In the past children with dyslexia were labelled lazy or stupid.

The condition, which causes difficulties with reading and spelling, simply wasn't recognised as a problem.

But dyslexia affects up to 10 per cent of the UK population - and about two million people are severely affected.

However, these days schools are doing all they can to become "dyslexic friendly".

Some are going that extra mile and achieving new high standards - and boosting children's self-esteem.

Karen Hambridge reports on a Warwickshire school that is breaking new ground.

It's simple things which have made all the difference to children with dyslexia at a Warwickshire primary.

Writing on the correct colour paper for example and having teachers use the right pen on the white board.

Of course new technology has played its part too.

Specialist keyboards and learning tools have proved particularly successful, especially since being placed within easy reach on pupil's tables.

It all adds up to happier youngsters, more committed to learning and more enthusiastic about lessons.

And it has paid off for the Stockton Primary School, in School Street, Stockton, as it has gained the Dyslexia Friendly Schools Quality Mark from the British Dyslexia Association.

Senior teacher, Hazel Spencer, explained: "We looked at every aspect of school life, thinking about what support a pupil with dyslexia needs.

"We had been doing quite a lot of work around this anyway with Warwickshire County Council's Learning and Behaviour support service and it was thought we were an ideal school to go for the quality mark."

Along with another teacher and two teaching assistants Hazel undertook an audit of what the 102-pupil school was already providing and then looked at how they could further develop support.

Although it was important to take individual needs into account one of the main thrusts was to ensure any action was inclusive, that children with dyslexia were not 'singled out' but that measures not only helped them but could be useful for other pupils too.

"It can be hard when a child is diagnosed with dyslexia and in primary school some parents and children are still coming to terms with the situation.

"We wanted all classes to be dyslexic friendly and the support to be useful for all children, even those who might simply find reading and writing a bit of a challenge sometimes."

Teaching styles were looked at and strategies developed so that the support children needed was available as a matter of course.

Apr 25 2007

With many thanks to the excellent Coventry Telegraph .