The Red Rose School is an independent day school for dyslexic children between the ages of 5 and 16. From only 5 pupils in 1997, the school has now grown to over 40 pupils and most have a statement for SEN and are supported by their respective LEA's. The school is run by Dr. Sionah Lannen, an educational psychologist and her husband Colin Lannen, who is principal of the school. The school moved to larger premises, nestled amid miles of golden sand in the seaside resort of St. Annes in Lancashire, in July 2001.

Dr. Lannen when asked about the secret of the school's success suggests that the key element is the positive school ethos and the relationship between staff and pupils. Building the self-esteem of all pupils is vital according to Dr. Lannen. Colin Lannen the school principal and the staff are committed to developing pupil self- concept and an exciting programme of outdoor and community activities have been developed. Although an independent provision the school is committed to the principle of inclusion and it is unlikely that any pupil will stay longer than two academic sessions. But can substantial progress really be made in that time, considering an intake characterised by low levels of literacy and self-esteem? The school's principal Colin Lannen suggests it can and the results over the last three years support this. Using an innovative technique of trend analysis Colin demonstrates some quite startling results.

So how does all this happen? - the teachers are all fully trained and supported by a group of skilled team teachers. A family atmosphere is evident, there is a rotation of ministers from the community for the daily morning assembly. Self-esteem programmes like circle time are integrated into the daily activities and parents are always made to feel welcome. In fact Sionah suggests that feedback to parents is a vital part of the schools success and this is certainly appreciated by parents and the teachers who having a class of 8 pupils(maximum) are able to really get to know the pupils very well.

The school has invested heavily on state-of-the-art information technology to assist in the application of the differentiated curriculum using multisensory techniques. Usually after one or two years at the Red Rose School, but only after parental and LEA consultation, children are re-integrated into mainstream. The school also provides a stepping stone to further education through offering the AQA Unit Award Scheme for pupils over 14.

The pupils are delighted with their 'beach' premises and shared in the celebration when the premises were opened in July 2001. The pupils were kept up to date with the renovation progress which again underlines the positive school ethos and perhaps the real secret of the success of the Red Rose School. Whatever the reason many young dyslexic children in the North West of England have a rosier future and many parents will share and welcome that happy prospect.