§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent guidance he has given to education authorities about the extent and nature of support to be given to pupils affected by dyslexia. [99419]
§ Jacqui SmithUnder the Education Act 1996, schools and local education authorities (LEAs) have a duty to identify and make suitable provision for all children with special educational needs, including children with dyslexia. The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, which came into effect on 1 September 1994, gives guidance to schools and LEAs on how to meet this duty. Paragraphs 3.60 to 3.63 provide guidance on specific learning difficulties and have particular reference to dyslexia. The Code is currently being revised to update the guidance and provide examples of good practice, with an increased emphasis on early identification and support.
To assist schools in recognising dyslexia, we have produced simple guidance which provides hints to primary school teachers to help them identify children who may be dyslexic. In addition, the Department has recently provided a grant to help the British Dyslexia Association produce a schools resource pack entitled "Achieving dyslexia friendly schools". Two copies of the pack have been distributed to all local education authorities in England.