• 9:00-10:30am
• 10:30am-12noon
• 12:30-2:00pm
• 2:30-4:00pm

We are very pleased to announce our keynote speakers:

• Dr Joni Holmes from Cambridge University will be presenting a paper on Working Memory and Learning Difficulties.
• Dr Lindsay Peer CBE, Educational and Chartered Psychologist, will be speaking on “The Role and Influence of the Dyslexia Specialist in the Mainstream Classroom” and is recognised as an expert in the range of specific learning difficulties, SEN and was appointed CBE for services to Education and Dyslexia. She published the first groundbreaking book linking ‘... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:31:06 GMT
  The course is for children in school year 7 upwards and adults who will benefit from gaining the skill of touch typing.
  
  Learning to touch type is such a valuable skill, especially for those who may have difficulty getting their thoughts down on paper. The course helps attendees to develop their typing skills and learn to touch type without looking at the keyboard.
  
  The course costs £120 and, included in the cost of the course, attendees are able to take home English Type software for use at home.
  
  Contact usTo register your interest in future dates, or for further information, please:
  
  Email: bath@dyslexia... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 23:54:36 GMTDyslexia Action is keen to understand how you feel about the current support available for those with dyslexia, particularly during education, whether you are still in education or you left 10 years ago we want to hear from you! The survey is open to anyone aged 16+.
  
  

  We want to know what support you would like to see within schools, how you could or would have been helped and what can be done now to make sure children with dyslexia have access to the education they need and deserve.
  
  

  If you would like to contribute by sharing your opinions and experiences please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DyslexiaAction and complete our quick survey! 
  
  The information you share will be used to further thinking into the support and services needed for those with dyslexia. For this reason results from this survey may appear on Dyslexia Action websites and social media channels. H... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 02:10:53 GMTPart time Operations Area Administrator – Leicester centre.
  (Fixed term contract for one year)
  
  Salary £13,865 per annum full time (35 hrs per week) - paid pro rata for 14 hrs per week
  
  An Operations Area Administrator is required to provide administrative support for our busy Leicester centre. The post requires initiative and flexibility. Knowledge of specific learning difficulties would be an advantage. The successful candidate should have a sympathetic telephone manner, be both a team player and be able to work alone, with excellent interpersonal and IT skills.
  
  Please download an application form in word or pdf format together with the The 'Towards A Positive Future' Conference is taking place this June. This one day conference is aimed at parents of children with special educational needs and the professionals who support them will take place. The conference has a fantastic line up of speakers planned, including Dyslexia Action CEO, Kevin Geeson.
  
  Details:
  Saturday 16th June 2012
  9.00am til 5.00pm
  Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
  
  This conference will focus on what we know works and how this can continue to work whatever the future political or legal system we find ourselves under in the coming months and years.
  
  Our ... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:56:42 GMT
  Watch the ITV1 news coverage on dyslexia asking whether more needs to be done to help children with dyslexia in our schools. Featuring an interview with Kevin Geeson, Dyslexia Action CEO.
  
  This news item follows a report in the Lancet journal. You can read Dyslexia Action's response to the report here
  
  This report aired on 17 April 2012 at 1.30pm.  ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:16:54 GMT
  Science is making ground-breaking progress in our understanding of dyslexia but education is straggling behind; and many thousands of children with dyslexia are paying the price.
  With 1 in 5 of the UK population currently leaving education without the ability to read and write it is of no surprise that the latest evidence published in academic journal The Lancet, states that more needs to be done to improve early identification and support for children living with dyslexia.
  
  Dyslexia Action welcomes the report in the Lancet, which highlights the importance of early identification, prevention and making dyslexia a top priority issue in education and health.
  
  Recognition of dyslexia is important but teachers should not wait until children are formally diagnosed with dyslexia or experience repeated failures. We agree with the report in the... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 17:26:08 GMTPlease support the petition for dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) to be a compulsory part of Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Currently 20% of children are not meeting expected levels in literacy and there are as many as 2 - 3 children in every classroom who are affected by dyslexia. The biggest barrier to children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is the lack of expertise within the education system to identify those at risk and to provide the right help and support for those children struggling to develop good literacy skills.
  
  The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) have initiated a petition to make dyslexia/SpLD training mandatory to Initial Teacher Training (ITT). At present there is no compulsory minimum level of Dyslexia/SpLD training required to pass the ITT course.
  
  There have been a number of reviews over the last 5 years, including Sir Jim Rose's ... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 21:21:30 GMTPart-time Teacher – Tonbridge
  Salary: Sessional pay.
  
  We are seeking a suitably qualified teacher to work initially Saturday mornings at our busy Tonbridge centre. A SpLD qualification is essential and the role will suit a teacher with flexibility and enthusiasm.
  
  Please download an application form in word or pdf format together with the job description.
  Apply by post to Shobha Coutinho, Principal, Dyslexia Action, Office A, 1st Floor, Bridge House, 97-101 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1DP.
  Apply by email to scoutinho@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
           <... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:50:07 GMTSo I’ve been here at Dyslexia Action for about a year.  We recently published our Impact Report for 2010 – 11. This report highlights how we continue to strive to change lives of people with dyslexia despite the tough economic climate. It was a good opportunity to sit back and reflect on the good work that Dyslexia Action did during that year. It gave me a strong sense of what we are doing to change lives. The section of our report ‘Our year in numbers’ provides a helpful sense of the impact we have and the wide range of ways we do it. 
  
  The core driver of Dyslexia Action is reach and having impact. During 2010 - 11 we worked hard to extend our reach and this work continues.
  
  Dyslexia Action takes action to chang... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 17:25:20 GMTGavin has “The Knowledge” and is making sure his daughter does too! “Dyslexia isn’t just about learning, its a part of everything I do. In our society if you can’t read, you can’t thrive.
  
  When I was fourteen I was lucky enough to be part of a project that was funded by Hackney Council and I used to go to Dyslexia Action once per week for support. But the funding ran out once I started college. It was at this point that I lost my way. I knew I wasn’t stupid; I knew I wasn’t a low life; I loved education but education didn’t love me; it just didn’t soak in for some reason.
  
  I did lots of jobs earning minimum wage but it was when my daughter Seanna was born that I had a wake up call. My uncle is a cabbie and he... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:47:49 GMTOfqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) has agreed that there will be no changes to reasonable adjustments already approved for learners taking GCSE and GCE exams this summer. Ofqual will be working with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and other stakeholders to gather feedback and information before the JCQ finalises its 2012/13 booklet Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration – General and Vocational Qualifications. For more information please visit Ofqual's website.
  
  Dyslexia Action has received a considerable number of queries from anxious parents and teachers about recent changes to the JCQ's access arrangements for GCSE and A-level examinations. Some students who have been diagnosed as having learning difficulties have been refused access arrangements of extra time of... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:43:22 GMT
  
  
  Join TV adventurer, travel writer, actor and President of Dyslexia Action Charley Boorman in conversation with Billy Biketruck at the exclusive private members’ club, Soho House.
  
  Over a meal he’ll share anecdotes and clips of his adventures and answer all your burning questions.  Expect to hear tales of his early acting career, extensive charity work, and widely-documented motorcycle tours with his best friend Ewan McGregor.
  
  Tickets are £45 which includes 3 courses and half a bottle of wine.
  
  Tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment - book now by clicking here! ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 21:56:18 GMT
  
  We are really pleased to be working with ITV’s breakfast show Daybreak on its current campaign Get Britain Reading. The campaign which will run for over a year will focus on the importance of reading and aims to encourage more people to read.
  
  If you missed the programme you can watch it on the Daybreak website by clicking here.
  
  It will also highlight the importance of support for those with reading difficulties. Having dyslexia can make reading harder for those who have it and whilst... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 21:27:26 GMTDyslexia Action is working with Daybreak to 'Get Britain Reading’The social impact of dyslexia is extensive. If you cannot learn to read, you cannot read to learn and everything we do at school and throughout life requires us to have the skills to be able to read fluently and accurately.
  
  Above and beyond the difficulties and barriers dyslexia presents it is the damage that low self-esteem can have, which is life-long.
  
  BUT with correct help and support dyslexia and literacy difficulties need not be a barrier to education, employment and fulfilment.  Dyslexia Action exists to ensure all those affected by such hidden disabilities get the help and support that they need.
  
  
  Dyslexia Action is getting behind calls from Britain’s top academics to set up a system of bench-marking to help make sense of the growing number of claims for dyslexia treatments and even ‘cures’.

  As Professor Dorothy Bishop of The University of Oxford points out, an online search will bring up dozens of sites that offer a wide range of treatments and programmes for dyslexia.

  
  As a national charity whose mission is to change the lives of people affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties, Dyslexia Action welcomes any method of help and support that is proven to be beneficial. However it is very concerning when claims for interventions, treatments or even 'cures' come out in the media or online that are based on very thin evidence. We welcome new ideas and innovations but are troubled about products and service... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 21:31:53 GMTDyslexia Action is a partner in the Empowering Parents and Carers (EPC) Project, which is supported by The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust (DST), working with The British Dyslexia Association (BDA), Springboard for Children and Helen Arkell.
  
  This collaborative project aims to provide valuable information, resources and support services for parents and carers.The project will provide support to a wider reach of parents and carers of children and young people with dyslexia through drop-in sessions, awareness talks and events an... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 09:15:14 GMTDyslexia Action Training and Professional Development is a leading provider of specialist and short courses in the field of Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties.We offer courses for teachers, trainers, teaching assistants and other professionals who wish to increase their understanding of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Click here for a full course listing.
  

  
  Our most popular courses include:
  
  

  • NEW! Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate Courses providing qualifications for teachers, teaching assistants and SENCOs
  • Salary: Sessional pay.       
    
    We are urgently seeking a suitably qualified teacher to work part time.
    A SpLD qualification is essential and the role will suit a teacher with flexibility & enthusiasm. After school, early evening hours work will be a feature of this position.
    
    Please download an application form in word or pdf format together with the job description.
    Apply by post to Jo Mahler, Northern Regional Manager, Dyslexia Action, Ashbourne House, 2 South Park Road, Harrogate, HG1 5QU.
    
    Apply b... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 17:24:30 GMTLearners and staff at Dyslexia Action London had a very exciting visitor during Dyslexia Awareness Week Mollie King, of girl band The Saturdays, took time out of her busy schedule this week to visit Dyslexia Action’s newly relocated London Centre at RNIB’s head office at Judd Street. Dyslexia Action had invited the singer, who is the recipient of the charity’s It’s ME! Choice Award, to visit i... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 23:33:58 GMT Strictly Come Dancing Champion and Don't Call Me Stupid's Kara Tointon showed her support by attending our 10th Anniversary Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday 29th November. Whilst there Kara recorded an It's ME! video in which she spoke to us about her dyslexia, why she is supporting the cause and the importance of dyslexia support. 
    
    To watch Kara's video please click here. 
    ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:12:22 GMT
    
    The Apprentice Series 7 winner Tom Pellereau showed his support by attending the 10th Anniversary Dyslexia Action Awards Dinner on Tuesday 29th November. Whilst there he recorded an It's ME! video in which he spoke his dyslexia and explained why it is so important to support those with it.
    
    To watch Tom's video please click here. 
    
    
      ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:33:56 GMTDyslexia Action Shop are continually reviewing the products which are offered in our current catalogue and web shop.  We have again introduced some exciting new products which have been carefully selected.  There are additions to psychological assessments and literacy resources which will appeal to both parents and professionals.
    
    Psychological Assessment Resources  Gray Oral Reading Tests Fifth Edition (2011)
    
    GORT-5 T... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:09:14 GMTKimberley Ward (16), who is an It's ME! Learning Fund beneficary and winner of The Young Person's Award is an inspiration.

    Sponsored by Schroders Private Banking, The Young Person’s Award acknowledges the achievements of one of our learners who has made exceptional progress. This award highlights the real difference that our work can make to the lives of people affected by dyslexia.

     

    Kim (16) was presented with The Young Person’s Award at tonight’s (November 29th 2011) Dyslexia Action Awards Dinner by rugby legend and Strictly Come Dancing star As well as honouring designer Steve Edge, The Saturdays’ Mollie King, It’s ME! Learning Fund beneficiary Kimberley Ward and ex-CEO of Dyslexia Action Shirley Cramer, CBE, tonight’s fundraiser has been a huge success.Chaired by rugby legend Kenny Logan and hosted by his wife, sports presenter Gabby Logan, tonight’s event is the 10th Annivers... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 12:12:39 GMTLeaders have chosen not to send out Christmas cards to their clients and associates in an effort to reduce their impact on the environment and put the money to better use elsewhere. They have opted instead to send e-greeting cards and to donate the money saved on cards and postage to a number of worthy charities.
     
    This year Leaders chose to divide the £2,500 saved between five charities which operate in the key regions that Leaders’ 59 branches are located. The charities nominated by Leaders’ Regional Directors were close to their hearts and the Regional Director for Hampshire chose to donate £500 to Dyslexia Action.
     
    Regional Director for Hampshire, Matt Derry, commented: "Improving literacy in school leavers is an important issue for businesses, many of whom expressed their concerns about school leavers' use o... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 18:21:17 GMTJim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South, visited Dyslexia Action’s Coventry centre, at 113 New Union Street, on Friday 4 November as part of the educational charity’s activities during Dyslexia Awareness Week (31 October-6 November).
    
    During his visit to the Centre, Mr Cunningham met and spoke with the Centre Manager, specialist teachers and other staff and discovered more about the services and support that Dyslexia Action can offer to his constituents.
    
    Jim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South, commented:
    
    "I was pleased to be asked by Dyslexia Action to visit their Dyslexia Action staff, learners and volunteers celebrated the official opening of our London Centre's Help a Capital Child Learning Room with Kenny Logan, DJs from 95.8 Capital FM Roberto and Margherita and representatives from Help a Capital
    Child.
    
    

    You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWDOFZbChvU
    
    
    With the support and funding from 95.8 Capital FM’s Help a Capita... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 15:28:07 GMTEnter the National Lottery Olympic Park Run and be the first to cross the London 2012 finish line on 31 March 2012This your chance to make sporting history as The National Lottery is offering you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run a five-mile course through the Olympic Park starting at 14:00 on Saturday 31 March 2012.
    
    People of all abilities can enter the race through a ballot system open until midnight on 27 October 2011. There are 5,000 places available to the public for this event and the cost of entering The National Lottery Olympic Park Run is £15.
    
    As well as experiencing what it's like to be an elite athlete running in the Olympic Stadium, the entry fee includes a race number, two spectator passes for the Olympic Stadium, a full information pack sent t... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 07:08:59 GMTJoshua and his dad, David will be peddling once more to raise funds for Dyslexia ActionFollowing the success of last years c2c ride where Joshua was able to raise over £200 for Dyslexia Action he is keen to have ago at another challenge. So, this year he has set his sights on completing the Penine cycleway. The route covers 127 miles starting in Holmfirth and finishing in Appleby-in-westmorland with a number of climbs in between.
    
    Johsua and David plan to complete the trip in 3 days averaging just over 42 miles per day. They will be un-assisted along the way and due to the time of the year coupled with the expectation of a cold & wet time we will be stopping at B&B's overnight.
    
    If you would like to sponsor Joshua please visit his
    To celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Week we have worked closely with one of our corporate partners, Intellident, to produce some informational materials that will be distributed to libraries across the UK. We are keen to make information, advice and support available for you all so if you want to access our checklist, support information and tips please visit this page. 

                                            &n... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 10:16:01 GMTNeil Harwood is taking on the Tour Divide in 2013Brave fundraiser Neil Harwood has chosen to participate in the Tour Divide in Spring/Summer 2013 to raise awareness and hopefully funds to enable Dyslexia Action to help more individuals with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
    
    What is the Tour Divide?
    
    

    The Tour Divide is a 2745 race from Banff in Canada to Antelope Wells in New Mexico - at the Mexican border along the continental divide.
    Read more
    The route will travel through the Canad... ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:07 GMTRunLiverpool Marathon is taking place on 9th October 2011. The old Mersey Marathon was last staged in the city in 1992 and is now set to return on a brand new and inspirational course. 
    
    The 26.2 miles will take in both sides of the River Mersey with this carefully considered route aiming to deliver a first class race day experience for runners and spectators, so come along to see, enjoy and experience Wirral and the fantastic Liverpool city centre.
    
    Big thank you in advance to Martin Bamping who is leading a teamrunning to support the 
    Rob Booth is traveling from UK to New Zealand by motorbike in 2012!The best description of his plans comes from Rob himself.
    
    Rob, so what is your trip?
    
    “I'm planning to ride from Bridport, Dorset, UK all the way home to Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, all on my lonesome. So this is the plan for my little adventure... I have a ordered new bike, a BMW Adventure Triple Black from CW Motorcycles in Dorchester which I pick up when I get back to the UK in Dec. The bike will be kitted out with lots of gadgets from Good luck to everyone running The Royal Parks Foundation Half MarathonThis Sunday, 9 October, more than 12,500 runners will take to the streets of London on one of the most scenic city runs in the world, The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon. Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, the beautiful 13.1 mile route races through four of London’s stunning Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park and St James’s Park) and offers runners magnificent views of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall along the way.
    
    Good luck especially to Nevander Holland wh... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 06:59:26 GMTKara Tointon has raised over £850 for Dyslexia Action
    A big thank you to Kara Tointon for choosing to support Dyslexia Action by taking part in an endurance horse race on 18th September. Although she did not complete the daunting 33km course, Kara has done a huge amount to raise the profile of dyslexia as an important cause and to directly improve lives through her fundraising.
    
    Dyslexia Action are incredibly grateful for her support. Kara remains an inspiration and role model to many with dyslexia and this is shown my the sheer number of donations and messages of support she received in the run up to the race.
    
    If you would like to sponsor Kara for attempting this epic challenge, please visit her JustG... ]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 05:04:44 GMTPeterborough Centre staff recently mailed local companies with news of the Million Metre Challenge and the fundraising campaign to raise money for the ‘It’s ME Learning Fund’.  We are delighted to announce the receipt of a donation of £100 from BGL Group Limited, located just down the road from the Centre.  Thank you so much for your valued support!

    ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 23:17:33 GMTThe online entry system for the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon 2012 is open17,000 runners will take part in the 13.1 mile race next year on 1 April 2012 and this is you chance to be a part of it.
    
    Places are £33.50 or £31.50 if you are UKA Running Club Affiliated.
    
    This smoothly organised event is growing in popularity. The Reading Half Marathon makes for an excellent pre-London Marathon run, or as a great race in it's own right.
    
    Visit the Reading Half Marathon website to register your place, and run in aid of Dyslexia Action!
    ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 20:41:50 GMTThis recognition really demonstrates the importance and impact of the work that Henry has been doing in promoting awareness of dyslexia in the UK. Henry has been a great support throughout the years and has continued to work hard at empowering those with dyslexia.
    
    Henry is also the author of a series of children's books about Hank Zipzer, a boy with dyslexia, whose experiences are based on Henry's own childhood experiences. ]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 10:38:25 GMTBritish actress Kara Tointon is taking part in a 33km endurance horse race on 18 September for Dyslexia Action. Kara inspired many viewers with her BBC Three documentary Kara Tointon: Don't Call Me Stupid, where she talked openly about her dyslexia.  
    
    The 2010 Strictly Come Dancing winner joins Amanda Holden, Lisa Snowdon and Denise Van Outen to demonstrate how easy it is to donate to charity via text thanks to Vodafone's partnership with JustGiving. Staff at the Peterborough Centre are delighted to announce the receipt of a donation of £600 from Perkins Engines Company Limited.  The donation was awarded to the Peterborough Centre after a successful response to their application to the company’s Charity and Sponsorship Team.  Staff at the Peterborough Centre commented ‘We are extremely grateful for this very generous donation and this valued support will help us to provide support for local families’.

    ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 18:29:38 GMT
    
    

    You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBFQVsVH-Xc

    
    
    
    Gary Oldfield, AKA The Million Metre Man, completed his amazing challenge to row a total of 26 marathons on Friday 26th August! Gary rowed a total of 1,097,070 metres on a Concept 2 rower at Dyslexia Action’s Head Office in Egham consecutively from 22nd July until 26th August (just resting over weeken... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 13:59:18 GMTresearch from MIT has shown that that people with dyslexia have a much harder time recognizing voices than people without the disorder; a finding that suggests voice recognition and speech perception, which operate from separate hemispheres of the brain, are actually integrated processes.Tyler Perrachione of MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and colleagues tested people with dyslexia and those without in a controlled experiment where participants had to link unfamiliar voices with their associated recordings.
    
    They found that those with dyslexia found it much harder to match the voices. According to Perrachoine and colleagues, humans identify voices by making comparisons between the talkers' pronunciation and their own abstract representations of the sounds the words make. The discovery ... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 16:02:20 GMTGary Oldfield opened The Million Metre Challenge today by rowing his first marathon for our Glasgow centre! Supporters dropped by Dyslexia Action HQ throughout the day to cheer the mad fundraiser, also known as the million metre man! The marathon was streamed across Dyslexia Action's Facebook page and Live Stream channel. If you missed the live footage you can watch our recorded version here and view our interview with the man himself. 
    
    Gary will continue his million metre challenge with a marathon row for our Newcastle centre on Monday 25th July. To find out when he will be rowing a marathon for your local centre please visit this page. If you would like to row alongside Gary or want to sponsor him please contact our The 7th series of The Apprentice was won by dyslexic inventor Tom Pellereau! The good guy from Arlesford has openly discussed the positive effect dyslexia has had on his life. He said “I was in some ways very lucky because from a young age I was very bad at certain things, so that meant I was always going to do science, engineering and design. I discovered I could do things better than other people. If I had an idea, I could visualise it in my brain and spin it around. Not everyone can do that. Dyslexia for me has always been a massive positive." 
    
    The friendly winner was on the losing team 8 times during the 3 month series however as the show progressed he became a very likely winner. Lord Sugar admitted to valuing Tom's experience in creating new products for market and successfully selling them, he also said that he had a gut feeling that Tom was the id... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 21:53:02 GMT
    
    The four leads from JERSEY BOYS to perform a medley of songs from JERSEY BOYS the Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at the DYSLEXIA ACTION AWARDS DINNER.
    
    WINNER of 54 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for BEST NEW MUSICAL.
    
    JERSEY BOYS, the internationally acclaimed hit musical, tells the remarkable rise to stardom of one of the most successful bands in pop music history.
    
    ... ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:21:12 GMTThank You and Congratulations to London Centre Staff, Parents and Pupils for supporting The Million Metre Challenge!Everyone at the Dyslexia Action Centre in London has showed their support for super Fundraiser Gary, also known as The Million Metre ManTue, 08 May 2012 15:28:58 GMT
    We have many course dates so now is the time to decide which one is good for you! 
    

    • Continuing Professional Development courses for teachers and teaching assistants to gain expertise in supporting children who are struggling with literacy.
    • International Diploma. A course for non-UK students wishing to have a sound theoretical understanding of dyslexia and how this learning difference affects everyday life.
    • Exams Access Arrangements Course for those with a specialist dyslexia qualification who wi... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 20:48:38 GMTIntellident, took to the streets of London to raise funds for Dyslexia Action and our It's ME! Learning Fund by running the Bupa 10k.  The runners raised an amazing £1,405 and Intellident matched the amount raised pound for pound.  Thank you! ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:15:20 GMTToday the Department for Education announced its reforms for Early Learning and Children's Centres; this includes early testing for two-year olds attending nursery to check for any learning problems.
      
      Responding to recommendations stated in Dame Clare Tickell’s review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the new framework aims to rid parents, pupils and teachers alike of the old system, which the Government openly admits is overly bureaucratic, repetitive and not as parent friendly as it should be. 
      
      Dame Clare Tickell published her independent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage in March 2011. It is a thorough and robust review of what should be provided for children from birth to five years, making welcomed recommendations to reduce bureaucracy and to streamline and simplify the number of learning goals; as well as recognising the ... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 18:25:36 GMTPhoto: Dyslexia Action CEO Kevin Geeson receives cheque from Simply Health's Ken Piggott.
      
      Simplyhealth have recently provided funding for us to deliver our Partnership For Literacy into 15 schools.  The project will be focused around schools close to Simplyhealth offices in Andover, Bristol and Leeds. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only raise literacy attainment across each of the 15 schools, but to also leave the knowledge and expertise within the teaching staff.  
      
      ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:32:10 GMTGary has set himself the incredible challenge of rowing one marathon for each of the 26 Dyslexia Action Centres. 
      
      One marathon is already a huge achievement at 26.2 miles and doing that 26 times means that Gary will have covered an astonishing 1.09 million metres by the end of his challenge, making this The Million Metre Challenge.
      
      The Million Metre Challenge will happen over 36 days, starting on Friday 22^nd July, finishing on Friday 26^th August and taking place on a rowing machine at Dyslexia Action Head Office in Egham!
      
      Gary has chosen to support the 9 year old Sam completes Great Midlands Fun Run for Sutton ColdfieldSunday 5th June, the Great Midlands Fun Run, was Sam's first time in such an event he was determined to complete in a good time. He was so pleased and his parents incredibly proud that he finished the 8. 5 mile run in a very respectable 1 hour 25 mins. 
      
      Sam has raised approximately £150 for Dyslexia Action Sutton Coldfield. He was running to support the Dyslexia Action welcomes the approach outlined in the Government's Green Paper on Special Educational Needs (SEN): 'Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability'. 
      
      We would like to encourage you to read the paper, however we understand that at 134 pages this is both a time consuming and rather daunting prospect. Therefore we ask that if you have the time you read the Executive Summary within the paper, this is a more managable 9 pages and will tell you everything you need to know.
      
      At the back of the report is a summary of the Consultation Questions asked throughout the paper, the Department for Education has opened these up to the public and is looking for responses from those affected by SEN provision in the UK. 
      
      To maximise the impact of the ... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:35:27 GMT
      Sarah Teather: Q&A on special needs provision

      
      Children's minister Sarah Teather responds to Guardian readers' concerns
      
      

      Dyslexia Action is delighted that the Minister of State for Children and Families, Sarah Teather MP, highlights some of the key issues for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their families in her interview with Guardian journalist Jessica Shepherd on Monday 23rd May 2011. 
      
      Particularly welcomed is the Minister’s recognition of the need for more training for teachers and teaching assistance and that Government are listening to what teachers, unions and other educational experts are telling them.

      
      Kevin Geeson, Chief Executive Officer of ... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 13:36:34 GMTOnline entry for the adidas Silverstone Half Marathon 2012 is open. 

      Please enter the adidas Silverstone Half Marathon now to support Dyslexia Action.
      
      On 11th March 2012, this race takes place on the world renowned F1 circuit at Silverstone, the home of British motor racing. A popular race, 6357 runners finished the 13.1 mile circuite in 2011.
      
      This is a great warm up event for the Virgin London Marathon taking place a few weeks later on 22nd April 2012. It is also a great next step from a 10K race such as Bupa London 10,000.
      
      Visit We want you on our team running the Virgin London Marathon 2012!

      Next year's Virgin London Marathon will take place on Sunday 22^nd April 2012.
      
      All funds raised by the Dyslexia Action running Team will be used to support the vital charitable work of Dyslexia Action.  Among many other projects Dyslexia Action is currently the only national provider of subsidised specialist tuition for children, young people and adults with dyslexia. We strive to support those who are in greatest need of our help.   Those who benefit are individuals and families who are otherwise unable to access this support due to financial or social exclusion. This is called the It&rsqu... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 17:20:23 GMT
      
      The nominations for the It's ME! Choice Award closed at mid-night on Saturday 30th April. The nominations have now been counted and the winner, who recieved the most nominations is Mollie King of the Saturdays.
      
      The Award will be presented, at the Dyslexia Action Awards Dinner 10th Anniversary celebration.
      
      If you are interested in attending the event chelmsford@dyslexiaaction.org.uk.
      ]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 07:46:14 GMTEnter now for your place in the Virgin London Marathon 2012!The public ballot for the 2012 race is now open, visit the Virgin London Marathon website to enter now. The system will close when it reaches 125,000 apllications and this happened in just 24 hours last year!
      
      Join the thousands of runners to take to the streets of London in the world's biggest annual one day fundraising event and do it for Dyslexia Action and the It's ME! Appeal. If you needed even more motivation, then do it in the year London hosts the Olympic games! The atmosphere on the day, sense of achievement completing 26.2 miles, and the impact you can have for individuals with dyslexia are incredible, make sure you're part o... ]]>Tue, 01 May 2012 15:20:20 GMTSothebys is donating his services to deliver the live auction during our Dyslexia Action Awards Dinner 10th Anniversary celebration.
      
      Harry Dalmeny joined Sotheby's in 1991, and worked initially in the Old Master, Furniture and Silver departments. In 1993 he joined the House Sales department, becoming a Director in 1999. He has organised many of the most important country house sales to be staged in the UK including the Leverhulme collection at Thornton Manor (2001), <... ]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 03:09:29 GMTWeread4you, an exciting new online retailer of Audio Books with thousands of titles to chose from, from J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to Watership Down and The Tales of Beatrix Potter.  There is something for everyone.
      
      To get this new partnership off to a great start, when you have finished shopping go to the basket, enter voucher code da25 and click the Validate Code button and you will receive 25% off the total plus £1 from every book bought will be donated to Dyslexia Action.
      
      Visit www.weread4you and start listening to your favourite books today
      
      If you would like more information on this partnership, please contact Clare ... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:15:22 GMTBrighton Marathon on 10th April 2011 to raise funds for Dyslexia Action.
      
      Paul completed the 26.2 miles in a very impressive 3 hours, 51minutes and 20 seconds despite very warm weather in Brighton.
      
      Only in its second year, the race was a huge success with nearly 8,000 runners completing the course. Wild-life photographer Paul Goldstein also took part, as the first of his four marathons in April, which he ended with the Virgin London Marathon on 17th April.
      
      The 2012 Brighton marathon takes place on Sunday 15th April visit the Bri... ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:20:50 GMTJonathan Bailes, Mark Harris, Scott Gemmell, Mari (Toni) Edang, Alexander Bosch, Danny Bartlett, David Eaton and John May, who all completed the 2011 London Marathon to raise money for our It's ME! Appeal.
      
      For the full story please visit our It's ME! website.
      
      Justin Coe will be performing at the Dyslexia Action Awards Dinner 10th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday 29th November at the Savoy Hotel, London.
      
      A regular and popular performer in schools and on the UK's spoken word cabaret scene, Justin has also been seen entertaining in nurseries, nursing homes, piers, pubs, comedy clubs, buses, steam trains and street corners.
      
      Justin's most recent family show was a  fusion of performance poetry, comedy, illustration, animation, music and theatre, "The Jumble Book" show tells the story of a boy with dyslexia. It was nominated for Best Children's Event at the 2010 Brighton Festival and continu... ]]>Wed, 02 May 2012 12:55:25 GMTreview of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)  is a thorough and robust review of what should be provided for children from birth to five years, making welcomed recommendations to reduce bureaucracy and to streamline and simplify the number of learning goals; as well as recognising the central roles of parents and of play in children’s early development. 
      
      Dr John Rack, Dyslexia Action’s Head of Research, comments: “Dame Tickell’s report also recognises that children’s learning at school is built on foundations from their Early Years Education that support the development of language and communication skills, personal social and emotional development and physical development. Children establish these foundations at differing rates depending on a range of factors, whic... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 12:03:34 GMTImage supplied by BBC
      
      Kara Tointon's 'Dont call me Stupid' documentary is being repeated again on BBC 3. The documentary shows the ex-EastEnder and Strictly Come Dancing winner openly demonstrate how her dyslexia has affected her life.
      
      During the programme Kara is tested and undergoes specialist help. She also meets other dyslexic people, many of whom share Kara's experience of feeling 'stupid'. The programme is both emotive and informative and has been hugely successful in raising awareness of dyslexia.
      
      If you would like further information on dyslexia please click here: Dyslexia the facts! Or if you are looking for information on coloured lenses and would like to know if they could help you please see our informa... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:34:46 GMT
      Pukka Up's Ed and Mark bring Neverland to life and raise £1,140 for Dyslexia ActionTwo of the movers and shakers at clubbing experience company Pukka Up, offered up the chance to wipe away the January blues as they celebrated turning 30!
      
      Having chosen the apt theme of Peter Pan, Ed and Mark tranformed their second home Pacha, London into Neverland and with some surprise ‘lost boys', a fancy dress competition, and all the proceeds from the party going to charity there was plenty to keep everyone entertain... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:43 GMTRoyal Parks Half Marathon ballot opens on Wednesday 16th February
      Opening at 10am the ballot will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday 2nd March.
      
      Last year public entry places for the Royal Parks Half Marathon sold out in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. So for the 2011 race the Royal Parks organisers have decided to operate a new ballot system to make the process fairer for everyone and eliminate the rush, as runners will have two weeks to enter themselves for selection.

      However, a ballot system is a little more complicated so please make sure you read all the information fully before you enter.  There is no rush with 2 weeks to put yourself forward so you can take your time and ... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 22:51:54 GMT

      You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPfkUhI4dQs
      
      This afternoon (Tuesday 18th January, 2011) Dyslexia Action will brief MP’s, Lords and Ministers on the findings from its four year intervention research programme, Partnership for Literacy.
      
      The evidence shows that this programme delivers a whole school approach to literacy, improving standards for all primary school children but particularly supporting the 20% of children with the lowest literacy levels. Out of the 970 children, who made up the lowest 20% in Years 2 – 5 from 35 primary schools across the UK, approximately half moved from below average to average in reading in just 8 months. This is double the expected rate of progress.
      
      The next chapter: recommendations for the futureThis is detailed in the P4L report attached but for information these are the recommendations that Dyslexia Action is making and those that it would like to see Government commit to.
      
      
      
      1. The extension of funding for specialist teacher training.
      
      Read more
       
      The evidence that all political parties have accepted highlights the lack of teachers trained to help children with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) in both primary and secondary schools. P4L demonstrates the clear benefits to schools in having access to a specialist in dyslexia and literacy. This n... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 21:10:22 GMTDepartment for Education are today reporting shocking figures:
      
      

      • 1 in 11 boys starts secondary school with a reading age of 7
      • Proven, evidence based interventions are available
      • Innumerable reports and reviews have all concluded the same
      • Good teaching for children struggling with literacy is good teaching for all children
      • Teachers need the right training
      • Poor literacy and numeracy skills are a huge drain on our economy
      • Investment now will result in a huge financial saving in the long term: 

      • It will turn underachieving boys (and girls) into contributing members of society 
      • Reduce the numbers on benefit so Improve range of skills in the UK workforce
      ... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 12:05:42 GMT ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 14:13:32 GMTAdults
      Salary: Sessional pay.
      
      A part-time teacher with a SpLD qualification and an interest in teaching adults and exams skills students is required by Winchester Centre.
      
      The person appointed will be required to work in the Centre area.
      
      An application form can be downloaded from the website below, or for further details please e-mail the Principal, Annie Collins, at acollins@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
      Apply by email to acollins@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
      
             
      No agencies please
      
      
      
      Click here to download a job description
      
      Unsure of what to buy this Christmas? When you download the Give as you Live™ App (www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/giveasyoulive) you can buy all of your gifts online and raise funds for us at the same time with no extra cost to you! Download the App now to start shopping....
      ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 10:58:48 GMTKara Tointon in her BBC 3 programme - Don't call me stupid - found that glasses with coloured lenses were very helpful when reading.
      
      It is true that coloured lenses and/or overlays can be helpful to individuals who are dyslexic but please be aware that what works well for one individual may not be helpful to another. Also the most beneficial colour(s) and shade of colour(s) will vary from individual to individual and this can change over time.
      
      It is also important for those affected by dyslexia to be aware that coloured lenses and/or overlays are not a cure; they are classified as reading aids.
      
      The Dyslexia Action Shop Ltd (DASL) sells
      The evening was a glittering success attended by stars from the world of entertainment. Entertainment was provided by all round funnyman and entertainer Brian Conley. Brian took a night out from his hectic touring schedule to support our cause.
      
      Honorees included:
      
      
      Rosaleen Blair
      Read more
      Rosaleen Blair, the founder and CEO of Alexander Mann Solutions, is widely credited with pioneering the concept of recruitment process outsourcing in Europe. Since the company was founded in 1996,... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 07:51:33 GMTImage: Louis Barnett presenting award to Patience, with mum Jill
      Eleven year old Patience from Bowdon, near Manchester, was honoured alongside Brian Conley, Anthea Turner, Rosaleen Blair, Nick Jones and Dr Steve Chinn at our Awards Dinner on Wednesday 10th November.
      Patience, who is dyslexic and receives support at Dyslexia Action's Centre in Wilmslow, is our 2010 Young Person of the Year. This is an award that is given each year as part of our Annual Dyslexia Awards Dinner to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our learners.
      
      

      “The Young Person of the Year Award makes us all at Dyslexia Action particularly proud, knowing that we are making a real difference to the future of our nation’s children.” 

      Shirley Cramer, Dyslexia Action's Chief Ex... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 08:58:57 GMTDon't call me stupidThis new BBC programme follows Strictly Come Dancing star Kara's journey of discovery about her own dyslexia.
      
      BBC 3
      Thursday 11th November
      21:00
      
      Dyslexia Action hopes that this will be an informative programme and that it helps to promote awareness about dyslexia and the sorts of difficulties it can cause.
      
      We would be interested to here your views on this programme and therefore please post your comments below or join in our discussions via Facebook and/or Twitter.
      
      More information is available on the BBC's website.
      ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:11:09 GMTAfter a decade at the helm of Dyslexia Action, Shirley Cramer, CBE, has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer.
      
      Shirley Cramer comments:
      

      “It has been an extraordinary privilege to hold this leadership position and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a wonderful group of staff and volunteers for a cause that I truly believe in. After ten challenging and rewarding years I feel now is the time for new ideas and a new hand on the wheel to take Dyslexia Action to the next level. ”

      
      Shirley has led the educational charity through a period of growth and development, which has included a Head Office relocation... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 17:54:51 GMTChristine Grainger tells the BBC about her experiences of getting the right support for her son.Christine is one of the parents whose son comes to Dyslexia Action's Centre in Egham for two lessons per week - one for literacy and one for numeracy. In an interview with the BBC, which is currently being featured as part of their lead story on Ofsted's SEN Report published today (Tuesday 14th September), Christine talks about what she has been through to get the right help and support for her son.
      
      The Ofsted report is headline news across most press and media today, including the lead story for the BBC.
      
      How many more reviews are needed before the Government takes action? Dyslexia Action welcomes the latest review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) published by Ofsted today (Tuesday 14th September, 2010).
      
      Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action, comments: “We are pleased that the inspectorate has been reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of the current SEN system. Ofsted’s review provides further evidence for the urgent need to take action to ensure that all children are able to access an education. We support the recommendations issued by Ofsted but it does raise concerns as to why we continue to have numerous reviews but little concerted action.”
      Tue, 15 May 2012 12:17:58 GMT
      

      On 19th May 2010 Paul Reeves took on the West Course at Wentworth in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am.

      
      Dyslexia Action was in the lucky position to offer a Pro-Am place, which was kindly donated by BMW UK,to our supporters, in the run up to the Dyslexia Action Wentworth Golf Day.  Paul, who plays off a handicap of just a 2, played the newly remodeled and eagerly awaited West Course brilliantly and was one of the few golfers to get onto the green of the 18th in two shots.
      
      'I had a fantastic day and I want to be the first to know if this opportunity comes up again!' Paul Reeves
      
      Dyslexia Action would like to thank BMW UK, Jo... ]]>Sat, 05 May 2012 01:30:35 GMT

      

       

      Buy a raffle ticket for just £2 and you could be in with the chance of winning a MINI First! What's more, £1.90 of each ticket will go straight back to Dyslexia Action. Tickets are available until 6th September and the winner will be announced in October. Good luck and thank you for supporting Dyslexia Action.

      
      

      Click here to buy your ticket