Being an effective school and becoming dyslexia friendly seem to be two sides of the same coin"
Neil Mackay
What is Inclusive Practice?
Inclusive Practice is an East Ayrshire initiative using dyslexia friendly and inclusive approaches to:
- foster inclusive learning environments
- empower teachers to meet the needs of all learners
- promote early identification of learners at risk of additional support needs (ASN) and ensure appropriate intervention strategies suited to meet individual's needs are put in place
- develop a whole school responsibility for supporting learners with additional support needs ASN
- provide professional learning opportunities for staff and a platform for networking as well as sharing and celebrating good practice
- encourage resilience in learners
- promote positive and effective parent/carer partnership
Dyslexia Friendly Schools (DFS) good practice is in fact good practice for all. Research suggests that 30% of pupils at risk of literacy failure can be reduced to 3% with effective DFS classroom practice.
East Ayrshire's Inclusive Practice (DFS) accreditation pathway mirrors the guidance provided by Education Scotland in the national Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice: Professional Learning Resource.
What does Inclusive Practice involve?
Since 2013, educational establishments within East Ayrshire have begun their journey towards becoming a dyslexia friendly school through the use of inclusive practice. This is a three step process (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and initially involves:
- training and awareness raising for staff, pupils, parent and carers
- identifying and building upon current good practice
- staff awareness raising of how to identify and support literacy difficulties and
- partnership working with pupils/parents
To support this, designated members of staff attend training and discussion sessions with East Ayrshire Support Team (EAST) to raise their awareness of dyslexia, ASN and inclusive practice and support the development of the model within their school.
What could this look like?
- Pupil groups working together with school staff to research a range of strategies and resources for classroom and whole school use
- Pupils openly discussing additional support needs
- Inclusive Practice/Dyslexia Friendly School notice board
- Dyslexia Friendly School/Inclusive Practice assemblies/workshops
- A written dyslexia policy
- Clear guidelines on marking and homework
- Parents kept informed through school newsletters and website
East Ayrshire Inclusive Practice (DFS) awards
As at the end of session 2019/20 East Ayrshire had 82% of eligible educational establishments with Dyslexia Friendly Award status and nine establishments with a Gold Award.