§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What provision is made within the NHS and the education system for the early diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia and the provision of specialised teaching; and whether the Government are satisfied with that provision.
§ Baroness HooperWithin the NHS the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia is covered, so far as it is a health condition, by the general provisions of the National Health Service Act 1977. The level and extent of the provisions made will vary in individual health authorities, in accordance with local policy and practice.
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1981 local education authorities are under a duty to assess the needs of those children brought to their attention as having, or possibly having, special educational needs. Health authorities also have a duty to inform LEAs of any child under the age of 5 who may have special education needs. These duties cover children with all forms of hearing difficulties, including those associated with dyslexia.
The Act requires LEAs to ensure that the needs of children who have been identified as having special educational need are met.