§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities make provisions for the training of teachers to deal with children who are dyslexic.
§ Mr. RaisonThis information is not available. Courses of initial teacher training which are provided on a national basis in colleges or departments of education include an introduction to the teaching of children with reading difficulties. Opportunities for more detailed study are afforded by some 40 in-service training courses in universities and colleges as well as a specially designed post-experience course of the Open University and a significant though unknown number of short courses provided in the main by local education authorities.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local authorities do not make special provision for the teaching of children with reading difficulties resulting from dyslexia.
§ Mr. RaisonAs my hon. Friend told the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. O'Halloran) on 21st November—[Vol. 864, c. 438]—it seems generally agreed that the best way of dealing with specific reading difficulties is through appropriate remedial education; and this can be provided either in ordinary schools or by attendance at a remedial centre. No returns have been requested from LEAs about their provision in this field.