I’ve worked for many years in the field of specific learning difficulties as a teacher, teacher trainer and as an educational psychologist. I know the devastating effects dyslexia and dyspraxia can have on a child’s education.

Children who fail to learn to read and write as easily as their peers can feel they’re stupid, lose confidence and self-esteem and give up. We know they can be taught using multi-sensory methods. However, this is often not the answer. Children feel stigmatised, when withdrawn from class for extra help, or discouraged by doing easier work than others if they stay in class.

I believe the solution is to give them a ‘level playing field’; a school where everyone has similar difficulties. Through succeeding, some for the first time in their educational career, children develop their self-esteem and confidence. After two to three years, most return to mainstream schools with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Speaking also as the parent of a former Fairley House pupil, I know the school can have a magical effect on a child’s future.
Jackie Murray
Principal