To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) what support his Department provides to schools to assist pupils with dyslexia; (253114)

Sir Jim Rose is currently developing recommendations, in the light of evidence, on the identification and teaching of children with dyslexia. We are now looking forward to Sir Jim publishing these recommendations in the spring.

All local authorities, schools and early years settings must have regard to the special educational needs (SEN) code of practice which provides advice on carrying out statutory duties to identify, assess and make provision for pupils’ with SEN. Children with dyslexia should have their needs identified and support put in place in the same way as for other children with SEN.

We have launched a professional development resource for those working in schools, called the Inclusion Development (IDP) Programme. This is being distributed to local authorities and schools through the National Strategies. It offers professional development in key areas of SEN, starting with training on communication difficulties including dyslexia.

We are also working with a number of dyslexia organisations to promote best practice in identifying and supporting children and young people with dyslexia in schools. This includes helping fund the ‘No to Failure’ project which brings together dyslexia organisations in trailblazing and evaluating the impact of both specialist training for teachers and specialist tuition for pupils with dyslexia, and the British Dyslexia Association helpline which provides advice about dyslexia to teachers as well as parents.