Politicians listen to concerns over dyslexia support

Newbury MP Richard Benyon, West Berkshire Council executive portfolio holder for education, Irene Neill and the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate Judith Bunting all attended the meeting arranged by Jacqui Flisher.
Mrs Flisher, who runs ‘A New Way Education’ and who hosts a monthly free advice session at Hungerford Library for anyone with concerns about a child or loved one with dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia, said: “On one of my sessions at the library, I had 8 sets of parents who came in to talk to me. The fact that I am only there for 3 hours, meant that I was totally overwhelmed and had to sadly turn some of those parents away. What did become obvious was the fact that they all had the same concerns; that their dyslexic children were not receiving the help that they deserved and as parents, that their concerns were not being listened to.”
As someone who provides practical help and support to dyslexic individuals of all ages, Mrs Flisher decided to contact Judith Bunting, Richard Benyon and Irene Neill in the hope of arranging a meeting which took place on Satuday at The Croft Hall, Hungerford.
Mrs Flisher said: “It was a very productive meeting, which was full of hope, as well as tinged with tears. Especially poignant was the revelation from one lone parent who has three dyslexic children, who described her struggles over many years in trying to get help and whose children have had to forego holidays, so she could get them assessed privately for dyslexia. You could hear a pin drop at that point and everyone in the room had a lump in their throat.”
The meeting was attended by Mrs Flisher, 7 sets of parents and a teacher, who is herself dyslexic and who was able to explain the constraints that she has when trying to help her dyslexic pupils, due to worries about funding and lack of resources.
Mrs Flisher said: “I would like to thank all those who attended. The parents went away feeling that they had been listened to and their concerns taken seriously. Irene Neill has promised to take action regarding the issues raised and that the parents involved can contact her personally. Richard Benyon has promised to become an advocate for dyslexic children and their parents in West Berkshire. He has suggested that I keep in regular contact with him and that if necessary; he will be more than happy to ask questions in parliament. Judith Bunting was instrumental in helping me set up the meeting and I am extremely grateful for all her help.”