I am writing to you as a reminder of our buff paper policy in school.
As a school we are committed to ensuring that all of our students are supported and provided for with all aspects of their needs. We have a number of students who, due to a wide range of different needs, have difficulties reading black ink on white paper. We have been advised by the advanced Orthoptist Kathryn Whitfield – Lead of Visual Processing Difficulties, Orthoptic Service at Warrington and Halton Hospitals – that the colour of paper is not as important as the fact that it’s not white paper with black ink, and for that reason, we have an all buff/cream paper policy in school. This includes lesson resources, exam papers and exercise books for those students who require them. Buff books will be provided by class teachers.
We think this is important for a number of reasons including:
- This is an inclusive system that means no student will be made to feel different in lessons or in exams by having paper that is a different colour to their peers.
- Students who may yet to be diagnosed with reading difficulties will benefit from not having to read black ink on white paper.
- Students will still have the flexibility of having a coloured overlay of their choice if they so wish – as outlined in many reports for Visual Processing, Visual Distress and other Opthalmology reports. These can be collected from the SEND department.
- Students who do have difficulties will never be in a position were a teacher/cover teacher may have forgotten to provide a resource on the correct paper.
The depth of the cream colour of the paper has been trialled with a range of students who currently require coloured paper in order for us to ensure that we have chosen a shade that allows all students to read comfortably and effectively.
Kathryn Whitfield has agreed to hold a forum with any parents/carers who have concerns about this and any specific issues for their child. Please email the SEND department if you would like to attend this session so that we can confirm a time and date. The email is: send@lymmhigh.org.uk.
You are also invited to email Kathryn directly for further advice: kathryn.whitfield1@nhs.net.
We are confident that this policy will help to support the greatest number of students. Thank you in advance for your support.
Yours faithfully,
Ms K Yates
SENCo