PeteTyerman: /* ✅ Key Message */

2025-11-06T16:47:26Z

✅ Key Message

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	''When phonics becomes a barrier, schools must change the method — not the child.''</blockquote>		''When phonics becomes a barrier, schools must change the method — not the child.''</blockquote>
			----''Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. ''For individual guidance, contact [[SENDIASS]], [https://www.ipsea.org.uk IPSEA], or [https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)]. See the full [[Legal and Support Disclaimer]] for details.

PeteTyerman: I did phonics legal page

2025-11-06T16:16:01Z

I did phonics legal page

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= '''Legal Rights and Letters''' =
Parents do '''not''' need to be legal experts to protect their child’s right to read.

The Equality Act 2010 makes it clear:

if a teaching method (such as synthetic phonics) creates a barrier for a disabled learner, the school '''must''' change that method.

This page explains your key legal rights and provides quick, ready-to-use letter templates.
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== ⚖️ Your Legal Rights at a Glance ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Legal Duty
!What It Means for You
|-
|'''Section 6'''
|A child with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodevelopmental difference counts as disabled if their learning is substantially affected.
|-
|'''Section 20'''
|Schools must make ''reasonable adjustments'' to remove barriers to learning — including teaching methods.
|-
|'''Section 21'''
|Failing to make those adjustments is discrimination.
|-
|'''Section 26'''
|Schools must prevent emotional harm and harassment related to disability.
|-
|'''Section 85'''
|Applies to all schools, academies, and local authorities in the UK.
|}
Other laws that reinforce these duties include:

* '''SEND Code of Practice (2015)''' – paragraphs 6.28–6.35 require early identification of barriers and adjustment of teaching.
* '''Children and Families Act (2014)''' – parents can request an ''EHC Needs Assessment'' if the school says it lacks resources.
* '''UNCRPD Article 24''' – all children have a right to inclusive education.

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== 📝 Short Legal Letters for Parents ==
You can adapt these examples for your situation.

Send by email so you have a dated record.
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=== ✉️ 1. Request for Reading Adjustment ===
'''Subject:''' Request for Reasonable Adjustments to Reading Instruction

Dear [Teacher/SENCO],

I am writing to request reasonable adjustments for my child [Child’s Name] under the Equality Act 2010.

Synthetic phonics is causing a barrier to learning and distress, so an alternative method is required.

I request that my child is taught using a '''meaning-based or immersive reading approach''' instead of a phonics-only method.

Please confirm:

# That this request has been recorded on my child’s file
# That a reading adjustment plan will now be created
# That a review meeting will be arranged within 6–8 weeks

Kind regards,

[Your Name]
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=== ✉️ 2. Follow-Up When School Delays or Ignores Request ===
'''Subject:''' Follow-Up – Reasonable Adjustments Request

Dear [Teacher/SENCO],

Further to my email dated [date], I have not yet received a response to my request for reasonable adjustments to reading instruction.

As phonics is causing a barrier to learning and emotional distress, I must remind you that the duty to make reasonable adjustments applies '''as soon as a disadvantage is identified'''.

Please treat this as a priority and confirm in writing that adjustments will now begin.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]
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=== ✉️ 3. Challenge to School Refusal ===
'''Subject:''' Unlawful Refusal of Adjustment Request

Dear [Headteacher/SENCO],

Thank you for your reply. However, refusal of reasonable adjustments on the basis of school policy or preference is '''unlawful''' under the Equality Act 2010.

School policy cannot override legal duty.

Please withdraw your refusal and confirm that adjustments to reading instruction will now be implemented.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]
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=== ✉️ 4. Adjusting or Withdrawing from the Phonics Screening Check (PSC) ===
'''Subject:''' Equality Adjustment Request – Phonics Screening Check

Dear [Headteacher/SENCO],

Synthetic phonics causes distress and does not reflect my child’s real reading ability, placing them at a disadvantage.

Under the Equality Act 2010, I am requesting one of the following lawful adjustments:

☐ Remove nonsense words

☐ Replace with a real reading task

☐ Provide a familiar adult and low-stress setting

☐ Withdraw my child from the PSC

Please confirm which adjustment will be made.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]
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=== ✉️ 5. Homework Adjustment (Phonics Distress) ===
'''Subject:''' Homework Adjustment – Equality Act 2010

Dear [Class Teacher/SENCO],

Phonics-based homework is causing distress and overload.

Under Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, I request that this be replaced with meaningful reading activities such as:

* Shared or paired reading
* Real books
* Audiobooks with text
* Vocabulary and comprehension practice

Please confirm that this adjustment will begin immediately.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]
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== ✅ Key Message ==
<blockquote>You do not need a diagnosis to request adjustments.

The duty begins when a barrier is visible — not when a label is confirmed.

Calm persistence and written evidence protect your child.</blockquote>
----<blockquote>💬 ''The law is on your side.''

''When phonics becomes a barrier, schools must change the method — not the child.''</blockquote>

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