The project is supported by the dyslexia charity Xtraordinary People

The project will work with schools and local authorities with a strong track record in helping dyslexic children and share their methods with other schools.

The scheme, called No to Failure, will offer specialist training for teachers and create links with charities and businesses to improve education.

The government has allocated �900,000 towards the project and this sum will be matched by charitable donations.

No to Failure will develop an initial pilot project in the London Borough of Southwark, as a model for extension to other local authorities over the coming months.

The project is part of a programme the government is running with the Training and Development Agency for Schools to improve systematically the training of trainee and serving teachers in special educational needs.

Specialist support

Launching the initiative at Lyndhurst School in Southwark, Schools Minister Lord Adonis said it would help ensure the needs of children with dyslexia were recognised early and acted upon.

"This project, bringing government and charities together, will increase awareness of the benefits to be gained from improved access to specialist support," he said.

Founder of a participating dyslexia charity Xtraordinary People, Kate Griggs, said: "Lyndhurst School is a shining example of how even severely dyslexic children can be supported and succeed in mainstream school.

"Success for most dyslexics isn't about specialist schools, it's about getting specialist teachers in mainstream schools so they can identify and help these children early."