For parents, being told a child has dyslexia can be a real shock. But finding out more about the condition is now a lot easier in York, as education reporter Haydn Lewis discovered.

DEALING with dyslexia can appear daunting, but that need no longer be the case - thanks to a new lending library in York.

June Coates heads the city's dyslexia centre for primary age children, at St Oswald's Primary School, which shares a building with Fulford Library, in Heslington Lane.

She and library staff, helped by the University of York and City of York Council, have been busy stocking a small - so far only two shelves - but essential dyslexia section in the library, for the use of anyone, from across the city.

Mrs Coates believes it is special because it is the first of its kind in the city outside the universities.

The library does not so far contain a lot of books for dyslexic children, although this is something that Mrs Coates is working on for the future.

Mrs Coates said although there is an increasing amount of information available on the internet, it is always important to have a hard copy library of resources.

She said: "This is a resource for the whole authority area in York. It's open to the general public, with a collection of books on dyslexia from a range of different perspectives, some from parents and others about dyslexic children.

"Some books are also for students of dyslexia, or people who have a general interest in the subject.

"This is the first of its kind outside the university libraries, and I'd really like to see it well used by the general public. What we'd also like is anyone with recommendations to come to the library service and myself and let us know about them."

In November, The Press reported how dyslexic businessman Darren Guinness wowed about 11 youngsters suffering from the same condition at a question-and-answer session at the dyslexia centre at St Oswald's Primary School, talking to them about living and working with dyslexia.

He then treated them to lunch at Hazlewood Castle, where the chef, Valerie Hamelin, cooked up a special child-friendly menu.

The youngsters also drew up their own business plans for Mr Guinness to cast an eye over, including a toothpaste manufacturing company, and one which makes helmets for bikers.

Mr Guinness was the latest in a line of dyslexic adults who have given talks at the centre, including artist Elaine Brown, chef John Benson Smith, and cabinet-maker and former pupil, Daniel Dickson.

The dyslexia centre is an integral part of the new St Oswald's School, and has been based on the site since March 1981.

It provides specialist provision for about ten children with significant levels of dyslexia. Children spend part of their lesson time in the unit, and part in mainstream classes.

Most schools in the city have a dyslexia specialist on their staff, with Oaklands Secondary, in Acomb, having a dyslexia centre for secondary age pupils.



THE dyslexia library is for teachers too.

Professor Maggie Snowling, from the University of York's psychology department, was at the opening of the dyslexia library in Fulford yesterday.

The university has contributed some of the reading material, and says teachers too will be able to use the new resource.

Prof Snowling said: "I think that, unfortunately really, dyslexia is missing from essential teacher training, so many teachers are entering the profession without ever gaining a knowledge of literacy problems. They often find out about it if they come across it once they enter the profession, and often they don't know what to do about it."

On February 20, there is due to be a schools conference at the Novotel, in York, to raise dyslexia awareness and look at ideas such as having a special kite mark for schools.

Prof Snowling said: "The provision here at the dyslexia unit is for children with more severe dyslexia, but there is a whole spectrum from the mild through to the severe.

"I think also this library is a great resource for parents, as they are the ones who have to help the children on a daily basis, not just with literacy, but helping them with things like organising themselves and other issues surrounding dyslexia."

At the university, Prof Snowling's department has just run a six-week course for parents with dyslexic children, running for two hours once a week, and aimed at helping them to support their children.

She said: "It was very successful, and we have had parents asking us if we would run a one-day conference for dyslexic kids across the city, with things like tips for GCSE revision.

"Hopefully, we will have a keynote speaker."

The course will be held around Easter, and aimed particularly at GCSE age youngsters with dyslexia. A date has yet to be finalised.

In May last year, The Press reported how a new £4 million building at St Oswald's Primary School, in Fulford, as part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), included the dyslexia centre, the public library, and space for the 300 pupils at the school.