At Halstow we are fully committed to ensuring that we give the best possible opportunities to all of our children. In July 2011 we gained Dyslexia Friendly School status. A dyslexia friendly school is a school that is able to identify and respond to the difficulties that a dyslexic learner may encounter and ensure their needs are met.

At Halstow,  we recognise dyslexia as a specific learning difference and place it on the continuum of learning styles and preferences. We are committed to ensure that if children do not learn the way we teach, we will teach the way they learn, actively developing our experiences and the body of research available. Quality first teaching will build on the strengths of our children and minimize their weaknesses, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

We strive for good inclusive practice which includes:

• Low stress levels
• Positive acceptance of difference
• Confidence to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them
• Multi sensory approach
• Good working partnerships between all adults
• Pupil voice in target setting

• Daily reading – read to your child, let them read to you, share the reading, most importantly make it an enjoyable experience.
• Play games to support them with spelling and reading - see the spelling tips sheet for advice.
• Timetable any home learning so that it is small manageable chunks. Remember Dyslexic children have had to work harder than their peers and they may need a break before starting their home learning.
• Encourage your child to discuss their ideas and make a plan together before they start any written work.
• Encourage your child to present projects to highlight their own personal strengths be that through art or the computer.