The Specialist Teaching Team provide teaching support for pupils who are identified as having dyslexia. Most of these pupils will have statements of special educational needs but some pupils are directly referred by schools who use a portion of  their SIS funding to buy in the teaching. A number of pupils are referred directly by the Local Authority’s SEN panel for a time limited block of teaching. All pupils receive one to one support for a specified time per week from a teacher who has a specialist qualification in the teaching of pupils with dyslexia. The pupils follow a structured, sequential programme which is delivered using a multi sensory approach. Where appropriate pupils are also given extra support from specialist teaching assistants attached to the team. The teaching assistants, directed by the specialist teacher, provide reinforcement of various aspects of the programme.

The team are based at:
 73-89 Blake Close 
Worsely Mesnes
Wigan WN3 5TH
Tel. 01942 487306

The Head of Service is Elaine Pugh, the Team Coordinator is Linda Bavidge

Dyslexia Friendly Training for Teachers Spring Term 2010

As a British Dyslexia Association Accredited Dyslexia Friendly Authority, Wigan is committed to promoting inclusion through dyslexia friendly practice i.e. learner friendly practice.

In order to facilitate this there will be another opportunity to sign up for this popular 6 session course spread over the Spring Term 2010. More than 70 schools from the primary, secondary and special sectors have already accessed the course since 2005.  We are now at a stage where some schools are beginning a rolling programme of training for staff, so that more than one teacher within the school will have had access to the course.

The presenter will again be Sandra Farmer, Educational Consultant. A member of staff’s attendance on the course will mean that the school will be eligible to register to work towards the Wigan Dyslexia Friendly Schools Quality Mark. A number of schools in the Borough have attained or are working towards this award.

Dates for the course have yet to be arranged but will be publicised on the Schools’ Document Management System nearer the time.

Meanwhile any queries should be addressed to:

Linda Bavidge
Team Co-ordinator
Specialist Teaching Team
Learning Support Base
73-89 Blake Close
Worsley Mesnes
Wigan WN3 5TH
01942 487306
l.bavidge@wigan.gov.uk