Dyslexia Awareness Award

What is a Dyslexia Friendly Award?

Many Cardiff schools take part in programmes that recognise how well they support pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. In Cardiff, this often takes the form of a Dyslexia Awareness or Dyslexia Friendly School Award, which celebrates how a school:

✅ Understands and supports children with dyslexia and literacy challenges
✅ Uses effective teaching strategies that help all learners thrive
✅ Works with parents and carers as partners in their child’s education
✅ Builds confidence and engagement in pupils who learn differently

This award is a practical acknowledgement that the school’s approach to dyslexia-friendly learning is making a positive difference for pupils and families.

How Does a School Become ‘Dyslexia Friendly’?

Schools that earn this award typically show that they:

Raise awareness and understanding

Staff have training on dyslexia, everyday classroom strategies, and how to adjust learning to support pupils with literacy difficulties.

Use inclusive teaching practice

Classrooms include approaches that help those with dyslexia — such as breaking tasks into steps, using multisensory learning, and offering alternative ways to demonstrate understanding.

Partner with families

Schools share information with parents and invite feedback on what works best for their child’s learning.

Monitor and improve

Schools review how well strategies are working, and plan next steps to build on what helps pupils succeed.

This reflects guidance from the local Cardiff Inclusion Service, which promotes dyslexia-friendly practice across schools and encourages them to work towards recognised award standards.

What this means for your child:

If your child’s school has a Dyslexia Friendly or Dyslexia Awareness Award, it means:

Teachers are aware of and trained in approaches that support dyslexic learners.
There will be clear communication and opportunities to work with the school on strategies that suit your child’s needs.
The school’s culture values inclusive learning and respects different ways of thinking and learning.

How can you be involved?

As a parent/carer you can:

Ask your school for information on their dyslexia-friendly programme and award level.
Find out what specific strategies and accommodations your child is receiving.
Request meetings to review your child’s progress and support plan.
Share your experiences and suggestions on what works best for your child.