Kingston University and the Driver Youth Trust (KUDYT) collaboration
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About KUDYT
KUDYT is a partnership between Kingston University and Driver Youth Trust, created to provide trainee teachers specialist training to support learners who have dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
The Driver Youth Trust is a charity committed to ensuring that all learners who struggle with reading and writing receive an education that meets their individual needs.
Kingston University's Department of Education is known for its strong focus on SEND and inclusive education – an area positively noted in recent Ofsted inspection feedback.
Trainees are supported to adapt their teaching for pupils with SEND incredibly well."
The partnership between Kingston University and the Driver Youth Trust offers trainee students and partner schools a unique opportunity to learn the skills required to support pupils who have challenges in reading and writing.
KUDYT's values
The project aligns with the University's values and its commitment to ensuring every student graduates with the skills and knowledge most valued by employers.
Why this collaboration matters
Around 25% of children in every classroom are neurodivergent. When their needs go unrecognised or unsupported, they often struggle with literacy, leading to disengagement from learning, increased risk of poor mental health, and leaving school without the qualifications they are capable of achieving. These challenges can have long-term consequences, including reduced life opportunities, lower earning potential, and, in some cases, involvement with the criminal justice system.
A unique opportunity for future educators
The partnership between Kingston University and the Driver Youth Trust offers trainee teachers and partner schools a unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to support pupils with reading and writing difficulties. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring every graduate is equipped with the knowledge and tools most valued by employers, particularly in inclusive and responsive teaching.
How this work is being delivered
With support from the Driver Youth Trust, a full-time specialist dyslexia tutor has been appointed to work across all of Kingston University’s education programmes, from early years to secondary. In addition to delivering lectures on inclusive practice, this role supports the integration of dyslexia-friendly approaches across the Department of Education, helping embed inclusive practice into everyday teaching and learning. This initiative is not a simple add-on, but a meaningful step towards embedding inclusive education at the heart of teacher training.
Equipping trainee teachers for inclusive classrooms
KUDYT is tackling underachievement in dyslexic pupils by addressing knowledge gaps in Initial Teacher Training (ITT).
A new ITT curriculum at Kingston University places emphasis on having knowledge of dyslexia, planning for effective learning, critical reflection and working with individual pupils to find what works for them.
- What dyslexia is and what it isn't (challenging and changing misconceptions)
- How dyslexia manifests in pupils' learning, actions and behaviours
- What strategies and interventions support dyslexic learners
- How to celebrate the talents of every dyslexic pupil to build self-esteem
- What technology is available to support learning for dyslexic pupils
- How to use that technology effectively.
Embedded in and across the curriculum are critical reflection and reflexivity. Trainee teachers are challenged to consider how each lesson might be experienced by a pupil with dyslexia or literacy difficulties, before detailed planning takes place.
As part of their training, students complete 26 hours of lectures focused on making learning inclusive for pupils who struggle with literacy. To reflect on and apply their learning, they create powerful visual essays that explore inclusive strategies and demonstrate their understanding of dyslexia-aware teaching.
We’re looking forward to sharing examples of this work soon. These visual essays are currently being prepared for online publication, so please watch this space.
Inclusive teacher training expertise shared at parliamentary group on dyslexia
Kingston University’s leadership in inclusive education was recognised at a national level when Caroline Bateman contributed to an all-party parliamentary group on dyslexia. The session, focused on teacher training, brought together voices from education and advocacy, including the National Education Union, 1 in 10 Dyslexia, and the British Dyslexia Association. The event highlighted the urgent need for reform and Kingston’s growing influence in shaping national policy and practice.
KUDYT's commitment to inclusive education
At Kingston University’s Dyslexia and Youth Training (KUDYT), we believe that equipping trainee teachers is essential, but not enough. To truly support learners who struggle with literacy, we must empower everyone who influences their educational journey. That includes teachers, support staff, and parents.
Free training for schools and parents
Stop dyslexic learners underperforming in school
We’ve created a free series of five recorded workshops designed to help educators and parents use technology and proven strategies to support children and young people with literacy challenges.
Many students now have access to devices that can significantly boost their academic performance, but they often haven’t been shown how to use them effectively. This training offers practical, accessible guidance to help close that gap and raise attainment quickly and sustainably.
Who is this training for?
The training is for any adults supporting learners, from early years to secondary school. It's never too early (or too late) to set learners up for success.
I’d been encouraging parents for weeks to watch Caroline’s webinar series, knowing how valuable it would be for their children at any stage of the dyslexia or dyspraxia journey. Many had downloaded the videos but hadn’t got around to watching them, so I set one up during a session. The response was immediate. Parents were so impressed, they said they’d go home and watch the full series. It really opened their eyes to what’s possible."
Ongoing research to measure impact
As part of the KUDYT initiative, a research study is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. Trainee teachers are invited to share feedback on their experiences, helping to refine the training and potentially inform similar approaches at other institutions.
Early findings are promising: after just five months of receiving the new taught content, trainees reported a marked increase in their confidence when teaching children with dyslexia.
I feel more equipped with strategies to support students."
I feel much more confident with meeting the needs of pupils with dyslexia than I did at the start."
Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution
KUDYT contributed research to the Channel 4 documentary Jamie Oliver: The Dyslexia Revolution, which explores what has changed for dyslexic learners in schools since Jamie’s own experience—when he was made to feel “stupid” due to a lack of understanding and support.
The documentary aims to raise awareness, challenge outdated perceptions, and advocate for better resources and inclusive teaching practices for dyslexic students. KUDYT’s involvement reflects its growing role in shaping national conversations around literacy and inclusion.
Get in touch
If you are interested in learning more about the KUDYT project, please email Caroline Bateman.
