To ask the Minister of Education what support is available to pupils in primary and post-primary schools whose learning ability is affected by dyslexia.

The Education and Library Boards (ELBs) have advised that a range of special education support and provision is available to parents and schools for a child identified with dyslexia, including the following:

dyslexia awareness training for schools (and parents) as requested by schools to enhance the capacity of teachers to identify and respond appropriately in addressing dyslexia;

all Educational Psychologists (EPs) are trained and skilled in the assessment and identification of dyslexia. Following the identification of dyslexia EPs provide a comprehensive range of support including recommendations and resources to parents and schools to assist the pupil achieve his/her potential;

a range of innovative strategies, resources and computer assisted programmes are available to pupils with dyslexia for whom more traditional methods are unsuccessful;

when children who are thought to have dyslexia are put forward for assessment at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice (COP), they are either screened for additional Board support by psychology assistants or EPs. A range of cognitive and attainment tests are used in the identification of dyslexia with agreed five board criteria for additional Stage 3 and Stage 5 support applied in each case.

some schools have achieved or are working towards achievement of Dyslexia Friendly status usually in association with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). Schools are supported by the Board services in achieving this award;

a range of measures to help those children and young people identified as having dyslexia under examination conditions.

In addition DE is funding the SEN Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Literacy Project which is delivered jointly by Stranmillis and St Mary’s University Colleges. This project is being funded for 3 years and will be completed at the end of March 2015.

The project, which offers specialist training accredited by the British Dyslexia Association to all primary schools, enables teachers to identify children with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, assess their individual needs and provide appropriate interventions.

ELBs will continue to review their services in order to provide improved assistance to those children and young people with dyslexia.