Liverpool’s Youth Offending Service has achieved unique recognition for the work it does on dyslexia.
It is the only Youth Offending Service in the UK to have been accredited with the British Dyslexia Quality Mark and is seen as a Beacon Service for its dyslexia friendly provision.
The service first achieved the status four years ago and had to demonstrate further improvements in its provision in order to retain the accreditation.
All staff in the service receive training and mentors have been appointed to ensure that standards are maintained and, where possible, improved.
The prestigious quality mark award is issued only to those organisations who meet rigorous criteria set by the British Dyslexia Association.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said: “This is an area where Liverpool is leading the way and setting an example to the rest of the country. It is important that in a service such as this we are able to advise and support those young people with dyslexia and clearly we are doing this to a very high level. I congratulate the staff in achieving this status.”
“This is a recognition of the hard work of the staff in this service in providing a dyslexia friendly provision,” said Councillor Peter Brennan, Mayoral Lead on Community Safety.
“A number of studies have shown that there is a high level of dyslexia and literacy difficulties among offenders so it is vitally important that our Youth Offending Service takes account of that and is dyslexia friendly through all its provision.
“Gaining the quality mark shows that this provision is a priority for us and it has been developed to a very high standard. In fact the British Dyslexia Association have described it as an inspiration to other Youth Offending services.
“We now want to ensure that we continue with this high level of service and share our experiences with other Youth Offending teams.”
Pictured: Education social worker Odette Jones receives the award from Lord Addington, British Dyslexia Association vice-president.
