Literacy news
Cuts Threaten to Derail Dyslexia Scheme
4 Sep 2009
Funding for the first government-run dyslexia training scheme is unlikely to continue, even though the project has already been curtailed by the recession, experts have said.
Courses start this month after Sir Jim Rose, head of the Government’s curriculum review, recommended that 4,000 teachers become dyslexia specialists - which would mean that most pupils will have access to a professional if they suffer from the condition.
But the £10 million for the training will only be paid by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) for two years, and those running the courses say they are working on the assumption that no more money will be available.
This is despite the fact that the scheme has been lauded by ministers. Ed Balls, Schools Secretary, has said he was “personally committed” to tackling literacy problems, while Sir Jim has stressed the importance of specialist support.
Course leaders are urging teachers to sign up for training now while it is free. The recommendations were only made in June, and dyslexia charities are concerned that many don’t know about the courses yet.
As The TES has reported, Sir Jim wanted one-to-one support for pupils. He said that practice had to be “strengthened”, and stressed the need for well-trained teachers. Around 500 people are expected to start courses this year. It is hoped that places will be available next year for the rest of the 4,000.
John Rack, director of the trust, said: “Everyone is gearing up to train as many people as possible now, because there is a risk that the funding will be withdrawn after two years. Everybody is concerned that two years’ funding is not enough. We are going to put on a major push to recruit for January 2010 courses.
“It’s unlikely we can get 4,000 trained within two years, but we are confident we can get that many started within the time. Enquiries for courses have actually dropped slightly this year, as people are waiting to see what funding is available.
(TES on September, 2009)
