexia Association’s Dyslexia Friendly Schools Quality Mark since 2010 (current quality mark valid from 2019-2022).

If you have concerns regarding dyslexia or your child’s progress, please speak to their class teacher or contact Miss Nahas, Senco, via the school office.

The following websites may contain useful information:

British Dyslexia Association: http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Dyslexia Action: http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/

Local dyslexia association: http://www.dyslexiawise.co.uk/