Page 15 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • July 2010 15
Happy Days for children who learn differently
Henry Winkler, aka The Fonz from 70s hit TV comedy, thrilled staff and pupils at Red Oaks school by
dropping in as part of his UK tour.
West Swindon
His visit was prompted by dys- 'rte r^
lexic Year 5 pupil Alfie Smith, who, ► A% „ !+; Children's Centre
one snowy day last winter, while . 15 Gainsborough Way
the rest of his class built snowmen Freshbrook, Swindon
and threw snowballs, got down r_ $' '_
to a spot of letter writing. He had '• "1 SN5 8PD
been inspired by a feature on televi- Play Worker
sion about the My Way Campaign, j'•
launched by children's newspaper We have a vacancy for
First News, in support of children a well motivated play worker
who learn differently. to join our friendly team
First Alfie wrote to Ed Balls, the Minimum of 16 hours per week
then Children's Secretary. Next he - (9am - 5pm, spread across
wrote to the Prime Minister Gor- '-' Tuesday to Friday each week)
don Brown. And then he wrote an Salary will be dependent
article for First News describing upon qualifications.
what it's like being dyslexic, and You will have an NVQ level 3.
more importantly how Red Oaks Will consider NVQ level 2,
helps him and other children with carried right on into my adult life ens. "Henry fully supports every- providing that you are willing to
similar difficulties, until my own son Jed was finding thing that we're about, and talked work towards achieving level 3.
Henry Winkler, who himself has it tough to write, although he could about how finding strengths inside Sound knowledge of the needs
dyslexia, helped launch the My talk and talk. A specialist told us he ourselves is the key to success. This of children is essential.
Way campaign at NolO Downing was dyslexic and I realised what my is definitely a message that all the Closing date is 4pm
Street, and has given his name to a problem had been for all this time. children get loud and clear." Monday 12 July 2010
teaching award for Special Needs. Now he has co-written 17 hilari- The December 2009 Link reported For an application pack,
He said, "the word can't isn't in the ous books for children describing on award-winning dyslexic author telephone Beris Drew on
Fonzarelli dictionary." what it is like to live with dyslexia. Sally Gardner presenting the school 01793 871303
The children sang the Happy "Every child has greatness in them; with the nationally recognised Please Note:
Days theme tune and listened to every one of you has it," he told Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark. • Previous applicants need not apply
Henry describing his life. Although the Red Oaks assembly. "We need "For us dyslexia is a gift not a • We will not accept CVs.
he knew he wanted to be an actor to find ways to dig it out and give problem," said Claire. "It's a sign West Swindon Children's Centre
is an equal opportunities employer
from the age of seven, he said he it to the world." that all children learn differently. committed to the welfare and
struggled all the time at school and "We were in stitches all morning," Adopting dyslexia friendly teaching safeguarding of children
was always being called stupid. "It said inclusion manager Claire Ow- practices is helpful for all learners."

Is your child due to be
starting secondary school
in September 2011?

Did you know that Bradon Forest is only minutes from North
and West Swindon? In early July we will be providing
information packs for all Year 5 pupils which will include full
details on how to apply for a place at Bradon Forest School.

Due to the increasing number of families choosing Bradon Forest
School, we are continuing to run and expand our own additional
bus service from both areas.
If you require any further information please telephone Mrs Emma Please see our centre-spread pullout in the
Hayden, who oversees our admissions, on 01 793 770570.
September issue of The Link or visit
Advance notice: our Open Evening will take place on www.bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk
Thursday 23 September 2010.
for more information about our successful
See www.bradonforest.co.uk for full details including dates for our school and impressive results.
Open Mornings in September and October.

th
^^ I Ct^ h 9 e J ^rt
H^ s^hoas m,«oR,H^^ ^^^=°ri— LL- °-- T I nternational
Sctlool Award