Special Educational Needs
The NLT advocates that every child and adult should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of any difficulties or barriers that they face associated with specific learning difficulties. As such you will find that we signpost you to useful organisations who are experts in this field.
Reading can present problems for many children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and those difficulties can vary in severity and range. Pupils with dyslexia, for example, may find they have difficulty with short term memory, reading comprehension and sequencing. Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may find it hard to concentrate on reading for any length of time. Those with dyspraxia may have limited concentration, find it hard to understand some concepts in language and be reluctant to read aloud because of articulation difficulties. For many, reading may be seen as a threatening and not very enjoyable experience.
Although we do not run specific projects for children with SEN, our projects are inclusive and the principles which underpin them allow children with SEN to participate and benefit from them as well. Inclusivity is generated through activities that are not only multisensory and fun but that, importantly, give ownership to the pupils. Ownership allows pupils to pursue their interests and be fully involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of events and activities. Years of working in partnership with schools and sharing knowledge has proven that, when it comes to encouraging reading, this is the most effective approach for all pupils.
By sharing best practice, together, we can create a positive learning environment for all children and adults and help break down the barriers that specific learning difficulties can create, related to reading and literacy.
We hope that you find this section of the website useful.
If you are a parent or carer looking for more advice or help then contact your school or child's teacher. Parents can also visit www.direct.gov.uk
Parents in England can contact their local Parent Partnership Service. Visit www.parentpartnership.org.uk to find your local service.
Parents and children in Scotland can contact Enquire. Visit www.enquire.org.uk
Parents in Wales can contact SNAP Cymru. Visit www.snapcymru.org
More information is also available from www.teachernet.gov.uk
Useful Links
The British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Dyslexia Action: http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Royal National Institute for the Blind: www.rnib.org.uk
National Blind Children's Society: www.nbcs.org.uk
Dyspraxia Foundation: www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
National Autistic Society: www.nas.org.uk
Down's Syndrome Association: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
The Hyperactive Children's Support Group: www.hacsg.org.uk
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service: www.addiss.co.uk
Springboard for Children - providing literacy support for children with learning difficulties in inner city primary schools: www.ow.ly/1pg4a
