Why Early Identification of Dyslexia Matters Reflections on Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution

Jamie Oliver in Channel 4's 'Dyslexia Revolution' sharing his powerful journey with dyslexia

When I watched Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution on Channel 4, I felt a mix of emotions. As someone who works every day to support children with literacy difficulties, I was moved by how honestly Jamie spoke about his own struggles with dyslexia.

His story mirrors what I see so often in my work: children who are bright and capable, but who aren’t getting the support they need early enough.

Jamie talked about not reading a full book until his thirties. As a child, he was labelled lazy and disruptive, when in fact he was trying his best. That part really stuck with me. I meet so many children who have already started to believe they are “not good enough” simply because reading and writing feel harder for them.

Shocking Statistics and a Call for Change

The documentary shares some powerful figures:

• 10–15% of the population are thought to be dyslexic

• Around 50% of the UK prison population have learning difficulties

These numbers highlight what happens when learning needs are missed or misunderstood. Jamie’s message is clear. We need to identify dyslexia earlier, provide proper support, and make sure no child is left to struggle alone.

He calls for:

• Dyslexia screening in the early years

• Better teacher training

• More consistent support across schools

Early Identification Is Empowering

Getting a diagnosis for dyslexia isn’t about giving a child a label. It’s about giving them the tools, confidence and understanding to flourish at school and in life.

If you’re a parent, carer or teacher, and you have concerns about a child’s learning, trust your instincts. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. There is support available and early intervention really can change a child’s story.

📺 Watch the Documentary

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution on Channel 4. It’s a powerful and eye-opening programme that’s well worth sharing with your school or parent community.

💬 Worried About a Child’s Learning? Let’s Talk.

At Flourish Dyslexia, I offer:

• Full diagnostic dyslexia assessments

• Cognitive learner profiles to explore strengths and barriers

• Gentle, therapeutic support for emotional wellbeing

  
  

📩 Contact me here or email info@flourishdyslexia.com to talk through your concerns or explore how I can help.

Together, we can make sure every child feels seen, supported, and confident in how they learn.