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It does not surprise me that the study by Xtraordinary People found 55 per cent of children who failed SATs had dyslexia (CYP Now, 26 March-1 April).

Head teachers are conditioned by local education authorities not to refer children for assessment. Even those parents who have had their child independently assessed can be refused a statutory assessment by the local authority. Without one, children can't get statements - which means there is no guarantee they will get the support they need.

But the overall problem lies with local authorities. Special needs services are stretched because they have no solution to the increasing numbers of dyslexic children. To mask their inadequacy, services automatically refuse assessment. The Children, Schools and Families Select Committee has recommended the assessment arms of councils are divorced from the funding arms. However, the government has not stepped in to make ths happen.