Alison Bradshaw Dyslexia

Dyslexia is not a lack of ability — it’s a difference in how the brain processes information 💚
As a primary school teacher and dyslexia assessor, the winter term is always busy, however as the year comes to a close I am feeling truly grateful for the families and children I've had the privilege to assess and support. Thank you for your trust and partnership along the way.
Here’s to recognising strengths, understanding challenges, and stepping into the new year with fresh energy. ✨

What a special role I have in supporting children to flourish...

Certainly a unique way to learn but inspirational nonetheless...

"School was not easy for me."

Carol Greider achieved success in molecular biology in the same way she overcame dyslexia as a child: with persistence and creativity.

Since she found it hard to read the traditional way, she found another: she taught herself to memorise words and letter order, circumventing her inability to sound out words. Carol Greider is one of many Nobel Prize laureates that have dyslexia.

Well done for putting it into perspective Jamie...

A message from Jamie this GCSE results day...

It’s that time of year again – GCSE results day! Wow, it rolls around quick, doesn’t it?! To all of you opening that letter today, huge congratulations! Whatever your results, you’ve done brilliantly. Even if they’re not what you expected, you’re going to be just fine. Remember, school is just one part of your journey...!! I came out of school with just two GCSEs, and look at me now! 30 cookbooks, done – and more to come! Yes school has changed a lot since I was there but there's still so much to be done!! I really believe we should be celebrating ALL children and their brilliant minds, and they ALL deserve a school system that helps them grow in confidence and thrive. That's where my on-going Dyslexia Revolution comes in and needs your support. Sign up to keep up to date with the campaign!! Big love joxx

https://jamieol.com/MyDyslexiaRevolution

A simple idea but very effective.

It’s hard to beat a good old fashioned game of noughts and crosses to help kids learn those tricky spellings. We pick two words that are often confused, discuss the tricky parts and use our memory strategies to rehearse them. Once mastered we add them to our known words list which is getting longer week by week.

✏📝

Jamie’s documentary this week is a national wake-up call. 1 in 5 children have dyslexia. Yet research finds as many as 80% leave school without knowing they’re dyslexic.

Read Kate Griggs's view on what needs to happen and what we can all do about it in today's Daily Express article...

Write to your local MP. Let's all get behind Jamie Oliver and fight for our children:

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing to you to highlight the urgent need for change in how we identify and support dyslexic children in our education system.

Dyslexia is the most common specific learning difficulty, affecting 1 in 10 people, that is over one million children in UK classrooms today. Yet, too many go unidentified and unsupported, struggling through an education system that does not meet their needs.

The consequences of inaction are severe. In 2024, figures from the Department for Education showed that 26% of 11-year-olds in England left primary school without meeting the expected reading standard. Dyslexic students are twice as likely to fail to achieve a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths at GCSE, limiting their future opportunities.

And the impact extends beyond education—dyslexic children report higher levels of poor mental health, and many struggle with self-esteem and anxiety.

The British Dyslexia Association is campaigning with Jamie Oliver for urgent reforms, focusing on early identification, inclusive schools, and dyslexia-friendly classrooms. These are essential changes to ensure that every dyslexic child has the support they need to thrive.

As my MP, I urge you to support this vital issue by pushing for improved dyslexia screening, better teacher training, and increased funding for specialist support in schools. Will you commit to taking action and raising this in Parliament?

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[ADD YOUR NAME HERE]

[ADD YOUR ADDRESS AND EMAIL HERESent via BT Email App

Did you know out of 100 kids, at least 10 are dyslexic, but only 2 are diagnosed at school...early identification changes lives. Without it, kids struggle with confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety. Don't miss Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution tomorrow night on Channel 4 at 9pm... #ComeOnBridget