Dyslexia Action Training has continued to support educators working with learners in a further or higher education setting. With the ongoing worldwide pandemic, it has never been important for current and aspiring study skills tutors to be able to continue supporting students and young adults with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs).

In order to meet DSA Band Four Study Skills requirements to help support learners with dyslexia and SpLDs and become confident specialists in one-to-one study skills.  Tutors and educational professionals are required to hold a membership with a recognised SpLD professional body. 

Associate FE/HE of The Dyslexia Guild (ADG FE/HE)

The Dyslexia Guild has a clearly defined membership grade for Study Skills Support Tutors which is Associate Member Further and Higher Education (ADG FE/HE).

Our established Supporting Adults Programme is suitable for those working with adults who have dyslexia and literacy difficulties and is appropriate for a variety of settings including specialist one to one study skills tutors working in FE/HE. 

Supporting Adults Certificate Pathway Programme Structure 

Support tutors, learning support staff in further or higher education settings working towards our Supporting Adults Certificate will learn to tailor and enhance students’ individual needs by developing a range of strategies and skills to improve the learner journey.  Subject topics include:

• supporting memory weaknesses
• using assistive technologies to overcome barriers in literacy 
• developing study skills to improve students access to learning
• nurturing the development of writing skills

This Adult and FE/HE SpLD Teacher/Practitioner programme comprises six CPD units. Each CPD unit equates to 30 hours of study. The units can be studied individually or as part of an Award (when booking three set CPD units). The structure is as follows:

Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties DAAWD59:

Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (DACPD91)

Supporting Study Skills in Adults with Dyslexia (DACPD92)

Developing Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology (DACPD96)

Award in Learning Support for Adults with Dyslexia DAAWD60:

Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses (DACPD52)

Developing Writing Skills in Adults with Dyslexia (DACPD93)

Dyslexia in Multilingual Settings (DACPD94)

Optional unit (can be swapped with DACPD93 or DACPD94):
Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (DACPD99)

Who can join this programme 

The certificate is mapped against Ofqual Level 5 descriptors, you can find information on the National Qualifications Framework.  It allows educators who have already completed Level 3 courses the opportunity to achieve a Level 5 certificate.  It is suitable for qualified learning or adult support tutors currently or previously within the last 2 years employed to work with learners in a further or higher education setting.

Accreditation 

Our Level 5 CPD Adults certificate pathway is approved by The CPD Standards Office 

Testimonials

Level 5 Developing Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology (DACPD96)

What would you say to someone who was thinking about booking this course with Dyslexia Action?

“Do it! They are really accessible, of really good quality and really develop knowledge and skills” – Megan Bradburn

“I really feel my knowledge is renewed and that I have more to give my students every time I complete one of your courses” – Amanda Barnard

Level 5 Supporting Study Skills in Adults with Dyslexia (DACPD92)

“Highly recommend.  Very professional.  Good guidance/support.  Structured Virtual Learning Environment” – Karen Wilkinson

“For those without specific dyslexia training like me this course is extremely valuable!” – Lisa Bryce

Booking options to enrol on the Supporting Adults Pathway (DACRT56)

Option 1 – Book six individual CPD units

You book units DACPD91, 92, 96, 52, 93 and 94 individually.

CPD Unit Cost – £295 + VAT

To book one CPD unit, please visit our online booking page and select the unit and date you wish to start.

Please note bookings close 2 weeks before the start date.

Option 2 – Book an Award (3 CPD units)

Awards contain three-set CPD Units. By booking an Award you will save a total of £30 as opposed to booking the units individually. 

For more information on the Awards that these units are included in please visit the following page:

• Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (DAAWD59)

• Award in  Learning Support for Adults with Dyslexia (DAAWD60)

Award Cost – £855 + VAT

Please note: When an Award is booked, participants will study the first unit on the Award start date, the second and third unit will follow in date succession. All three individual units must be completed within a one-year period.

To book DAAWD59 or DAAWD60, please visit our online booking page and select the date you wish to start.

Please note bookings close 2 weeks before the start date.

How to register for the supporting adult’s programme

Whenever you are ready to book, please follow these simple steps:

1. Choose your CPD unit(s) or award(s). A description of all our available courses can be found here.
2. Go to our booking page online to select your chosen unit or award and the date you wish to start 
3. On the next page, click ‘Register‘ to complete and submit the form

“Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news” – Ethel Waters

As a leading provider of accredited training, we believe it is fundamental to provide opportunities for teachers and practitioners at all levels to continue their professional development. Helping them to maintain their skills and be prepared to meet the individual needs of children who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND).

We have successfully delivered more than 15,000 courses to education professionals since 2010. Specialising in the areas of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). Last year, we released a new short CPD course to allow teaching assistants, learning support assistants and SENCOs to be better equipped to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a classroom setting.

Today, it is with great honour that we are able to announce our Level 5 SEMH CPD online course The Emotionally Connected Classroom has been awarded 3-star winner in the CPD category of the Teach Primary Awards 2021!

Here is what one of the judges said:

“A specialist Level 5 CPD programme, this online training is in-depth and rigorously designed to develop practitioners’ SEMH skills in a range of settings. Participants can flexibly access course content and collaborative discussion forums around their in-school commitments.” – Teacher Development Trust

Overview

This short course provides an overview of the importance of building relationships and meaningful connections as an aspect of SEMH. It explores the impact of emotions on the thinking brain and its implications for learning. Participants will be able to look at key elements of current research and practice in mentalisation theory as well as emotional coaching. On completion of the course the participant will be able to:

• Understand the impact of stress and trauma on the brain
• Discuss pupils’ emotions and the impact this can have on their behaviour
• Identify ideas for developing relational based practice in your provision
• Apply strategies to build pupils resources and resilience to manage their emotions

Who is the course suitable for?

The course is ‘one of a kind’ and is mapped against the Ofqual Level 5 descriptors.  It allows educators who have already completed Level 3 courses the opportunity to achieve a Level 5 qualification. It is suitable for teaching support roles and teachers, SENCOs alongside other SEND professionals working in primary or secondary education, either currently or previously within the last two years.

Unique benefits of studying with Dyslexia Action

Dyslexia Action is an established online specialist education training provider. When studying with us, we offer participants the flexibility to organise their study time around professional and personal commitments. Other benefits include:

• Access to a custom-built VLE platform Campus Online to complete the course
• Expert tutor support and access to forums online to provide guidance and allow participants to share best practices with peers
• Achievement of a course worth 3 credits at Level 5 (30 hours of total study over 7 weeks) that are quality-assured by The CPD Standards Office.

How to apply for The Emotionally Connected Classroom Level 5 SEMH CPD Course

This online Level 5 course runs four times a year in November, January, March and July. 

The price of the course is £295 + VAT (£354 with VAT included) If this is of interest to you or a colleague, there is still time to register by completing an online booking form here. Apply the discount code on the registration form.  The price will then show as £318.60 including VAT.  The discount code cannot be given in retrospect.

Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with the Dyslexia Action enquiries team or call on +44(0) 1784 222304 if you have any questions.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss

At Dyslexia Action we believe it is important to provide education professionals with opportunities to continue their professional development to help support learners with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). As we are entering Dyslexia Awareness Week, it is crucial that we continue to raise awareness to better understand dyslexia. Indeed, research carried out by Cambridge University has shown that “10% of children have dyslexic type learning differences which means that in a class of 30, there’s a possibility you have at least 3 children with dyslexia.’’ According to the charity Progress Lifeline, some of the signs of dyslexia include reading and writing very slowly, confusing the order of letters in words or having poor or inconsistent spelling.  As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week, we have compiled some information for professionals who have an interest in Dyslexia and SpLD training or becoming part of a professional body:

• An Overview of an SpLD Professional Body: The Dyslexia Guild
• What does it mean for CPD to be accredited?
• How can Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development courses help education professionals to meet membership standards? 

What can I do to improve my knowledge and support those around me?

Join an SpLD Professional Body: What are they & who should join?

There are many SpLD membership organisations including The Dyslexia Guild, the British Dyslexia Association, PATOSS and ADSHe.  All have the same goal but can offer different benefits.

The Dyslexia Guild: Overview of an SpLD Professional Body

What is The Dyslexia Guild? Established in 1994, The Dyslexia Guild is a network of SpLD professionals who are keen to maintain contact and further their specialist teaching, assessment and support for those with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. The Dyslexia Guild aims to promote discussion, information and research as well as keeping members informed of developments in the field through publication and distribution.

Who are members of the Dyslexia Guild? Professional members include primary and secondary teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants as well as Further and Higher Education support tutors and advisory specialists. Our network is also highly relevant to dyslexia and specific learning disability assessors, librarians and other specialists through Affiliate membership.

Why should I join the Dyslexia Guild and how will I benefit? The Dyslexia Guild provides a wealth of benefits to its members including online forums, a vibrant annual conference and a range of publications available through our unique online library, membership journal, and e-newsletter. Members benefit from post-nominals as well as the unique heritage of this specialist professional organisation.

Why not gain CPD Accredited Training?

The importance of Accredited CPD training. As explained by The CPD Certification Service, CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development and is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities. Accredited CPD training means the learning activity has reached the required Continuing Professional Development standards and benchmarks of an accredited body. The learning value has been scrutinised to ensure integrity and quality. By undertaking CPD accredited training, educators are given the opportunity to ensure their qualifications, and therefore their skills and knowledge, are maintained and up to date. 

Dyslexia Action’s Level 4 & 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme. Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development has been delivering programmes in dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) for over 40 years and has an established professional partnership with The Dyslexia Guild. Through a range of Level 4 and 5 CPD short courses, education support professionals can hone their skills and knowledge in order to be better prepared to face the challenges of supporting students with dyslexia and SpLDs in today’s education system. All courses are practice-led, delivered online and are fully supported by a tutor.

CPD Standards Office Accreditation. Dyslexia Action has been successfully assessed as an online CPD provider by The CPD Standards Office and has received formal independent CPD accreditation for its online units. All our units will be issued with a Dyslexia Action Certificate of Completion. This certificate can subsequently be used within a formal CPD record for a professional body or employer. A list of all CPD Units and Awards can be found here. 

Summary

We hope that this article has provided you with some useful insights into CPD and SpLD Professional Bodies. If you have any thoughts on the topics covered, why not share them with us below?

If you are considering furthering your professional development via one of our accredited CPD units please feel free to get in touch with us via email or call us on +44 (0) 1784 222304. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about The Dyslexia Guild, you can give them a call on +44 (0) 1784 222342.

We have been shortlisted for The Teach Primary Awards 2021!

With an enormous amount of excitement, we are now able to announce that The Emotionally Connected Classroom online Level 5 course was shortlisted for the CPD Category in The Teach Primary Awards 2021.

It is amazing for us to receive accolades from industry experts like The Teach Company Awards who also named us a three-star winner in the same category during The Teach Secondary Awards 2020 for our online Dyslexia and Literacy CPD Programme.

The Teach Primary Awards 2021

The Teach Company Awards are aimed at helping teachers in finding the greatest educational resources. Finalists and winners are chosen by a team of education professionals based on how entries score in key areas including originality and educational impact. You can learn more about them here.

This Level 5 online course introduces how relationships and connections can be developed in a classroom environment to help support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. By studying this short 7-week CPD course, you will be able to understand how emotions can be influenced by the thinking brain and the consequences learning can have in the classroom. 

Who can join this course?

The Emotionally Connected Classroom course may be useful if SEMH is an area of interest for you or if you are looking to complement your knowledge in SEND. Additionally, this level 5 course is suitable for your colleagues if those working in teaching support roles and teachers, SENCOs, and other SEND professionals. 

Unique benefits of studying this course with Dyslexia Action 

Dyslexia Action is an established online specialist education training provider. For 40 years, we have been supporting online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for international schools as well as UK-based educators. We offer participants the flexibility to organise their study time around professional and personal commitments when studying us. Other benefits include:

1. Access to a custom-built VLE  platform Campus Online to complete the course
2. Expert tutor support and access to forums online to provide guidance and allow participants to share best practices with peers
3. Achievement of a course worth 3 credits at Level 5 (30 hours of total study over a 7-week period) that are quality-assured by The CPD Standards Office.

What our delegates say about The Emotionally Connected Classroom

“I found a lot of the course material extremely interesting. I especially like the video context and the presentation. Dyslexia Action have excelled!” R.T.

“I have absolutely loved this course – it was exactly what I felt was missing from my ‘toolkit’ and now I can make sure that the impact is shared more widely in my new setting for the benefit of the children we serve. Thank you.” S.O.

“The course was perfect, the timing, the material, tasks were very well planned.” S.H

How to apply for The Emotionally Connected Classroom

This online Level 5 course runs six times a year in September, November, January, March, May, and July.  The price of the course is £295 + VAT If this is of interest to you or a colleague, there is still time to register by completing an online booking form here. 

Booking options to join our 15 September cohort 

• 1 September if you paying later/invoice required upfront. This involves a £30 + VAT fee at the time of registration. 
•  8 September credit/debit if you wish to pay by card at the time of registration

Interested in other short CPD courses? Take a look at our Dyslexia and Literacy CPD Programme here.

Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with the Dyslexia Action enquiries team or call on +44(0) 1784 222304 if you have any questions.

In a letter sent to the Prime Minister on 1 December 2020, the Council for Science and Technology (CST) shared six recommendations exploring how this research can help to nurture the development of school learners around key skills, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy.  The letter is in line with research published in 2019 by education experts from Loughborough and Ulster universities around the importance of identifying the difficulties that learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia and co-occurring difficulties face with numeracy and provide educators advice and training on strategies that can help learners improve their mathematical reasoning.

Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Level 4 course

With the ongoing worldwide pandemic, we know educators have been looking for resources and courses to help support learners develop their mathematical skills. This Level 4 online course may be beneficial if dyslexia and dyscalculia are of interest and if you are looking for a fresh perspective to effectively use structured, cumulative, multi-sensory teaching to promote numeracy development in learners. This course is ideal if you are working in a primary or secondary education setting, either currently or previously within the last two years.

Unique benefits of studying with Dyslexia Action

Dyslexia Action is an established online specialist education training provider. When studying with us, we offer participants the flexibility to organise their study time around professional and personal commitments. Other benefits include:

• Access to a custom-built VLE  platform Moodle to complete the course
• Expert tutor support and access to forums online to provide guidance and allow participants to share best practices with peers
• Achievement of a course worth 3 credits at Level 4 (30 hours of total study over a 7 week period)
• The Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Level 4 course is quality-assured by The CPD Standards Office.

Study over the Summer or at a time to suit you

If you would like to take advantage of studying over the school summer break our next course starts 14 July, alternatively, other dates are available in September, November, January, March or May.

For further information:

1. Click here to visit our information page
2. Choose your preferred start date by visiting the ‘Make a booking’ section 
3. Click on the date you wish to study
4. On the next page, click ‘Register’ to complete and submit the form – the discount for July will be applied automatically on the booking form.
5. Bookings close on 12 July for the July cohort.

Special Summer CPD Offer for teaching professionals at all levels

Book now to secure your place and discount. We have released a special CPD summer offer on short courses starting 14 July. Suitable for qualified classroom teachers, teaching/learning assistants, study skills tutors, and those working overseas. These CPD courses are delivered entirely online and do not require access to a student or learner, so would be perfect to complete over the summer break. Our courses focus on nurturing the development of learners within the classroom/learning environment both with and without specific learning difficulties. Tutor support is given throughout the duration of the course.

Nurture the development of school learners with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLDs)

Our Level 4 and 5 CPD short courses include 

• Assistive technologies Dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties
• Memory weaknesses
• Structured, cumulative multisensory tuition
• Study skills 

Many of our level 4 and 5 units focus on how to nurture the development of school learners with dyslexia with regard to key skills, such as:

• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Numeracy

Other modules focus on

• supporting adults with dyslexia 
•  working with learners in an international setting

Building relationships in the classroom –The Emotionally Connected Classroom course

The Emotionally Connected Classroom Level 5 online course introduces how relationships and connections can be developed in a classroom environment to help support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

By studying this short seven-week CPD course, you will be able to understand how emotions can be influenced by the thinking brain and the consequences learning can have in the classroom.

On completion of the course the participant will be able to:

• Understand the impact of stress and trauma on the brain
• Discuss pupils’ emotions and the impact this can have on their behaviour
• Identify ideas for developing relational based practice in your provision
• Apply strategies to build pupils resources and resilience to manage their emotions
• Promote a positive message around well-being and mental health, including how relationships and connections can be developed in a classroom environment to help support pupils with special education needs.
• Support teaching assistant roles, as well as teachers, SENCOs, and other SEND professionals implement effective intervention strategies for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in classroom settings.

How are the CPD courses delivered?

• The courses are delivered online which offers you the flexibility to organise your time to fit around your professional and personal commitments.  It also saves you the time and expense of travel and classroom attendance.
• Each unit course requires between 20-30 hours of study over a seven-week period.
• There are set start and assignment submission dates.
• To study you should be currently (or recently within the last 2 years) employed to work with primary, secondary, or adult learners in the UK or overseas.

CPD Standards Office Accreditation

Dyslexia Action Training has been successfully assessed as an online CPD provider by The CPD Standards Office and has received formal independent CPD accreditation for its online units. All our units will be issued with a Dyslexia Action Certificate of Completion. This certificate can subsequently be used within a formal CPD record for a professional body or employer.

How to register for Dyslexia Action Training Summer CPD Offer

Whenever you are ready to take advantage of this offer, please follow these simple steps:

1. Choose your CPD unit(s). A description of all our available courses can be found here
2. Go to our booking page online to select your chosen course and the date you wish to start e.g 14 July.
3. On the next page, click ‘Register’ to complete a submit the form – the discount will be applied automatically on the booking form.
4. Please note bookings close on 1st July if you require an invoice upfront (a £30 inclusive VAT charge is added) if paying online with a debit or credit card, bookings close 12 July – no additional fee.

In the United Kingdom, Mental Health Awareness Week is held in May, in 2021 it will run from 10th to 16th. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, this event aims to raise awareness around mental health, provide support and guidance, and encourage us to spread the message of good mental health for everyone. 

Never has it been more important to raise awareness and promote our conversations about well-being. The theme chosen to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Nature and the Environment. A long-term study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation highlighted that walking has been one of the top coping strategies during the pandemic. Indeed, 45% of people surveyed reported that being in green spaces has been vital for their mental health. The benefits of being close to nature are also known to be an effective way of benefiting both your mental and physical well-being.

Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your daily routine can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. We have collated some articles and educational resources that can be used to help promote the positive effects of nature and can help support you, your colleagues, and your students’ well-being academically, socially, and physically. 

How nature can benefit your mental health 

1 – For yourself and your colleagues

5 ways to well-being. Research carried out by the New Economics Foundation found that there are five ways to well-being. The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ are a set of pillars that are key to improving our mental health around themes of social connectedness, physical activity, awareness, learning, and giving. To learn more about it you can:

• Watch this YouTube video playlist here
• Download a 5 ways to wellbeing poster and each of the 5 ways to wellbeing cards here.

The ‘Nature and Mental Health’ guide produced by the charity MIND in 2018 explains the mental health benefits of nature and gives tips and ideas to try, and also provides information on formal ecotherapy programmes.

The Human-Nature Relationship and Health. The research paper on ‘Human-Nature Relationship and Its Impact On Health: A Critical Review’ published by Valentine Seymour explores how nature can impact people’s

Understand the positive effects of nature on well-being. A 30-day campaign was run by the Wildlife Trusts of the University of Derby around the crucial role of nature. The study revealed that subjective feelings of happiness and wellbeing were positively correlated with natural activities such as gardening, animal feeding, bird watching, and bushwalking (Richardson, Cormack, McRobert, & Underhill, 2016).

2 – For your students 

Promote the message of good mental health across school settings and communities. As outlined by education publisher Twinkl, we’ve seen just how important nature is during the last year especially. Being able to go for walks and enjoy the beauties of nature during a time of stress and anxiety has alleviated many people’s lives during the lockdown. To help raise awareness of mental health, Twinkl has compiled a list of useful resources. You can read more about it here.

Reading Well Mental Health Awareness Week Library 2021 Toolkit. Reading Well has been supporting young people reading skills and mental health by recommending books. The books are selected by health experts and accessible to readers of all ages. To mark this year Mental Health Awareness Week, they have pulled together a toolkit containing:

• Key facts around Mental Health Awareness Week, mental health, and wellbeing in general.
• Ideas to support libraries to deliver activities and campaigns around mental health, wellbeing, nature, and the environment.
• Information on The Reading Agency’s Read, Talk, Share campaign

Explores the relationship between nature, wellbeing, and mental health. Thriving With Nature’ is a free guide produced by both the Mental Health Foundation and WWF created to show that spending time outdoors can help support good mental health and wellbeing. You can learn more about it here.

Nature Photography Celebration. Taking photographs in nature can have numerous health benefits. To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, the mental health charity MIND is inviting nature lovers to share their best shot by emailing communications@BLGmind.org.uk or post them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, tagging @BLGMind and including the hashtag #BLGMindMHAW.

Continuing Professional Development 

Join our 12 May or 14 July cohorts – CPD Programme 

• 12 May Start – Registration close 5 May (credit/debit card)  
• 14 July Start – Bookings open 6 May – Registration close by 30 June (pay later) and  7 July (credit/debit card ).

The following courses may be of interest to SENCo’s, teachers, teaching assistants, and support tutors in order to ensure progress and support pupils in a classroom setting. The CPD courses are delivered entirely online and do not require access to a student or a learner. Our units focus on nurturing the development of learners within the classroom/learning environment both with and without specific learning difficulties. You will be given tutor support through forums on Moodle, our virtual learning environment.

A selection of related courses

The Emotionally Connected Classroom (RT00001)

The Emotionally Connected Classroom (RT00001) – This short level 5 unit aims to provide an understanding of the impact of emotions on the thinking brain and its implications for learning. It aims to give an introduction to key elements of current research and practice in mentalisation theory (understanding the mental state of oneself and others) and emotional coaching. The importance of connectedness and relationships. Please note this unit is taking place in July only.

Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (DACPD51) 

DACPD51 – This short co-occurring level 4 unit course provides an introduction to key elements of current research and practice in dyslexia, and conditions that commonly co-occur with it.  It aims to provide an understanding of current theories of dyslexia and the impact that dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties have on performance in a range of settings.

Structured, Cumulative Multisensory Tuition for Learners with Dyslexia (DACPD53)

DACPD53– This level 4 unit introduces the practitioner to the concepts of structured, cumulative, multisensory learning.  The links between attention, memory, and multisensory input are explained, and the need for structured, explicit intervention is examined.  Completion of the Unit will enable the practitioner to design lessons that maximize learning potential.

Developing Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology (DACPD96)

DACPD96 – Level 5 unit in Developing Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology provides resources that support the development of literacy skills through the use of assistive technology in learning environments and in the workplace. It will introduce approaches utilizing assistive technology that can enable individuals with dyslexia and diverse needs to overcome barriers that add pressure to literacy, planning, and organizational tasks. It will show how assistive technology enables individuals to complete literacy tasks successfully with a focus on cultivating learner autonomy. The emphasis of this unit is on critical evaluation of relevant teaching strategies and creating individual assistive technology ‘toolkits’ to support a range of needs.

Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (DACPD99)

DACPD99– This level 4 short course unit examines the processes involved in mathematical thinking and how they link to aspects of memory and attention.  The difficulties that learners with dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties, particularly dyscalculia, can have with numeracy are explained.  The association of ‘number sense’ (numerosity) with dyscalculia is also examined.  The unit explores the theory, offers some practical ideas, and provides the practitioner with the fresh perspective necessary to effectively use structured, cumulative, multi-sensory teaching to promote numeracy development in learners where it is stalled or significantly delayed.

Learn more about our courses during Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

If you would like to know more about our online training or would like some training advice in general please email us or call us on +44 (0) 1784-222304 to discuss suitable training opportunities.

Help support reading skills during World Book Day

The recent and ongoing pandemic has changed the way we currently teach our children. It has often been challenging for parents and teachers to consistently provide suitable educational resources to help pupils continue to develop their skills. Recent articles and resources shared by education professionals highlight the importance of supporting pupils’ wellbeing during this unprecedented time. Focusing on educational resources that can help support developing pupils’ reading habits and implementing strategies that encourage children to read for pleasure at home has been crucial. 

A recent survey by the National Literacy Trust found that 59.3% of children and young people told us during the first lockdown that reading makes them feel better. This survey shows that today, on World Book Day, it has never been more important to celebrate the love of books and reading with children and young people.  

What is World Book Day? 

Launched by UNESCO in 1995, World Book Day was created as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. It is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The first World Book Day in the UK and Ireland took place in 1997 to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading. This event aims to promote books and reading skills in educational establishments by letting children wear a fancy dress of a character that inspires them. This year, over 15 million £1 World Book Day book tokens will be distributed to children and young people around the country via their schools. Other activities include the possibility of attending live virtual events and online masterclasses.

Find out more about Dyslexia Action Training courses

Dyslexia Action is a leading provider of specialist SpLD teacher/practitioner training and specialist SpLD teacher/practitioner assessor training. We offer a range of pathways to achieve specialist teacher/practitioner assessor accredited status. Our courses are designed to strengthen the expertise and confidence of teachers, SENCOs, practitioners, teaching assistants, learning support staff, language therapists, tutors, and lecturers who support students with literacy difficulties, dyslexia, and other specific learning difficulties (SpLD).

me useful links to our main areas of training where you will find details for our courses and useful syllabus brochures for each course:

• CPD Programme – 3-star winner of the Teach Secondary Awards 2020
• Routes to train as a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner at Level 5 or Level 7
• A Route to train as a Specialist SpLD Assessor
• MEd Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy
• Courses for Qualified SpLD Specialist Teacher/Assessors

The Dyslexia Guild

You may also be interested in membership in The Dyslexia Guild. This membership organisation is open to those with a general interest in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties and is a SASC APC awarding body. 

Access professional resources, support forums, and advice, membership also includes free access to our specialist library/National Dyslexia Resource Centre.  

Membership also offers many other benefits including designatory letters and listing in our professional directory.

The Dyslexia Action Shop 

You may have noticed that The Dyslexia Action Shop has many new and popular psychological assessments and resources available.  

As a result of continuing surveys and discussions with customers, the shop team is pleased to announce that the ART3ED-Product Range, Access Reading Tests, Third Edition can now be purchased via the Shop website.

Real Group and The National Tutoring Programme (NTP)

One way that we are currently able to support literacy skills is by being part of the National Tutoring Programme, as lead partners in the Professional Tutoring Partnership. We are the only provider with all tutors being specialist teachers. Visit the website to learn more about our SpLD-specialist tutoring provision, available nationwide and subsidised by the NTP.

Many schools have been thinking about how they manage transitions sensitively and kindly for their pupils and staff and the importance of providing teachers and senior leaders opportunities to continue their professional development (CPD) to help support pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

With the ongoing worldwide pandemic, we know that there has been an increased focus on mental health and wellbeing in schools and we recognise the need for teaching professionals to be able to effectively support those children who are struggling in this area.

The Emotionally Connected Classroom Level 5 online course will help to strengthen the expertise and confidence of SENCo’s, teachers, teaching assistants, and support tutors in order to ensure the progress and support pupils in a classroom environment. 

Understanding how relationships and connections can have an impact on pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH)

The Emotionally Connected Classroom course may be useful if SEMH is an area of interest for you or if you are looking to complement your knowledge in SEND. Additionally, this level 5 course is suitable for your colleagues if those are working in teaching support roles, as well as teachers, SENCOs, and other SEND professionals. 

This Level 5 online course introduces how relationships and connections can be developed in a classroom environment to help support pupils with SEMH needs. By studying this short 7-week CPD course, you will be able to understand how emotions can be influenced by the thinking brain and the consequences learning can have in the classroom. 

How is The Emotionally Connected Classroom delivered?

This new SEMH CPD course will be delivered on Campus Online to offer delegates the flexibility to organise their time around professional and personal commitments. Like you have experienced when studying with Real Training, you will be supported every step of the way by an experienced tutor and have opportunities to read and contribute to the discussion forum on the course site. A wide range of e-learning resources will be available to help you complete the course tasks. These include presentations, articles, exercises, videos, and follow-up activities and tasks for participants to carry out.

Accreditation 

Our Level 5 SEMH CPD Unit Programme is approved by The CPD Standards Office.

Progression 

The Emotionally Connected Classroom is part of Dyslexia Action’s Level 5 SEMH CPD Programme. Eight further units focused on SEMH are currently under development.

What delegates have said about The Emotionally Connected Classroom 

“I found a lot of the course material extremely interesting. I especially like the video context, and the presentation. Dyslexia Action have excelled!”- Ross Thomas

“I have absolutely loved this course – it was exactly what I felt was missing from my ‘toolkit’ and now I can make sure that the impact is shared more widely in my new setting for the benefit of the children we serve. Thank you.” – Steph O’Neill

“The course was perfect, the timing, the material, tasks were very well planned.” – Sarah Hejazi

[The course] allowed me to understand the brain and behaviour in a way which will ensure I’m more empathetic and more purposeful in my use of language and strategies.- Celia North

How to apply for The Emotionally Connected Classroom

This online Level 5 course runs six times a year in September, November, January, March, May, and July.  

If this is of interest to you or a colleague, there is still time to register by completing an online booking form. Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with Dyslexia Action enquiries team or call on +44(0) 1784 222304 if you have any questions.

For November 2020 we have some Black Friday 2020 Special Offers available for a selection of our Dyslexia Action Training courses. The offers run between 27 November and 11 December 2020.

Black Friday 2020 Special Offers

Offer 1 £10 (£12 including VAT) off for a Level 4 or 5 CPD Unit  – Use code BFCPD2020

Apply the discount code on the registration form.  The price will then show as £342 including VAT.  The discount code cannot be given in retrospect.

Applies to the following units only:

• Level 4 Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties
• Level 4 Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses
• Level 4 Structured, Cumulative Multisensory Tuition for Learners with Dyslexia
• Level 4 Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia
• Level 4 Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia 
• Level 4 Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia
• Level 4 Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties
• Level 4 Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
• Level 5 Supporting Study Skills in Adults with Dyslexia
• Level 5 Developing Writing Skills in Adults with Dyslexia
• Level 5 Dyslexia in Multilingual Settings
• Level 5 Developing Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology
• Level 5 The Emotionally Connected Classroom

Offer 2 – £20 (£24 including VAT) off for a Level 4 or 5 CPD Award – Use code BFAWD2020

Apply the discount code on the registration form.  The price will then show as £1,002 including VAT.  The discount code cannot be given in retrospect.

• Level 4 Perspectives on Dyslexia
• Level 4 Developing Literacy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia
• Level 5 Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties
• Level 5 Learning Support for Adults with Dyslexia
• Level 5 Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia

How to apply for one of our Black Friday 2020 Special Offers

*Black Friday discount only applies to January and March 2021 cohorts and the units and awards listed above.

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