The It's ME! Learning Fund provides funds to pay for specialist tuition, at Dyslexia Action Centres, for those with learning and literacy disabilities, who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
Evaluation of the Learning Fund 2010-2012 continues to demonstrate effective outcomes for individuals with dyslexia and SpLDs. Pupils are tested in 4 areas: reading, spelling, writing and passage comprehension using standard scores and against average age equivalent. Over the past 12 months:
91% of our Learning Fund pupils improved in one or more of the three areas and 50% achieved or maintained a score typical for their age, in some cases improving to above average.
We continue to develop our methods of delivery to overcome barriers to learning. This includes developing group learning packages and distance learning through our at home literacy support resource Literacy That Fits. This has enabled us to reduce the cost of one term's tuition from £817 to £365 and to reach many more people in need.
In 2009/10 96% of our learners demonstrated an improved score in at least 1 of the 4 areas they were taught in.
- 61% of pupils improved their score in reading.
- 85% improved in phonics (sounding out words).
- 71% improved in spelling.
- 71% improved in passage comprehension.