Scottish teaching union says new dyslexia scheme can't fill education gaps

Teaching union EIS says a new support programme for dyslexic students is a “step in the right direction” but “not enough.”

The online course, run by Dyslexia Scotland, has been announced this week and is designed to bring “vital support” to pupils, teachers and parents, to build a better understanding of dyslexia and improve literacy levels.

Andy Harvey, Head of Education at EIS, has welcomed the new scheme, however, he says that it will do little to address the “chronic lack of funding” schools face in their bid to support pupils with dyslexia.

He said: “With the new teaching cuts we will have class sizes of 33 and with over one-third of students now having additional needs, supporting them is a huge challenge for teachers.

“Teachers need time to spend with students, to tailor support to their specific needs, which is very difficult in this current climate.”

Harvey says EIS are calling for reduced class sizes of “twenty at both primary and secondary level” to address this.

In addition to smaller classes, EIS would like to see an increase in trained specialist teachers and classroom support assistants in schools.

Harvey said: “Many pupils with dyslexia do not get the support they require because schools lack the training and resources to identify and address their needs.

“If we have an extra trained pair of eyes in the classroom regularly, dyslexic students are more likely to get the help they need much sooner.”

Despite this, Harvey believes additional resources such as the new course are “helpful” but are “unlikely to have much impact without significant funding increases.”

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