RE: "This doesn't make sense," Viewpoint EA March 5.

As chair of Swindon Dyslexia Association, I am dismayed by the proposal to close the only unit in Swindon that addresses the needs of severely dyslexic children at primary level. I am concerned this may be followed by closure of the secondary level unit based at Commonweal School.

In 1989/90, members of our association mounted a petition for specialist units for severely dyslexic pupils at primary and secondary level. They collected over 3,000 signatures. Both these units have been successful and have received good reports from Ofsted.

The unit provides a centre of excellence, which teachers can visit to see a wide range of specialist books, materials and software. Support assistants can observe how dyslexic pupils learn, children who have previously felt isolated and different have a peer group.

I wonder also if parents are aware of the local guidelines in the Swindon Council Entitlement Document and how low the reading and spelling ages are set as part of the criteria for schools to use.

This approach appears to go against the government philosophy of early intervention and I feel it may actually prevent children from obtaining help until there is significant under-achievement.

For example a pupil aged 11-12 years would be four to five years below their age in reading, and spelling, to trigger support in Year Seven at School Action or School Action Plus. Nationally, 25 per cent of pupils leave school without adequate levels of literacy and numeracy. What is actually happening to Swindon children who need help the most? Our council tax goes up and up but the specialist provision in our schools goes down and down. Why do Swindon councillors endorse policies that make it more difficult for Swindon children to obtain the support they need?

(Mrs) D HOLLAND

Chair, Swindon Dyslexia Association, Wroughton