Children with learning problems have been neglected over the half-century covered by my experience. It has never been accepted that such problems require exceptional consideration.

Unfortunately this will continue until someone initiates a study into the causes of reading problems in association with the medical, ophthalmic and related professions.

Teachers have log been concerned by the problem of delayed reading particularly on the part of boys, again the authorities must be convinced that a scientific approach is the only long-term solution.

Perhaps the association can be persuaded to allocate funds for this purpose. Their findings could be directed where they are most needed, ie, on basic training courses for primary teachers.

Norman Freeman

Retired special educational needs

co-ordinator

3 The Greenlands

Wombourne

South Staffordshire