Specialist Staffordshire school praised in House of Lords

Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, based at Abnalls Lane, Lichfield, was praised by historian and author Lord Lexden, Alistair Basil Cooke, OBE, for achieving ‘magnificent results’ while ‘battling with local authorities’ regarding education, health and care plans.

The debate, led by Lord Addington, who himself has dyslexia, centred on support that can be given to students with the learning disorder.

Maple Hayes, which caters for pupils aged seven to 17 with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties, first opened its doors in 1981 and utilises a unique approach to teaching literacy called the morphological approach, using icons to make a visual link between meaning and spelling instead of pupils being taught using phonics.

The school is currently rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Praising the school, Lord Lexden said: “One school in particular always leaps to my mind when dyslexia is under discussion: Maple Hayes Hall School, near Lichfield.

“It is known to the noble Lord, Lord Storey. It achieves magnificent results year after year for the 100 or so pupils with severe dyslexia that it can accommodate.

“These world-leading experts are now working on a phoneme dictionary, which will be the first of its kind in the world.

“What is truly tragic is the time they have to spend battling with local authorities which seek to obstruct families with EHC plans exercising their right to choose a place at the school.

“The government review must address not only the inadequate funding of the system as a whole but the bias of some local authorities which want to keep money away from schools such as Maple Hayes, despite the outstanding results achieved.”

Maple Hayes was founded by Dr Neville Brown, the school principal, who today works closely alongside his son, and headteacher, Dr Daryl Brown.

Dr Daryl Brown said: “To have our school’s work highlighted during a debate on dyslexia at the House of Lords is a real honour.

“We are thankful for Lord Lexden not only praising our work and results but highlighting the battles that schools in our position have to face in order to get the best for our pupils.”