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- abstract below
- a PowerPoint presentation is available on the conference CD.
For details of how to obtain the CD, please contact the BDA.

The Durham Experience: Promoting Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Friendly Schools

Jenny O'Neill and Mary Coffield

(1) Educational Psychology Service Durham LEA (2) Learning Support Service Durham LEA Mary.Coffield@durham.gov.uk

Abstract

To share the Durham experience of promoting dyslexia and dyspraxia friendly schools within the inclusion agenda. A new policy for the LEA entitled, 'Specific Learning Difficulties: Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Policy and Guidance' policy has been developed over a period of years as a countywide response to ensure that children's specific learning difficulties are identified and a range of appropriate interventions are made. The steering group consisted of Learning Support Service, Educational Psychology Service, head teachers and Parent Partnership. Draft documentation was widely distributed to health and social services representatives as well as schools and parents to ensure a cohesive and balanced approach. The document was launched at a countywide conference in June 2001. It has since been adopted and adapted by other authorities. The Durham County Policy document on specific learning difficulties will be shared with participants at the BDA conference. The policy provides a framework for schools and local authorities to develop their own policy and practice within the SEN Code of Practice. The policy is supported by opportunities for training at a variety of levels from awareness raising and whole school approaches to a postgraduate certificate course accredited by the BDA. In addition Durham hosts an annual conference disseminating recent research and its implications for practice. Future plans include working closely with schools to develop dyslexia and dyspraxia friendly practice using as a starting point the audit document that is contained in the LEA Policy and Guidance.

Disclaimer: all the abstracts presented here have satisfied the academic committee as appropriate for presentation at an international conference. However, the material reflects the views of the authors, not necessarily those of the academic committee or the BDA. No endorsement of any approach, product or service is intended or implied.

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