Dyscalculia Provision: Motion to 2021 AGM

Motion 1. Dyscalculia Provision: Things just are not adding up

Proposed by Kathryn Downs, seconded by Nikki Hughes

ND Labour is concerned that research shows that Dyscalculia is 100 times less likely to be diagnosed than Dyslexia and is currently 20 years behind Dyslexia in terms of research, funding, training and provision. Given that provision for Dyslexia is also very poor in the UK, this presents a very concerning position for children and adults experiencing difficulties in Mathematics and their opportunities in later life. The current prevalence for dyscalculia in the UK is estimated to be around 5% according to British Dyslexia Association, with the prevalence of general Maths difficulties in the UK within adults around 25%, yet many are not being identified properly and even if they were, the access to testing, training and support is almost non-existent in many areas for children and virtually impossible for adults.

ND Labour is also concerned that there is also growing evidence that there is a gender imbalance to obtaining diagnosis. Research shows that girls are less likely to be identified as having a specific difficultly in Mathematics, as they may appear to keep up with their peers in primary education better than boys but end up failing to reach their full potential once they reach secondary school.

ND Labour calls on the Executive to:

• Campaign for further research into the impact of unidentified Maths difficulties and dyscalculia on children’s outcomes and the impact on their future outcomes.
• Campaign for improved access to training and funding for all teachers and education providers.
• Campaign for specific neurodiversity training to be compulsory for all ITT and NQT Teachers and all staff within FE and HE organisations.
• Form a partnership with organisations who raise awareness of Dyscalculia such as the British Dyslexia Association or Dyslexia Action in order to raise the profile of Dyscalculia
• Campaign to improve access to diagnosis and support for adults and children experiencing difficulties with Mathematics and lobby MPs to support this campaign.
• Campaign for an exam system that supports all students with SEND difficulties rather than the current system which penalises students with SEND in many ways.

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