Dyspraxia Foundation releases new Dyspraxia Friendly Classroom Guidelines
New classroom guidelines to help children and teachers meet the challenges of dyspraxia have been published by the Dyspraxia Foundation.
The Foundation has just celebrated 20 years work to promote awareness and understanding of dyspraxia, a developmental co-ordination disorder, which is believed to affect at least one child in every classroom in the UK.
Individuals and families affected by the condition are supported by the Foundation through a national network of nearly 2000 members.
The guidelines were drawn up following extensive consultation with leading education professionals including teachers, classroom assistants, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists
Chair Sally Payne said, “We know these new guidelines can make everyday life for teachers and pupils easier to ensure the children can participate and engage in classroom activity as fully as possible. We developed these after many parents highlighted the urgent need for clear advice.
What we have found is that children with dyspraxia can often access the curriculum more successfully by taking on some of the approaches we have suggested. These have been based upon the experience of teachers, classroom assistants, parents and pupils who have been involved in the development of the guidelines.”
The new Fact sheet detailing the guidelines can be downloaded from the dyspraxia Foundation’s website: www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/services/ed_classroom_guidelines.php
Subjects such as difficulty with handwriting, social skills, personal organisation, communication, understanding and changing situations are covered by the advice.
The new guidelines are available from the Foundation for key stakeholders including education authorities, professional associations and teaching unions. A letter is being sent to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls urging him to promote the advice throughout all schools.
Other specialist advice is available on the website including pages on Primary/Junior and Secondary Schools and PE lessons.
ENDS
For further information please contact Eleanor Howes on 01462 455016 or Trustee Theresa Hart 07785 385900.