HC Deb 26 February 1990 vol 168 c1W
Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the changes in provision for dyslexic children since the Education Act 1981; and if he will make a statement on the effect of these measures on the educational and vocational opportunities of these children.

Mr. Alan Howarth

It is for LEAs to make appropriate education provision—and to assess its effects—for all pupils in their area including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, or "specific learning difficulties" as it is also known.

The Government look to LEAs and to schools to ensure that suitable provision is, indeed, made for children with dyslexia, including teaching of reading and writing by methods appropriate to their needs.

Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures and initiatives have been taken to enable children who were identified as dyslexic at school to pursue and obtain further education and vocational qualifications without being disadvantaged by their difficulties.

Mr. Jackson

As part of their general duty to provide adequate facilities for further education for their area, local education authorities are required to have regard to the requirements of persons with learning difficulties, whether or not dyslexia has been specifically diagnosed. It is open to LEAs to seek information or advice from such bodies as the adult literacy and basic skills unit, which receives Government funding.