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Education department to review dyslexia provision

Move comes following Tynwald Day petition

A review of the Island's education provision for children with literacy difficulties will begin in the new academic year.

It follows a petition submitted on Tynwald Day by Julia Furner, seeking to 'raise the profile' of dyslexia, and see teachers undertake mandatory training in order to better assist students with the condition.

The NHS says Dyslexia is a "common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling."

The British Dyslexia Association believes one in ten of us have the condition, which "can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life."

Aileen Broad says she's experienced what it's like to feel misunderstood:

At this year's Tynwald Day, a petition was submitted to try and 'raise the profile' of dyslexia within the Island's education system.

Motivated by her own child's experiences with the learning condition, Julia Furner wants teachers to undertake mandatory training in order to better assist students.

She says governments in other jurisdictions have done more:

When asked to comment, the education department declined, as the petition "is a parliamentary issue."

However, it's since been revealed that minister Dr Alex Allinson authorised a 'full review of provision' for children affected by dyslexia back in May.

One of the department's educational psychologists has been identified as the project lead.

They will:

  • Audit the profile of literacy difficulties and dyslexia on the Isle of Man
  • Describe what good support for dyslexia/literacy looks like, (including a review of current research)
  • Explore the literacy approach on the Isle of Man, including how schools currently support children and young people with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia
  • Consult stakeholders, who are willing to engage, hopefully including learners, literacy subject leaders, SENCOs parents and the Manx Dyslexia Association
  • Provide a thematic analysis of findings
  • Make recommendations linked to the findings and research

Work on this will start in the new academic year, the department says, with findings and recommendations presented no later than Easter 2021.

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