Dyslexia Friendly Awards for Bexley Schools
The first schools in Bexley to receive the coveted Dyslexia Friendly Award
got together for a special award ceremony last month (24 January).
Dyslexia Friendly schools are able to identify and respond to the difficulties
a dyslexic learner may come up against. The ceremony, held in the Council Chamber
at the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, recognised the hard work and dedication
that 13 schools in the Borough have shown through training, welcoming new initiatives
and following good practice.
To achieve the award, all 13 schools had their lessons observed and were asked
to produce a portfolio of evidence to show their dyslexia friendly strategies
in place.
Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services, Cllr.
Simon Windle, attended the ceremony and talked to the teachers and young people present
about the importance of meeting the learning needs of all children.
"Schools that have achieved this new quality mark, or that are working
towards it, have shown their commitment to providing the best possible support
for children with dyslexia," said Cllr. Windle. "I congratulate them
all on their achievement and look forward to all the schools in our Borough
becoming Dyslexia Friendly."
Margaret Malpas, the Chairman of the British Dyslexia Association was on hand
to outline the work of the Association and the importance of the Dyslexia Friendly
Award. Deputy Mayor of Bexley, Cllr. Nick O'Hare, handed out the awards to
the schools and pupils.
All schools in Bexley currently receive dyslexia training for teaching staff
and their teaching assistants. Parents and Governors across the Borough are
also invited to regular conferences run by the London Borough of Bexley on
how to raise awareness of dyslexia and the support available.
The London Borough of Bexley is currently working towards the British Dyslexia
Quality Mark for Local Authorities.
Schools that achieved the Dyslexia Friendly Award were -
Barnehurst Infant School, Belvedere Infant School, Slade Green Infant School,
Barnehurst Junior School, Christ Church Cof E Primary School, Holy Trinity
Lamorbey C of E Primary School, Mayplace Primary School, Northumberland Heath
Primary School, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Upland Primary
School, Upton Primary School,
Bexley Grammar School: English & Special and Additional Needs Depts
Hurstmere
Foundation School for Boys
