Review to look at dyslexic teaching

The government will today announce a major review of the way an estimated 300,000 dyslexic children are taught in state schools.

Schools secretary Ed Balls is set to confirm that the inquiry will be headed by former Ofsted inspector Sir Jim Rose.

Sir Jim, who has led previous reviews of speech and language teaching, will again look at the primary school curriculum and how it caters for those with difficulties.

Balls told Tuesday's Independent newspaper that the review will provide "firm evidence of the way forward, convince the sceptics that dyslexia exists and tell us how best to get these children the help they deserve".

"If a child falls behind, their life chances can be blighted. What I'm announcing today will ensure we put the needs of dyslexic children first and ensure every child has the best start in life," he added.

"All of us want our children to succeed and get as far as their talents can take them but we know, too, that some children need extra help.

"It is every parent's nightmare that their child might fall behind and perhaps never make up lost ground."