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Support for Dyslexic Pupils
11 November 2025
Lead MP
Adam Dance
Yeovil
LD
Responding Minister
Georgia Gould
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Word Count: 12562
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Adam Dance raised concerns about support for dyslexic pupils in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should implement a universal screening programme and provide necessary funding to schools to ensure early identification and support for dyslexic students.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Dyslexia affects around one in ten people and presents significant challenges to dyslexic pupils, with only four in five pupils receiving a formal diagnosis. The cost of diagnosis is £600, unaffordable for many families, creating substantial inequality. Schools are underfunded and teachers lack proper training and resources to support dyslexic pupils.
Adam Dance
Lab
Worthing West
Emphasised the importance of making sure dyslexia is not a political issue and should be cross-party. Highlighted his experience with young pupils who have ADHD and dyslexia, reassuring them about their future prospects.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Emphasised the importance of early diagnosis for dyslexic pupils, highlighting that 80% of dyslexic children leave school without a formal diagnosis. Suggested a universal screening programme could help to ensure all children's needs are recognised and nurtured.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
Ms Sabine highlighted the need for early identification of dyslexia and practical support for teachers, including initial teacher training focused on what works in real classrooms. She also called for a national inclusion framework to ensure every school has clear guidelines for inclusive practice.
Baggy Shanker
Lab/Co-op
Derby South
Raises concerns about delays in issuing education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs, stressing the importance of timely support.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Highlights the need for early diagnosis and support for dyslexic children, urging for better reasonable adjustments in exams to give dyslexic pupils a fair chance.
Dawn Butler
in the Chair
Called the Minister to speak.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Dyslexia affects around 10% of the UK population, with up to 80% of children leaving school without a diagnosis or support. As a university lecturer, Dr Arthur shared his personal experience and emphasised the need for early identification and proper support.
Georgia Gould
Minister for School Standards
Thanked hon. Members for securing the debate and highlighted ongoing support measures including investment in high-needs block funding, changes to teacher training, and early identification of reading issues through new assessments.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab/Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Noted the statistic that 80% of dyslexic individuals leave school without diagnosis, expressing concern about missed opportunities for intervention and support.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised that personal stories inspire others with dyslexia to pursue their ambitions. He thanked the lead MPs for setting the scene and inspiring those who might face similar challenges.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Emphasises the importance of a tailored approach to education that recognises dyslexia's unique challenges and celebrates the strengths of dyslexic individuals.
Juliet Campbell
Lab
Broxtowe
Discusses challenges faced by dyslexic individuals, emphasizing the importance of early identification and teacher training. Highlights disparities in diagnosis rates based on income levels.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Shared his personal experience of dyslexia and its impact on education. Argued for better societal recognition to help people with dyslexia pursue successful careers.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
The MP outlines the complexity and urgency of SEND reform, noting a 140% increase in demand for EHCPs since 2015. He calls for time to thoroughly study government proposals.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
The MP supports inclusive teaching practices that benefit all children, including those with additional needs. He highlights the use of AI to create age-appropriate resources for dyslexic learners.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Emphasised inequality in diagnosis and support based on socio-economic status, noting stark disparities between wealthy and low-income families. Raised concerns about racial biases in dyslexia recognition and called for more research into effective tools.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Discussed the situation in Scotland, where one in ten children are dyslexic but many remain undiagnosed until late adolescence. Highlighted the need for mandatory screening and training for teachers.
Bath
Highlights that three children with dyslexia are often in every classroom being let down by the education system. One in five pupils with dyslexia achieve a grade 5 or above, compared to more than half their peers.
Government Response
Georgia Gould
The Minister for School Standards
Government Response
Acknowledged the debate's importance and outlined current initiatives such as additional funding, teacher training updates, and a focus on early intervention for dyslexia. Emphasised the government’s commitment to cross-party collaboration in shaping future reforms. Discussed the Government’s Reading Ambition programme which includes support for children with additional learning needs. Mentioned the focus on oracy within the curriculum assessment review and highlighted the importance of early intervention in identifying pupils' needs.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.