What the Education White Paper Means for Dyslexic Learners

You may have heard about the release of the new education white paper. It’s a huge document that sets out the government’s proposed, ‘ideal’ model for how schools should work in the future. But what does any of that actually mean for your child if they have dyslexia?

So let’s talk about it. Buried inside the white paper are several ideas that could shape how children with dyslexia are supported in the future. Some of the proposals include:

• Earlier identification based on need rather than diagnosis. Support can be put in place as soon as needs arise, without the need for a prior diagnosis or referral. This allows help to start earlier, focusing on the child’s current needs. A diagnosis remains valuable for identifying specific strengths and challenges, which helps tailor support more precisely.

• Greater funding for support services. The white paper highlights strengthening the system around schools: educational psychologists, specialist teachers, and SEND services. If this funding reaches the front line, it could reduce waiting times and improve access to expertise.

• More investment in teacher training and expertise. There’s a strong emphasis on improving teachers’ knowledge of literacy difficulties, early identification, and evidence‑based intervention. For dyslexic learners, this could mean more staff who understand what they’re seeing and how to respond.

• A push for stronger inclusion in mainstream schools. The proposals encourage schools to build environments where children with SEND - including dyslexia - can thrive without being side lined or overlooked.

• A more consistent national approach to SEND. There’s a clear intention to reduce the “postcode lottery” so support looks more similar from one area to another. For dyslexic children, that could mean clearer expectations for what schools must provide and fewer families having to fight for basic adjustments.

• Stronger accountability for schools. The white paper hints at holding schools more accountable for how well they support SEND learners, including closer scrutiny from Ofsted and clearer reporting on how funding is used.

  
  

So what does this mean for your child right now? In truth, a white paper is a proposal, not a guarantee. Nothing changes overnight. But it does show the direction the government wants schools to move in - earlier help, more expertise, better consistency and stronger inclusion. For families of dyslexic children, that’s a hopeful direction.