The British Dyslexia Association is not surprised that more than half of the special educational needs tribunal cases are filed on behalf of dyslexic children (TES, June 9). Desperate parents try to ensure their children get the specialist help they need when they don’t receive it.
Dyslexic children need not fail. There are proven teaching methods to help them overcome their difficulties and well-established strategies to support their different learning abilities.
The BDA does not employ professional advocates. Local befrienders support individual families whose children are having problems in schools. It is a fundamental principle of the Code of Practice that the needs of all children who may have special educational needs must be addressed. We try to ensure that they are.
The BDA continually argues that it is a more efficient use of resources to meet special educational needs in the early years. We are very keen to work with colleges on teacher training. It is expensive and difficult to make effective provision when the child has been failing for many years. It is only when proper support is denied or inadequate that it is necessary to appeal to the SEN Tribunal.
LINDSAY PEER CAROL ORTON British Dyslexia Association 98 London Road Reading, Berks
