by Kirsty Innes, a member of Dyslexia Scotland

Speaking with the school and sharing experiences is key to improving the school experience, writes mum Kirsty

I have been advocating to get my son’s dyslexic learning needs fully recognised by his teachers. I could see his challenges were impacting on his confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Through our own experience, and speaking to others, I became very aware of the barriers to identification and support across Scotland. Mindful that not every child will have someone advocating for them or have the budget to pay for private identification, I contacted Midlothian Council’s Educational Director, encouraging improved support, training and resources to allow schools to do this. I was then invited to be a parent advisor on the region’s Dyslexia Working Party, a group of passionate teachers and learning assistants, who are currently creating paperwork and training to support improved identification and support across schools in Midlothian. Rory also agreed to share his case study for use in Dyslexia Scotland policy work to reinforce the importance of early identification across Scotland.

By sharing our experience, we are giving a voice to other parents and children like us and supporting Midlothian Council in ensuring their new dyslexia paperwork for schools (and associated training and tools), reflects the lived experience of young dyslexic learners. Though it is early days, if the current plans are approved, they will definitely help to improve the identification pathway and support for other dyslexic learners in Midlothian. Midlothian Council certainly appear to be taking parents’ input on board and I’m hopeful that their roll out will make a real difference. I will continue to advocate as long as is necessary.