Claudia Cotton, BDA Accreditor, on her visit mentioned that, “this is a school where all decisions centre around the needs of their learners” and laid particular praise on the ‘commitment and passion given to the [Dyslexia] initiative’.

 

Key points from the report include:

• The Headteacher has invested time and effort in developing a staff team who can deliver a ‘quality diet of provision’.

• Teachers and support staff talked confidently about adaptations used in the classroom such as vocabulary walls; visual timetables; coloured paper and overlays; pictorial representations and Oracy 21 techniques.

• When questioned the learners mentioned the best part of the school were the adults, ‘they are almost like friends’.

• WKS has high expectations of those pupils with dyslexia and ensure that there are no barriers to achieving great things.

• It’s clear that the ethos of the school is firmly rooted in a child-centred, trauma informed approach which always celebrates strengths and achievements.

• The Dyslexia policy clearly outlines the key principles needed for learners with Dyslexia to thrive.

• Teachers described the ‘symbiotic relationship’ they have with their Teaching Assistants. Reactions become instinctive and TAs are the experts in knowing what learners need.

• The Pastoral Care Team (PCT) plays a significant role in ensuring learners feel safe and secure and ready to learn.

• Parents/carers were united in their praise for the school’s ability to identify quickly what their children needed in order to access learning.

 

The award itself is only issued to schools that can demonstrate high quality provision and educational experiences for dyslexic individuals. In receiving this Quality Mark, it reiterates that we take a 'holistic approach' towards pupils and their progress, therefore allowing them to thrive.

 

For more information on the award, please visit:

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/dyslexia-friendly-awards/dyslexia-friendly-quality-mark-awards