My school has a particular problem with literacy with the Y7s, as I believe a lot of schools do. I am pleased that this problem is going to be tackled head on at the lower key stages. However, the senior schools must not be forgotten as unless the literacy and numeracy skills are tackled in Y7 and 8 these students cannot access the curriculumn for GCSEs etc.
These learning difficulities - and they are learning difficulties - are being tackled head on at my school with all the TAs giving some of their time to support the allocated staff and the students, be it in other faculties or in the actual n & l lessons.
There is no quick fix, just long, hard, supportive work.