British Dyslexia Association join national effort to narrow the learning gap for over 4,500 disadvantaged pupils across England

British Dyslexia Association has been appointed as one of the partners of the National Tutoring Programme – part of the Government’s £350 million investment in schools to help disadvantaged children make up for time lost in school due to Covid-19.

The British Dyslexia Association is one of five charities and specialist organisations forming the Professional Tutoring Partnership. This partnership has been one of 32 to be selected to deliver specialist tutoring as part of the National Tutoring Programme. This Partnership has one clear goal – helping disadvantaged children reduce the learning gap.

The education gap is widening, disadvantaged children are falling behind and the situation has been exacerbated by school closures. It has been particularly devastating for children with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Distance and online learning is difficult for children with dyslexia due to the way they process and retain information.

Research from the British Dyslexia Association shows that 95% of parents feel that they lack the skills and knowledge to support their dyslexic child which has proved to be a major challenge throughout lockdown.

Dedicated tuition provided by experts through the Partnership can help to bridge this gap and make up for lost time. This partnership aims to allocate specialist tutors to schools to complement the efforts of teachers in the classroom.

Our specialist tutors will be dedicated to working with disadvantaged children who have issues with numeracy and literacy. They will offer specialist and tailored support in either one to one or small group settings; developing strategies that will help pupils build independence in learning.

Nick Posford, CEO of British Dyslexia Association said:

“We are proud to be joining this national effort to help disadvantaged children when they need us the most. By working alongside teachers in the classroom and helping children now, we can make a lifetime of difference. The work of the Professional Tutoring Partnership will make sure that support goes directly to those who need it the most. Specialist teaching helps all children, in particular those with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.”

Gillian Ashley, CDO of British Dyslexia Association noted:

“During the school closures, we essentially asked parents to take over the specialist teaching of their own children which was simply unrealistic. By joining the Professional Tutoring Partnership, we can help children make up for lost learning by offering specialist, tailored tutoring in small group settings.”

Dr Mark Turner of Professional Tutoring Partnership added:

“We’re so excited to join the national effort to widen access to high-quality tutoring for disadvantaged pupils who need it most. Our organisation underwent a rigorous criteria assessment and we’re now ready to deliver high-quality tutoring to complement the incredible work going on in classrooms up and down the country. We can’t wait to start making a difference to those who need it most.”