Posted on Sunday 13th Mar 2016
Campaigners and teachers have warned against the government’s new spelling tests for primary school children, feeling that they will stifle creativity and discriminate against pupils with dyslexia.
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) said it has been inundated with calls from primary headteachers who are alarmed about the new system, which will require 10- and 11-year-olds to correctly spell more than 100 key words before they are judged to have reach expected educational standards. The system will come into effect for exams taking place this summer.
Following an outcry from teaching unions, the government attempted to clarify the new writing assessments this week by partially backtracking on the proposals. But campaigners have argued that the concessions offered do not go far enough.
Russell Hobby, the general secretary of the headteachers’ union, the NAHT, said: “We have significant concerns about the treatment of children with dyslexia: we are worried that there is a risk of discrimination. Schools are prevented from properly recognising the successes of dyslexic students in the way they can with other students.”
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
10/06/25'I couldn't imagine not teaching full-time - until I had my baby'
Alice returned to work three days a week at Oasis Academy Warndon in April and is on a flexible working arrangement for the next year, which means she can also take Oliver to regular baby group sessions. She believes delivering more flexible working options for teachers - especially those who are new parents - is going to be key to addressing ongoing issues with recruitment and retention in the profession. She wants all new parent teachers to be offered such flexibility, to allow them to "feel confident that taking that step forward in their personal life isn't going to lead to a step back in their professional life".
02/06/25£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND New SEND places to create more inclusive classrooms in mainstream schools, delivering on Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity. From: Department for Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Published 27 March 2025
29/05/25Children with special needs in England may lose legal right to school support plans
Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.
23/05/25More Teachers to benefit from flexible working Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
Press release More Teachers to benefit from flexible working. Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
20/05/25Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening
Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening Nine out of 10 school leaders tell survey they are finding it harder to meet special needs of pupils than a year ago. Almost all (98%) of the respondents to a National Association of Head Teachers’ (NAHT) poll covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland said they did not have the resources to meet the needs of all their pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
News Archive