Legal Rights and Letters
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.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights at a Glance
| 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.
📝 Short Legal Letters for Parents
You can adapt these examples for your situation.
Send by email so you have a dated record.
✉️ 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]
✉️ 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]
✉️ 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]
✉️ 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]
✉️ 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]
✅ Key Message
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.
💬 The law is on your side. When phonics becomes a barrier, schools must change the method — not the child.
