To ask the Minister of Education whether children diagnosed with dyslexia privately are offered the same support as those who have been diagnosed by an educational psychologist, or other statutory provision.

The Education Authority (EA) provides support for children and young people with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, through a needs led model of service delivery rather than on the basis of the source of diagnosis.

Under the Local Impact Team (LIT) model, access to support is informed by the child’s presentation and level of educational need within the school context; not by whether a diagnosis has been obtained privately or through the Educational Psychology Service. A private diagnosis of dyslexia may be considered by schools and EA professionals as part of the wider evidence base to help inform understanding of a child or young person’s needs.

Schools are supported to identify and respond to literacy needs through the Graduated Response Framework, with EA professionals working alongside schools to build capacity, provide advice and guidance, and deliver targeted interventions where appropriate.

Within the LIT model, support for literacy related needs may include:

advice and guidance to schools to inform classroom practice and planning.

targeted, time limited interventions delivered or supported by EA LIT staff; and

signposting to appropriate resources or training.

Support is provided on a consistent, equitable, and needs led basis, in accordance with the LIT model and the Graduated Response Framework.