News

We are excited to announce our Summer Sale!

We have released a special summer offer for short courses starting 12 July. Save £10 +VAT per course when you join our July cohort, but be quick! Offer ends Wednesday 5 July at 11.59pm*.

Our CPD short 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.

Suitable for teachers, SENCos, practitioners, teaching assistants, learning support staff, language therapists, tutors, lecturers, and those who support students with literacy difficulties, dyslexia and other specific learning of all levels, our courses focus on nurturing the development of learners within the classroom/learning environment both with and without specific learning difficulties.

Each unit course requires between 20-30 hours of study over a seven-week period and tutor support is given through online forums throughout the duration.
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We are excited to announce the migration of the Dyslexia Action CPD courses onto Campus Online, our new virtual learning platform.

Campus Online has been developed in collaboration with educational psychologists and technology experts, and features innovative tools and resources to enhance the learning experience. It provides a digital environment where tutors and learners can interact with each other, access learning materials, participate in group discussions, and engage in a variety of online learning activities such as quizzes, assignments, and assessments.  

This platform is specifically designed to make the experience of learning rewarding and collaborative, and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
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Natalie is a Learning Support Associate in a Secondary School, she has completed a number of courses with Dyslexia Action, and has taken the time to tell us about her experiences. Natalie now also offers independent tuition as a Dyslexia Teacher.

Natalie is also an Associate of The Dyslexia Guild – ADG, find out more about The Dyslexia Guild and our membership grades here.

Which course(s) have you completed with Dyslexia Action Training?

I have completed three Awards with Dyslexia Action which all consist of three units. Level 5 CPD Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties, Level 4 CPD Award in Developing Literacy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Level 4 CPD Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia.

To find out more about the courses to gain the same awards as Natalie, click here.

What made you choose the Dyslexia Action Training courses over other options?

Dyslexia Action Training courses were appealing because of their online delivery. I was able to study with flexible time management, while still pursuing a full-time job. The pathway route allowed me to study in ‘small chunks’, upskilling with every unit and still following a bigger goal. Unit credits accumulated over time. For example, I started the pathway route in 2018 and completed with the ‘Specialist Teaching Diploma’ in early 2022.

What was your experience of learning with Dyslexia Action? 

I thoroughly enjoyed my online learning experience with Dyslexia Action. At the start of each new unit, when course material was released, I was always excited to discover course content in more detail. In my opinion, the courses were well structured, and I had a clear idea of what was expected of me. Queries were answered as promptly as possible, so overall I felt well-supported, including technical support. Study content was relevant, in line with latest development in the subject field, and it was offered in an appealing mix of sensory presentation, for example videos, PowerPoint Presentations and interactive case studies.

How have the courses helped develop you as an educational professional?

Dyslexia Action CPD training courses have significantly developed my professional knowledge and qualifications. I now offer independent tuition as a Dyslexia Teacher, based on individual placement data that outlines the student’s specific literacy needs and strengths. I tend to get new students through word-of-mouth recommendations. I still work within a school setting, where my role has changed over time according to my ‘upskilling’.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Anna Smith has taken on the role as the new Head of the Dyslexia Guild.

The Dyslexia Guild is our membership body for professionals with an interest in Dyslexia and SpLDs. It is a network to encourage discussion between members, information and research as well as keep members informed of developments in the field.

Anna has worked with us at Dyslexia Action for over 10 years, and has done a simply fantastic job as the interim Head. We are thrilled to see that she will be taking up the role permanently.

Speaking of her appointment, Anna said, “I am very excited to have taken on the role of Head of the Dyslexia Guild: I am passionate about offering an ever improving service to our members and I am well supported to do this with a fantastic team alongside me. I have some new ideas about how to enrich the membership experience and I am grateful for the support that Real Training is offering me to enable me to take these ideas forward!”

We look forward to seeing Anna’s new ideas and can’t wait to work on many new exciting projects with her!

This year we celebrated 50 years of Dyslexia Action! Dyslexia Action has always been driven by the people who strived for change in both the medical and educational arenas. As we are nearing the end of 2022, let’s look at some of our biggest accomplishments this year.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme

During 2022 we continued to offer our comprehensive CPD Programme with discounted offers in July and a Black Friday offer in November.  

Our CPD Programme includes short online units, awards and certificates at level 4 and 5, a recently developed social, emotional and mental health unit (Level 5) and SASC accredited courses.

April 2022 – Newly Validated Level 7 Postgraduate Programme launch

Our highly skilled education support team worked extensively to re-validate our Level 7 postgraduate programme and we launched The Master of Education in Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy and its related programmes. This programme at Master’s Level 7, provides training for qualified teachers to become practitioners, specialist teachers and/or teacher/practitioner assessors. The programme is modular and is undertaken part-time, through tutor-supported online learning and forums.

July 2022 – The Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Conference

The Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Conference at the University of Bath. After three years, it was great to finally meet face-to-face again and network. The conference provided a great opportunity to meet with dyslexia/SpLD specialists and discuss topical issues relating to literacy, maths, dyslexia and so much more. Keep an eye out for The Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Conference 2023 plans!

September 2022 – Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties 

Our Level 5 Diploma was restructured and renamed, Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties (DIST), and we had our first cohort in September 2022 this year. This course is a unique, online SpLD training qualification that is undertaken part-time. It is a comprehensive programme that trains teachers, teaching assistants and support tutors to become qualified specialist SpLD teachers or practitioners. 

October 2022 – Tes SEND Show 

We exhibited at the Tes SEND Show in October, this is the UK’s leading SEND show, and an annual must-see! Dr. Siobhan Mellor and Sarah Norris, both integral members of the team at Real Group, parent company to Dyslexia Action, spoke at the SEND Solution Theatre about Inclusive Frameworks: Supporting Pupil Mental Health and Achievement. We will be back at the Tes Show on 13 & 14 October 2023 – hopefully we will see you there!

November 2022 – Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship

To mark the 50th anniversary of Dyslexia Action, we announced the launch of the Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship, as we are passionate about providing training for teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. We were absolutely delighted to receive numerous applications for this exciting opportunity. Thank you to everyone that applied, after a long decision-making process, the scholarship was awarded to Melissa Whitley!

November 2022 – The Independent Schools SEND Conference

In November, Dyslexia Action Training and Real Training exhibited at the Independent Schools SEND Conference in association with the Independent Schools Council. The ISC represents over 1,370 UK independent schools, which educate over 537,000 pupils. It was also a great opportunity to catch-up with our colleagues at Sporting and Educational Futures, who are an Ofsted Outstanding Provider offering a variety of apprenticeships.

December 2022 – Dyslexia & Me – Onyinye Udokporo

We were lucky to receive a copy of Dyslexia & Me by Onyinye Udokporo from JKP Books to offer as a giveaway to one of our lucky followers! Dyslexia & Me combines Onyinye’s personal story with political and cultural insights, practical tips and advice. We were pleased to be able to offer the book to winner Becky Bland – hope you enjoy your new book Becky! If you’d like to get your own copy, you can find it here. 

We cannot wait to see what 2023 has to bring! From all of us here at Real Training we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

To mark the 50th anniversary of Dyslexia Action, we were delighted to announce the launch of the Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship.

Named after one of our founders, the Kathleen Teaching Hickey Scholarship was created to offer one place on our Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties. The Level 5 Diploma trains teachers, teaching assistants and support tutors to become qualified specialist teachers or practitioners. This allows them to make a difference in the lives of learners with dyslexia and other SpLDs. We were absolutely delighted to receive numerous applications. Thank you to everyone that applied, after a long decision-making process, the scholarship was awarded to Melissa Whitley! 

Melissa Whitley has taught children with literacy difficulties for many years. We caught up with Melissa to find out more about what winning the Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship meant to her!

What made you interested in applying for the scholarship?

I have taught children with literacy difficulties for many years. I’m very lucky, it’s a wonderful way to spend my day. Over the years I’ve found myself becoming fascinated with how  children learn to read and why some seem to grasp it effortlessly while others struggle. Teaching a systematic phonic scheme is effective for the majority of children I teach, but for others I sometimes question whether I’ve done enough and whether a different approach would have suited them better.

While researching literacy problems, it became apparent that there is a lack of specialist training for teachers within schools and frustrated parents were at a loss with how to help their children. With this in mind I‘ve been determined to find out more. It really saddens me to hear about adults who have struggled through school, not realising that their problems were due to dyslexia and probably could have been helped with a better understanding of how to teach them.

As for funding a Level 5 Course is out of my reach at the minute, I have only been able to complete some basic training. When I discovered there was the possibility of a Scholarship I jumped at the chance, my fingers have never moved so fast across a keyboard.

How did you find the Application process?

For me, the application took little effort, it’s very easy to write about something you feel so passionate about. So then I waited, with everything crossed, I’d no idea whether I was even in with a chance.

How did it feel to win the Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship?

When the email came through from Anna Smith I just couldn’t believe it! I was over the moon and had a little dance round the kitchen.

What are you looking forward to about the course?

I’m so thankful to be given this opportunity. I’m hoping that by completing this course I can help children fulfil their potential, improve their life chances and ultimately their happiness.

Thank you, Melissa, we wish you luck and every success on the course!

Our Black Friday Sale is now live!

Are you planning to book CPD for the New Year?

We are excited to share our limited time discount when you book a CPD course for our 18 January 2023 cohort.

You will save £10+VAT per course, but be quick! Offer ends Sunday 11 December ay 11.59pm*.
Discount is automatically applied at registration, so no code is required.

Click below to find out more:

To mark the 50th anniversary of Dyslexia Action, we are delighted to announce the launch of the Kathleen Hickey Teaching Scholarship. We are passionate about providing training for teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. We would like to reach out to individuals who have financial limitations, but who also feel that with this specialist training, they might become exceptional educational providers in their own settings.

Kathleen Hickey was Dyslexia Action’s first Director of Studies in 1972, and her multisensory language programme has provided an essential building block for what is now the esteemed Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP), a key component of our Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties (DIST).

We are looking for applicants who…

• Demonstrate a passion for those with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) dyslexia and literacy
• Are able to explain how the scholarship funding will impact yourself and others
• Meet the course entry requirements

The deadline for applications was 15 November 2022. Applications are now closed.

We are very excited to be exhibiting at the Tes SEND Show this week! This is the UK’s leading SEND show, and an annual must-see!

Come and visit us on 7-8 October, at Stand 135. We have resources, goodies, information and more!

Register here today for this free event!

Theresa Gillbard is a Fellow of the Dyslexia Guild. With many years working in teacher and student training, Theresa has a long history with Dyslexia Action, and she was keen to share her thoughts about the celebration of 50 years.

“Over the years, DA has afforded a transformation of the term ‘Dyslexia’, from being considered a ‘stigma’ to a meaningful and now recognised, unique, neuro-diverse talent. Albeit frequently presenting challenges, the recognition of strengths far out ways the demeanours of weaknesses.”

–Tess Gillbard FDG 

We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dyslexia Action this year, and would like to explore the relationship you have with the organisation.  Can we ask what you see as your relationship with us?  

My relationship with Dyslexia Action is multifaceted. Having qualified in 1988, these 34 intervening years have really enabled me to create a feeling of self-belief in my own dyslexia. It has also generated confidence to pursue the strengths that I now realise I have and can pass on to others through new learning skills as well as strategies. There is a vital diversity in learning that is necessary for all dyslexic people whatever the age. Fifty years has really enabled a great deal of development, not just on the research side, but also from a personal point of view, it has given me the opportunity to pass on to others whether they be children or adults, providing a greater opportunity for future lives.