Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark
Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark
Supporting inclusive practice for all learners
Dyslexia‑aware practice benefits all pupils, not only those with dyslexia. By proactively reducing barriers to learning and embedding inclusive, accessible teaching approaches, schools can strengthen engagement, improve consistency, and support progress across the whole cohort.
The Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark (DAQM) supports schools to develop high‑quality, inclusive teaching and learning through a structured, collaborative approach.
About the Dyslexia Aware Consortium
The Dyslexia Aware Consortium is a partnership of Greater Manchester local authority teams who have joined together to provide a Quality Mark scheme to support schools in their work around Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia.
In Bolton, the Quality Mark has been developed in collaboration between Woodbridge SEND Service and colleagues across the Greater Manchester local authorities, ensuring a consistent, evidence‑informed approach to dyslexia‑aware practice across the region.
What does the Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark support schools to do?
The Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark supports schools to:
- Create inclusive, accessible learning environments for all pupils
- Develop staff knowledge and confidence in dyslexia‑aware practice through a whole‑school approach
- Embed consistent approaches to teaching, learning, and classroom organisation
- Strengthen SEND provision in line with inclusive and graduated approaches
What is included?
Schools registering for the Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark receive:
- Structured guidance and support over an 18‑month period
- Regular working‑party meetings and in‑school support visits
- Allocated time for high‑quality whole‑school staff training
- Opportunities to collaborate and share practice with other schools on the Quality Mark journey
Why take part?
Schools who engage in the Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark report:
- Increased confidence and consistency in classroom practice
- Clearer shared understanding of dyslexia‑friendly strategies
- Improved accessibility of learning for all pupils
- Stronger whole‑school ownership of inclusive practice
Dyslexia Aware Consortium Quality Mark (DAQM)
The Dyslexia Aware Consortium Quality Mark (DAQM) is underpinned by four core standards designed to support schools in developing a deep and shared understanding of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) and the impact these can have on all learners, including both pupils and adults.
The standards support schools to reflect on and strengthen whole‑school practice, ensuring that provision is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of neurodiverse learners. Importantly, the DACQM recognises that effective strategies for dyslexic learners represent high‑quality practice for all learners.
The four DACQM standards are:
- Teaching and Learning
- Leadership and Management
- School Environment and Resources
- Partnership and Liaison with Pupils, Parents/Carers, Governors, External Agencies and Other Stakeholders
The overarching aim of the DACQM is to support schools to develop more than resources alone. It encourages the development of a whole‑school ethos in which awareness, understanding and inclusive practice around dyslexia and SpLD are embedded across all aspects of school life.
Cost: £1,750
The DAQM is awarded for a three‑year period, after which schools are invited to take part in a revalidation process to celebrate progress and reflect on continued development.
Revalidation is a streamlined and supportive process that enables schools to:
- confirm that inclusive practices aligned to the DAQM standards remain securely in place
- reflect on how identified next steps have been addressed
- identify any new or emerging priorities for development
This process recognises that inclusive practice is an ongoing journey, supporting schools to build on strengths while continuing to move forward.
Revalidation Cost: £750