The Springfields Academy Becomes First Specialist Setting to Earn Dyslexia Friendly Award

The Springfields Academy, is celebrating after becoming the  first specialist setting to achieve the Dyslexia Friendly Award with the British Dyslexia Association,  recognising their excellent practice in supporting learners with dyslexia.

The award provides a framework for educators to enhance their understanding of dyslexia and ensure that appropriate resources, strategies, and learning experiences are in place, benefiting all children. The British Dyslexia Association recognises settings that can show they provide high-quality education tailored to the needs of dyslexic individuals, while also signalling to students, parents, staff, and stakeholders that the environment is inclusive and supportive. 

The school has worked in partnership with the Wiltshire Specialist SEND Service to implement the programme which has led to the award. Springfields Academy staff have worked hard to provide families in their school community with helpful information, strategies, and resources to support them in understanding dyslexia. 

The school provides guidance on approaches that can make a difference both at home and in school, as well as resources to help raise awareness and celebrate learning differences. They’ve also created a collection of informative videos that parents can watch or listen to at their convenience. 

Ten percent of the population are believed to be dyslexic, but it is still often poorly understood. Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone's experience of dyslexia.

Dyslexia primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.

Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust said:

“We are incredibly proud that The Springfields Academy has become the first specialist setting to achieve the British Dyslexia Association’s Dyslexia Friendly Award. This recognition highlights the dedication of our staff to providing tailored support, celebrating learning differences, and creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.”

Nicola Whitcombe, Headteacher at The Springfields Academy said:

“Achieving the Dyslexia Friendly Award is a wonderful milestone for our school community. It reflects the hard work our staff have put in to support students and their families, and it reinforces our commitment to raising awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the unique strengths that dyslexic students bring to our classrooms.”