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Written question asked by Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 March 2025 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Dyslexia: Children

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve the diagnosis of dyslexia in children in (a) Somerset and (b) the South West.

Answer

Data on waiting times for dyslexia assessments is not held centrally. Assessments for dyslexia in children are provided by an educational psychologist or an appropriately qualified specialist dyslexia teacher. If a parent thinks their child may be dyslexic, as a first step they should speak to their child’s teacher or their school's special educational needs co-ordinator about their concerns. They may be able to offer additional support to help the child if necessary. Further information on dyslexia assessments can be found on the NHS.UK website, at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/diagnosis/

The early identification of needs and support is critical to improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including those with dyslexia. There are already a number of measures to help teachers do this, including the phonics screening check and the statutory assessments at the end of key stage two.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
35065
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Children Diagnosis Dyslexia South West
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk