Dyslexia to go under spotlight as school hosts conference
A DYSLEXIA conference will be held to help parents and teachers better understand the condition.
Beech Hall School, in Tytherington, will host the conference with specialist Dr Kate Saunders, who is dyslexic and has a dyslexic son. She is CEO of the British Dyslexia Association.
The event will explore the background and neuroscience of dyslexia.
School bosses say the event is a good opportunity to have free access to a top dyslexia professional who can help parents understand the needs of dyslexic children.
The key topics will focus on the impact it has, what it’s like to have dyslexia and how to support a child with dyslexia in the classroom and at home.
Dr Saunders has worked for more than 30 years in education, as a primary school teacher, supply teacher for severe special educational needs and other roles.
She said she is a strong believer in the benefits of being able to talk about dyslexia and passionate that every dyslexic individual has a fair chance of fulfilling their potential.
Christy Wheatley, special educational needs co-ordinator at Beech Hall School, said: “As a school we believe that a knowledge of dyslexia and the impact it can have on a child, both in the classroom and at home, is essential.
“We know that this understanding of dyslexia can significantly impact on the effectiveness of our communication with children and how we teach them in the classroom.
“This conference will not only give you a background knowledge of dyslexia, but it will also give you strategies and tools to support all children with ranging severities of dyslexia.”
All teachers will teach dyslexic children at some point as they represent around 10 per cent of pupils.
Dr Saunders says it’s vital all teachers have a fundamental level of awareness in their initial teacher training, as well as ongoing professional development.
The 2017 Dyslexia Conference will run from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 15.
The event is free and anyone interested should contact Mrs Wheatley on 01625 422192 or email christywheatley@ beechhallschool.org.