Wynford Dore

Last updated

Wynford N. Dore
Born
Wynford Newman Dore

10 June 1949 (1949-06-10) (age 74)
Tongwynlais, South Wales
NationalityBritish
Alma mater King Henry VIII School
Harvard Business School
OrganizationsNullifire
Education Development International
Brigade Clothing
Zing Performance
Arnold Lodge School
Website wynforddore.com

Wynford Newman Dore (born 1949) is a British businessman and author. [1] He has written two books such as Dyslexia: The Miracle Cure and Stop Struggling in School. Previously, he founded Nullifire and Education Development International. He is also associated with Arnold Lodge School.

Contents

Early life and education

Wynford Dore was born in Tongwynlais, South Wales. [1] His parents moved to Coventry in 1959 in search of work. He gained a scholarship to King Henry VIII School and went into industry to study computing and systems design. [2]

Career

In 1974, Dore saw a business opportunity following the introduction of the Fire Precautions Act 1971. [3] In response, he set up his own company Nullifire Ltd, offering fire protection products to public buildings, including hotels and guesthouses. [2] In 1998, Nullifire was acquired by an American company. [2] [4] Following the sale of Nullfire, Dore became involved with a number of companies, including Brigade Clothing, a supplier of school-wear. [4] [5] He is now associated with Zing Performance.

Education Development International

In 1999, Dore co-founded The Education Partnership with Gareth Newman, a retired principal of a reputed college, Brooke Weston City Technology College. [6] [7] The initiative was established in response to Education Secretary David Blunkett's 1998 policy, which permitted private companies to manage schools or education authorities. [7] Among the company's directors was James Tooley. [6] The company bought a school, named Arnold Lodge School in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

The company was later renamed as Education Development International plc. In 2011, it was sold to Pearson plc. [8] [9] [10]

Private schools

Dore, the financier and chairman of Newman Schools Ltd, acquired Arnold Lodge School in Royal Leamington Spa in 1999, which was nominated for Senior School of the Year in the UK in 2020 by the Times Educational Supplement. [11] [12]

In 2023, he acquired Stratford on Avon Preparatory School. [13]

Dore method

Dore later became known for developing an exercise-based programme that he claimed to be an effective treatment for people with dyslexia, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

The treatment was developed by researchers at a centre Dore founded in Warwickshire after studying Professor Jeremey Schmahmann of Harvard Medical School [14] and Professor Rod Nicolson of Sheffield University's work on dyslexia. [15] [16] [1] The treatment gained national attention when it was featured on ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald . [1] Around £15 million were spent on research by him. [17] The treatment was endorsed by Professor David Reynolds, an academic from Llantrisant. [18] [1] [19] The treatment was believed to had the potential to significantly impact many children's lives. [1] Driven by his daughter Susie's dyslexia-related suicide attempts, Dore had founded the Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Attention Disorder Centre in Kenilworth for further development of the treatment. [1] Between 2006 and 2007, Dore opened 11 clinics, [20] known as Dore Achievement Centres. [21] Later, clinics were expanded internationally in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and the United States. [16] At the clinics, people with dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia followed a programme of exercises designed to stimulate the cerebellum. [20] Dore claimed that his programme has a success rate of over 80 percent. [22]

The Dore method is a non-pharmacological approach to improving brain function, specifically targeting the cerebellum. [23] The programme, spread over 12 months, utilizes a series of exercises, primarily focused on balance, which are designed to unlock the cerebellum and restore its optimal functionality. [17] [23]

Dore's methods proved controversial with some experts in the conditions that he claimed to have found a cure for. [24] The study funded by Dore was criticised for including no control group. [25] Subsequent research studies have justified the theories he proposed and the role of the cerebellum is now accepted. [26] His programs have now been shown to benefit children struggling at school. [27]

In May 2008, the DDAT company (Dyslexia Dyspraxia Attention Treatment), which operated the clinics, went into liquidation in the UK. [28] "The Dore Group", operating 13 Australian clinics in, went into voluntary administration in June 2008. [20] [29] [30] Dore further developed his research to create an online adaptation of the technology, eliminating the need for clinic visits. This development is now operational as Zing Performance Ltd, a company under Dore's ownership. [31] [32] Additionally, these programs have been effectively employed to assist seniors in improving balance and memory. [33]

Charity work

Since 2014, Dore has served on the Board of Directors at The Reach Institute, New York which is chaired by Professor Peter Jensen, former head of Child Psychiatry for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). [34] The institute provides support for children with behavioral and developmental issues across North America. [34]

Bibliography

Personal life

Dore has four children; Susie, Rosie, Glyn and Gareth. [2] He lives in Stratford on Avon in Warwickshire, England.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dyslexia</span> Specific learning disability characterized by troubles with reading

Dyslexia, previously known as word blindness, is a learning disability that affects reading. Different people are affected to different degrees. Problems may include difficulties in spelling words, reading quickly, writing words, "sounding out" words in the head, pronouncing words when reading aloud and understanding what one reads. Often these difficulties are first noticed at school. The difficulties are involuntary, and people with this disorder have a normal desire to learn. People with dyslexia have higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental language disorders, and difficulties with numbers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</span> Neurodevelopmental disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by excessive amounts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts, and otherwise age-inappropriate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leamington Spa</span> Spa town in Warwickshire, England

Royal Leamington Spa, commonly known as Leamington Spa or simply Leamington, is a spa town and civil parish in Warwickshire, England. Originally a small village called Leamington Priors, it grew into a spa town in the 18th century following the popularisation of its water which was reputed to have medicinal qualities. In the 19th century, the town experienced one of the most rapid expansions in England. It is named after the River Leam, which flows through the town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warwickshire</span> County of England

Warwickshire is a ceremonial county in the West Midlands of England. It borders Staffordshire and Leicestershire to the north, Northamptonshire to the east, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire to the south, and Worcestershire and the West Midlands county to the west. The largest settlement is Nuneaton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurodiversity</span> Non-pathological explanation of variations in mental functions

Neurodiversity is a proposed framework that argues there is intrinsic diversity in human brain function and cognition, and that certain things currently classified as neurodevelopmental disorders are differences and disabilities but are not necessarily pathological. The framework grew out of the autism rights movement and builds on the social model of disability, arguing that disability partly arises from societal barriers, rather than attributing disability purely to inherent deficits. It instead situates human cognitive variation in the context of biodiversity and the politics of minority groups. Some neurodiversity advocates and researchers argue that the neurodiversity paradigm is the middle ground between strong medical model and strong social model.

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder and learning disability that concerns written expression, which affects the ability to write, primarily handwriting, but also coherence. It is a specific learning disability (SLD) as well as a transcription disability, meaning that it is a writing disorder associated with impaired handwriting, orthographic coding and finger sequencing. It often overlaps with other learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders such as speech impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the neurological condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. About one-third to two-thirds of children with symptoms from early childhood continue to demonstrate ADHD symptoms throughout life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WCG (college)</span> Further education college based in England

WCG is the managing body that administers several colleges of further education in the English West Midlands, namely in the counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Its most recent acquisition concerned its August 2016 merger with South Worcestershire College of which the two campuses then reverted to their historical names of Evesham College in Evesham and Malvern Hills College in Great Malvern. The merger makes it the largest group of further and adult education institutions in the country and one of the five colleges in the United Kingdom empowered by the Privy Council with the authority to award Foundation Degrees

The Dore Method, named after its creator, businessman Wynford Dore, is a method for improving skills such as reading and writing, attention and focus, social skills and sports performance through targeted physical exercises.

Jacqueline Carol Jackson is a British writer who consults, counsels, speaks and writes on most autism issues. Her doctoral thesis, entitled 'Nurturing the Engagement of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder through Digital Polysensory Experiences', awarded from Coventry University, analysed the sensory differences of children with an ASD and the impact of the digital and built environment. Jackson is a single mother of eight children, three daughters and five sons, of whom all five sons and one daughter are on the autism spectrum. Jackson and her family appeared in a BBC documentary titled My Family and Autism in 2003. A drama film called Magnificent 7 starring Helena Bonham Carter as Maggi, a character based on Jackson, aired on BBC Two in 2005. Jackson lives in Blackpool.

Nuffield Speech and Language Unit was an internationally recognised centre of excellence for providing intensive therapy to children with severe speech and language disorders such as Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia, dysarthria, and oral dyspraxia. The centre was located in Ealing, West London and was administered by the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust in collaboration with Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital. Nuffield specialized in helping children between ages four and seven overcome difficulties caused by dyspraxia and had a capacity for fourteen students. Many of the students would not have succeeded in the mainstream education system. Nuffield was closed in 2011 after the board of trustees decided the under-capacity centre was not financially viable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Developmental coordination disorder</span> Medical condition

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as developmental motor coordination disorder, developmental dyspraxia or simply dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired coordination of physical movements as a result of brain messages not being accurately transmitted to the body. Deficits in fine or gross motor skills movements interfere with activities of daily living. It is often described as disorder in skill acquisition, where the learning and execution of coordinated motor skills is substantially below that expected given the individual's chronological age. Difficulties may present as clumsiness, slowness and inaccuracy of performance of motor skills. It is also often accompanied by difficulty with organisation and/or problems with attention, working memory and time management.

Alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities include a range of practices used in the treatment of dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and other developmental and learning disabilities. Treatments include changes in diet, dietary supplements, biofeedback, chelation therapy, homeopathy, massage and yoga. These therapies generally rely on theories that have little scientific basis, lacking well-controlled, large, randomized trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy; small trials that have reported beneficial effects can be generally explained by the ordinary waxing and waning of the underlying conditions.

Language-based learning disabilities or LBLD are "heterogeneous" neurological differences that can affect skills such as listening, reasoning, speaking, reading, writing, and math calculations. It is also associated with movement, coordination, and direct attention. LBLD is not usually identified until the child reaches school age. Most people with this disability find it hard to communicate, to express ideas efficiently and what they say may be ambiguous and hard to understand It is a neurological difference. It is often hereditary, and is frequently associated to specific language problems.

Arnold Lodge School is a co-educational independent school in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, founded in 1864. The school has around 300 day pupils, ranging from Reception aged four, to Sixth Form pupils aged eighteen.

Kate Griggs is a British social entrepreneur best known for her work in the field of dyslexia. She is the founder of the dyslexia charitable organisation, Xtraordinary People. Her public speaking has ranged from the Conservative Party Conference to appearances on television and radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lewis School of Princeton</span> School

The Lewis School of Princeton, located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States, serves students who have learning difficulties. The school provides pre K-12 and college-preparatory education. The clinic functions as the diagnostic, language and learning performance unit of the facility.

The Focus Foundation, located in Davidsonville, Maryland, is a research foundation dedicated to identifying and assisting families and children who have X and Y Chromosomal Variations, dyslexia and/or developmental coordination disorder. These conditions can lead to language-based disabilities, motor planning deficits, reading dysfunction, and attention and behavioral disorders. The Focus Foundation believes that, through increased awareness, early identification, and specific and targeted treatment, children with these conditions can reach their full potential.

Harold Levinson is an American psychiatrist and author, known for developing his cerebellar theory of treating dyslexia.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Pioneering dyslexia centre for South Wales". South Wales Echo. ProQuest   342085211.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Tycoon plans education business venture: [CITY Edition]". Birmingham Post. ProQuest   326450490.
  3. ↑ 1971 Chapter 40. Fire Precautions Act 1971 Retrieved 21 June 2012
  4. 1 2 "Wynford Newman Dore" Companies House Retrieved 21 June 2012
  5. ↑ "BRIGADE CLOTHING LIMITED people - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk.
  6. 1 2 Bright, Martin; Bright, By Martin; Correspondent, Education (10 January 1999). "Tycoon who wants to take over schools" – via The Guardian.
  7. 1 2 Beckett, Francis (15 January 1999). "Blunkett accepts schools for profit".
  8. ↑ "Pearson seeks a little more learning with EDI". Evening Standard. 11 April 2012.
  9. ↑ "Subscribe to read | Financial Times". www.ft.com.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  10. ↑ RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER BY PEARSON PLC FOR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC London Stock Exchange 7 March 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2012
  11. ↑ "Leamington school is shortlisted for national award". WarwickshireWorld. 15 November 2019.
  12. ↑ "Arnold Lodge in running for top independent schools award".
  13. ↑ "Stratford Preparatory School under new ownership after more than 30 years". Stratford Herald. 16 May 2023.
  14. ↑ Schworm, Peter (10 May 2006). "Can exercise help hyperactivity?" – via NYTimes.com.
  15. ↑ "Controversial dyslexia treatment 'works'". New Scientist.
  16. 1 2 "Father's devotion helps dyslexic child". Life.
  17. 1 2 Greatrex, Jonny (6 June 2008). "Tycoon blew a fortune to save daughter". BirminghamLive.
  18. ↑ "David Reynolds, professor of education at Newcastle University | Tes Magazine". www.tes.com.
  19. ↑ Meikle, James; correspondent, health (5 November 2002). "Academics hail success of dyslexia treatment" – via The Guardian.
  20. 1 2 3 Sherborne, Louise Hall and Naomi (8 June 2008). "ADHD 'miracle' duped thousands". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  21. ↑ Bishop, Dorothy VM (October 2007). "Curing dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder by training motor co-ordination: Miracle or myth?". Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 43 (10): 653–655. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01225.x. ISSN   1034-4810. PMC   2835859 . PMID   17854448.
  22. ↑ "Daddy's 'cure' for dyslexia". The Times . ISSN   0140-0460 . Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  23. 1 2 Mainwaring, Rachel (17 September 2005). "Millionaire who gave hope to dyslexics". WalesOnline.
  24. ↑ "The man who spent millions proving he could 'cure' dyslexia" . The Independent. 23 October 2011. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  25. ↑ "A cure for dyslexia?". Nature Neuroscience. 10 (2): 135. February 2007. doi: 10.1038/nn0207-135 . ISSN   1546-1726. PMID   17259957. S2CID   40038280.
  26. ↑ Alvarez, T. A.; Fiez, J. A. (2018). "Current Perspectives on the Cerebellum and Reading Development - PMC". Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 92: 55–66. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.006. PMC   6078792 . PMID   29730484.
  27. ↑ Blouchou, Panagiota; Nicolson, Roderick I. (31 May 2020). ""Cerebellar Challenge" for Adolescents at Risk of School Failure: Evaluation of a School-Based "Whole Person" Intervention". Frontiers in Education. 5. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2020.00088 .
  28. ↑ Hawkes N (29 May 2008). "Millionaire Wynford Dore pulls plug on his dyslexia cure". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 29 August 2008. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
  29. ↑ "Dyslexia 'cure' centres shut down". 29 May 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  30. ↑ "Parents distraught as revolutionary dyslexia centre forced to close". www.standard.co.uk. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  31. ↑ "ZING PERFORMANCE LIMITED people - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk.
  32. ↑ Dream, Journey's (23 November 2021). "Children's Mental Health And The Secret Brain Reset With Wynford Dore Of Zing Performance".
  33. ↑ Gallant, Zoe; Nicolson, Roderick I. (31 May 2017). ""Cerebellar Challenge" for Older Adults: Evaluation of a Home-Based Internet Intervention". Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 9: 332. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00332 . PMC   5663712 . PMID   29163125.
  34. 1 2 "About - The Reach Institute".
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