Dyslexia Friendly School
Downton Primary School is a Dyslexia Friendly School
As a school, we work hard to raise awareness and celebrate all the things that we already do well to support our dyslexic learners.
What is Dyslexia?
The British Dyslexia Associstion (BDA) describes Dyslexia as 'a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills' (BDA, 2021).
How do we support dyslexic pupils at Downton?
At Downton, a number of resources and strategies are adopted to use on a daily basis to ensure our dyslexic pupils, and those with literacy difficulties, can access a broad and balanced curriculum and reach their full learning potential. As noted by the BDA, 'it is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields' (BDA, 2021). Below are some of the key strategies and resources we use with our dyslexic pupils.
Providing resources on recycled 'off-white' or coloured paper
Using a clear and large font for printed resources
Changing the background colour when using a whiteboard or computer screen
Using multisensory ways of teaching
Allowing additional 'thinking' time
Breaking information up into smaller 'chunks'
Scaffolded work to reduce cognitive load
Key vocabulary and visual aids provided
Adapted expectations on volume of work produced
Providing access to assistive technology such as a computer for pupils who find it difficult to write quickly enough in class
Our learning environments are carefully considered in the with the Dyslexia Friendly Schools guide
For further information please take a look at the British Dyslexia Association Guidance here.
Please find further links below for your information:
How to support your child with learning to Read
Support strategies for parents / carers
Tips to support reading at home
Ideas for parents / carers to support their child with reading, writing and spelling
Powerpoint worship for children - October 2023
Please take a look at our Information for Parents / Carers Workshop https://youtu.be/tLLaOqSwYmA
How we support pupils with dyslexic tendancies and other Literacy difficulties at Downton:
