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LANDMARK CASE COULD HELP MANY MORE DYSLEXIC CHILDREN
A landmark ruling could pave the way for more dyslexic children to get a specialist education - with no extra cost to the taxpayer.
The revolutionary teaching techniques used at Maple Hayes School in Staffordshire have helped thousands of children to improve, compared to their time in mainstream education.
But most faced a tough legal battle to get there, as their Local Education Authorities argued the school was too expensive.
Now a judge has ruled it actually costs less than mainstream education for one young girl, which should help more parents to send their children there.
Georgia Browne, aged 11, won a High Court battle against Coventry City Council in September to attend Maple Hayes, where she has since made massive strides forward.
The school draws on the expertise and pioneering teaching methods of it’s founder, Educational Psychologist Dr Neville Brown.
Two years ago Georgia, who is severely dyslexic, was diagnosed as needing special help and support in the classroom.
In July a special educational needs tribunal approved her parents’ choice of Maple Hayes.
But the council refused to pay the £11,500-a-year fees and claimed they could provide adequate teaching at Potters Green Primary School – where the additional teaching support was estimated at £13,000-a-year by the tribunal.
Mr Justice Underhill, a High Court Judge, said in his ruling: “There was no unreasonable public expenditure because the expenditure involved in the Potters Green option would be no less than that involved by sending Georgia to Maple Hayes.”
Georgia’s parents Andy, aged 42, and Melanie, 35, said winning the battle meant the world to them, because it had changed Georgia’s life.
“She could not cope at school and was really far behind the other pupils,” Mr Browne said.
“The difference has been overwhelming and now Georgia cannot wait to go to school, her self-confidence has soared.”
Dr Neville Brown, Principal at Maple Hayes, said: “We were delighted to welcome Georgia to the school and have already seen huge improvements in her work.
“For so many children cost is the sticking point for Local Education Authorities, but this ruling proved we are actually cheaper than Georgia’s mainstream school.”
He added: “Our priority is to provide the best education possible for dyslexic children.
“With this ruling behind us, we hope make a huge difference to many more families who want their children to be at a school that targets the difficulties faced by dyslexic children.”
Georgia’s relatives have now set up a charity to help other children with special needs who struggle with mainstream education. They are hosting a Blitz Ball fundraiser on November 16 at the Walsgrave Working Men’s Club, Woodway Lane, Woodway Park.
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com