Help promote school guidance

Last year, the then Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth MSP wrote to all Executive Directors of Education and Children’s Services in Scotland, urging them to provide appropriate support for
children and young people with dyslexia in schools

The move came about thanks to the influence of one of our Ambassadors, Paul McNeill, who is Secretary to the Cross Party Group on Dyslexia in the Scottish Parliament. In her letter, the Cabinet Secretary stated “I want all children and young
people to receive the support they need to reach their full potential, including those with dyslexia. In Scotland, a formal identification of dyslexia is not required before appropriate support is provided, however, our national
approach does recognise that children and young people with dyslexia benefit from early identification.”

The letter was accompanied by an in-depth factsheet which set out guidance on dyslexia policy and professional learning resources on dyslexia. It asks that Education Authorities follow the guidelines and utilise the resources to support children and young people with dyslexia in schools. Since then, the Scottish Government has followed up with schools to find out
how well the guidance has been used. Paul McNeill said: “It’s really positive to see that the Scottish Government has
now followed up and written to every Head of Education across Scotland, asking for feedback on the guidance document.
This is an important step forward and a real opportunity to listen, learn and improve how we support young people, particularly those with additional support needs.”

Paul is urging all Dyslexia Scotland members and supporters to play a part in ensuring the guidance is used.