Dyslexia and the Law
Dyslexia is a special educational need and falls within the remit of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 with its accompanying SEN Code of Practice for England and Wales, which came into effect on 1st January 2002. All maintained schools must have a policy for special educational needs, and must also have regard for the Code of Practice.
Under the Code of Practice, schools must use clear procedures to identify and register children whose academic, physical, social or emotional development is giving cause for concern.
The Code of Practice is available free of charge from DfES Publications, Tel: 0845 6022260. Copies can also be downloaded from the DfES website: www.teachernet.gov.uk
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001 is available at www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2001.htm
If you are very concerned, you should ask your child’s school to arrange for your child to be formally assessed. Simple tests can pinpoint your child’s problems and provide information that will help teachers deliver a more appropriate programme of learning for your child. Dyslexia testing should only be carried out by an educational psychologist or a suitably qualified specialist teacher. These professionals are best equipped to carry out detailed assessments. See our section on Assessments and Tests.