News

Many schools have been thinking about how they manage transitions sensitively and kindly for their pupils and staff. Recent evidence provided by Optimus Education and the Education Endowment Foundation has revealed 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. 

New CPD Short Course. Over the past months, Dyslexia Action Training’s education support team has been working on new CPD courses to allow professionals to develop and enhance their current skills and understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH).  Today, we are delighted to announce the launch of our NEW CPD Short Course The Emotionally Connected Classroom for our 18 November cohort. 

The Emotionally Connected Classroom 

This 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 provide 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 is emphasised throughout. For more information on this course, please click here.

How is The Emotionally Connected Classroom NEW CPD Short course delivered?

This online course will be delivered using Campus Online, an online learning platform that 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.

Although the course is fully online, 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. The forums help participants to learn, test out, develop, and refine ideas.

Participants joining Campus Online will be given access to a wide range of e-learning resources. These include presentations, articles, exercises, videos, and follow-up activities and tasks for participants to carry out. An overview of the platform can be found here.

Accreditation 

The Emotionally Connected Classroom has been submitted for accreditation which is due to be awarded by The CPD Standards Office in November 2020.

Progression 

The Emotionally Connected Classroom New Short CPD Course is part of our Level 5 SEMH CPD Programme. Eight further units are currently under development.

How do I register for your November cohort?

The course is available to book for our 18 November cohort. To register, please access our online booking form here. Alternatively, please feel free to email us or call us on +44(0) 1784 222304 if you have any questions.

We are pleased to announce our online Dyslexia and Literacy CPD Programme has been shortlisted in the CPD category of the 2020 Teach Secondary Awards.

• dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties
• supporting individuals with memory weaknesses
• structured, cumulative multisensory tuition
• developing reading skills
• developing writing skills 
• developing spelling skills

Other modules focus on supporting adults with dyslexia and working with learners in an international setting.

We also offer a range of level 7 units for qualified specialist SpLD professionals to refresh and update their specialist literacy programme knowledge through online masterclasses.

Qualifications you can trust 

The online CPD Programme units offered at levels 4, 5, and 7 with the option to combine units to achieve Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas which are approved and quality-assured by The CPD Standards Office.

What delegates think about our CPD Programme:

 
We released a special CPD summer offer on short courses starting 15 July. Suitable for qualified classroom teachers, teaching/learning assistants, study skills tutors and those overseas, these 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.

Our Level 4 and 5 CPD short courses include dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties, memory weaknesses, structured, cumulative multisensory tuition, study skills and assistive technologies to name a few.  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, and numeracy. Other modules focus on supporting adults with dyslexia and working with learners in an international setting.

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.

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.

How to register for the Dyslexia Action Special 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 book now online page.
3. Select the name of the CPD units you will study. Select the date you wish to study e.g 15 July – the discount will be applied automatically on the registration 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.

Don’t forget if you have studied with us before and successfully completed at least one unit with no deferment or re-submission then you can study two units at any one time. Why not take advantage of this offer over the summer period?

Find out more about our courses

If you are looking at training to be a full SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner

please see our Level 5 and Level 7 programmes.  

Alternatively, please email us or give us a call on +44 (0) 1784 222304.

 
For 40 years, Dyslexia Action Training has been supporting online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for international schools as well as UK-based educators.

Three reasons to choose Dyslexia Action Training

We are the largest dyslexia-focused training provider in the UK and have successfully delivered more than 15,000 online courses to education professionals since 2010. Dyslexia Action Training is an accredited training provider of courses designed and delivered to support professionals working with individuals with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.

Study wherever you are, whenever you want*. Learn at your own pace with our flexible online courses, delivered via Moodle – the market-leading virtual learning environment.
*Please note our online courses have set start and assignment dates that you must adhere to.

Tutor-supported online training. We continue to support all our delegates throughout the learning experience with an online tutor and course forums. Our courses are created and delivered by experts who share your passion to transform lives.

Courses we offer

Our online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training courses are designed to strengthen the expertise and confidence of teachers, teaching assistants, support teachers, SENCos, and other practitioners working in the UK and internationally in classroom settings.

Through a range of level 4 and 5 short course units, awards, and certificates, you can hone your skills and knowledge in order to be better prepared to face the challenges of supporting students with dyslexia and SpLD in your current setting. Topics include:

• Memory weakness
• Multisensory tuition
• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Dyslexia in Multilingual Settings

All accredited by The CPD Standards Office.

Please note our CPD programme replaces the former Dyslexia Action Hornsby: Alpha to Omega course.

For those seeking a specialist teacher/practitioner Level 5 Diploma we offer both an international pathway route and a fast track route (for graduates only).  If you are seeking a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with university masters credits there are teacher/practitioner and assessment options available that allow progression to a full MEd.

Perhaps you are already a qualified SpLD specialist and looking for a refresher course to update your skills? We also offer a number of courses for this too.

Please note: Courses have different entry requirements. For more details, please visit our Courses for International Educational Professionals web page.

What delegates say about our courses

Certificate in Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia (DACRT67)

“The support offered here is excellent, the tutors are always available to help and I would highly recommend you study with Dyslexia Action.”

“This is an excellent short CPD course for me and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I am very pleased that the course ran during the summer period, as this is the only time I can do any course to improve my skills. The tutors are very supportive.”

Level 7 Postgraduate Programme

Having completed the first part of the postgraduate course, and spurred on by the success her learners with dyslexia have achieved, Jacqueline is now completing further Level 7 modules in assessment and hopes to complete her Masters. She is considering a change of career in the future, perhaps with a greater focus on specialist dyslexia support. She recommends Dyslexia Action to others particularly because of the quality of the support it provides. “They really understand the needs of working delegates like me,” she says. “They have great expertise and they offer you the support you need.”

Jacqueline Taylor – Member of The Dyslexia Guild (MDG) – Interview by Annie Grant, 2019 (extract)

How to contact us 

If you would like to know more about our online training or would like some training advice in general, please email trainingcourses@dyslexiaaction.org.uk or call us on +44 (0)1784 222 304 to discuss suitable training opportunities for your setting’s staff.

We wanted to reassure you that Dyslexia Action Training is still operating as usual so please do not hesitate to email or call us if you have any questions or enquiries. We have detailed a selection of the online courses we offer below. 

Short CPD Courses for teaching/literacy professionals at all levels

Suitable for qualified classroom teachers, teaching/learning assistants, study skills tutors and those overseas, these courses are delivered entirely online and do not require access to a student or a learner. Our CPD 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.

Our Level 4 and 5 CPD short courses include dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties, memory weaknesses, structured, cumulative multisensory tuition, study skills and assistive technologies to name a few.  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, and numeracy. Other modules focus on supporting adults with dyslexia and working with learners in an international setting.

Our next cohort starts on 13 May 2020 and 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. 

Cost per unit £295+VAT.

Fees, dates and detailed syllabus brochures can be found through the links above. If you are looking at training to be a full SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner please see our Level 5 and Level 7 programmes below.

Would you like to train to be a specialist teacher/practitioner in specific learning difficulties at Level 5 or Level 7?

Dyslexia Action Training offers three routes to train as a specialist SpLD teacher/practitioner.

 The first route combines six set units from our CPD short courses (DACRT51 or DACRT56 or DACRT67) plus an SpLD teaching certificate (DACRT60) which gives you The Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy (DADIP61 pathway route, takes approximately 18 months in total).  

The second Level 5 route is available for graduates only and combines a one term condensed pathway award (DAAWD80) plus an SpLD teaching certificate (DACRT60) which gives you The Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy (DADIP61 fast track route), 10 hours per week study and takes approximately 12 months in total.

The third and final Level 7 Professional Certificate in Structured Teaching Intervention for Dyslexia and Literacy is for graduates only and is suitable for those who wish to study at Master’s level and gain university credits. It comprises three modules (20 hours per week, Modules A, B and C – 12 weeks/one module per term).

Fees and a detailed syllabus brochure can be found through the links above, our cohorts start in April, September, and January.  If you are already an SpLD specialist teacher or assessor you may be interested in our CPD and refresher courses for qualified specialists below.

Courses for qualified SpLD professional teachers

The Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme DALP Award for Practitioners (DAAWD85) provides a structured guide to the Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) which can be used in school or college settings or with individuals of any reading age in private practice. 
It is only suitable for qualified and experienced specialist SpLD teachers/practitioners.  The course consists of practical activities based on case studies and provides the core DALP handbooks (a learner is not required for any part of this course).

Already qualified as a specialist SpLD teacher? The Level 7 Professional Certificate in Assessment Practice for Dyslexia and Literacy course comprises a bridging course and three modules at level 7 which provides training as a specialist assessor gaining 60 credits towards a Master’s level qualification with Middlesex University London. 

Fees, dates and detailed syllabus brochures can be found through the links above.

Short CPD Courses for qualified SpLD professional assessors

Are you looking to Apply for or renew an Assessment Practising Certificate? We offer a short online course DAAPCONL which has been specifically designed to update specialist teacher assessors on the SASC requirements for dyslexia/SpLD report writing and to meet new SASC report writing requirements (SASC accredited).https://dyslexiaaction.org.uk/contact-us/

Postgraduate Professional Programmes

The Professional Postgraduate programme in Dyslexia and Literacy is a unique and prestigious  Master’s level 7 qualification that provides training to become informed practitioners and specialist teachers/practitioners and/or assessors. The courses are modular and flexible and are undertaken part-time, through online learning and offer credits through Middlesex University.

Fees, dates and detailed syllabus brochures can be found through the links above.

How to contact us?

Dyslexia Action Training is an accredited provider of dyslexia/SpLD programmes. Established for over 40 years we have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and understanding in the field of online training. If you would like to know more about our online training or would like some training advice in general, please visit our website for more details. You can also get in touch here.

Reading Skills for World Book Day 2020

Launched in April 1995 by UNESCO, World Book Day supports children in the UK and Ireland. This event promotes books and reading skills in schools by letting children wear a fancy dress of a character that inspired their childhood.

How can we help you develop your students’ reading skills?

For 40 years, Dyslexia Action has been supporting teaching assistants, SENCOs, instructors, tutors, lecturers and learning support staff by implementing programmes promoting reading skills. By enrolling on to our Unit in Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DACPD84), applicants will be able to:

1. Compare recent models of reading skills and understand their relevance to readers with dyslexia who are learning English or other alphabetic languages

2. Examine the phonological, morphological and orthographic processes that underlie reading competence and explain why explicit, structured tuition can help build language awareness in learners with dyslexia

3. Consider the difficulties that readers with dyslexia can face when accessing print.

How is this course delivered?

Our Unit in Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DACPD84) is part of Dyslexia Action’s Level 4 and 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme. The CPD Programme is quality assured by The CPD Standards Office.

Our CPD programme is made of independent short units which allow you to build up your own programme overtime to gain either an Award (3 Units) or a Certificate (2 Awards) and finally a Level 5 SpLD Teaching Diploma.

These courses are delivered online, supported by a tutor, and are completed within 7 weeks. Upon completion, you will receive a Dyslexia Action Unit Certificate. 

What is the special offer for the Reading Unit for May 2020?

Book this unit with us by 25 April 2020 for a 13 May start and receive a £20 discount.

The total charge inclusive of VAT is £334*. Please enter WBD20 under the fees section/discount code and click apply to update the price.

Please note this discount is only applicable to May 2020 Unit and cannot be applied in retrospect.

*Initial unit price £354 inclusive of VAT

What can I do after this unit?

If you wish to progress your studies with us in the future, the DACPD84 unit can be used as a part contribution to one of the following pathways:

Literacy CPD Programme

• Award in Developing Literacy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DAAWD52)
• Certificate in Supporting Literacy in Learners with Dyslexia (DACRT51)

International CPD Programme

• Award in Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia (DAAWD67)
• Certificate in Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia (DACRT67)

How can I book or find out more?

If you would like to know more about our CPD units or our Level 4 and 5 CPD Programme in general, please visit our website for more details. You can also call us on 01784 222304 or email us

Terms and conditions apply for the special offer – please contact us for details.

It’s International Book Giving Day Today!

Celebrated every year on 14 February in over 44 countries, International Book Giving Day is a 100% volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to and enthusiasm for books. There are many ways to share the love of reading across the globe during #bookgivingday and for this particular occasion, Dyslexia Action Training are offering an online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short course – Developing Reading Skills (DACPD84) beneficial in helping to support learners’ reading skills.

How can we help you develop your students’ reading skills?

For 40 years, Dyslexia Action Training has been supporting teaching assistants, SENCOs, instructors, tutors, lecturers and learning support staff by implementing programmes promoting reading skills in the UK and overseas.

By enrolling on our online Developing Reading Skills (DACPD84) unit, candidates will be able to:

1. Compare recent models of reading skills and to understand their relevance to readers with dyslexia who are learning English or other alphabetic languages  

2. Examine the phonological, morphological and orthographic processes that underlie reading competence and explains why explicit, structured tuition can help build language awareness in learners with dyslexia  

3. Consider the difficulties that readers with dyslexia can face when accessing print.

Developing Reading Skills (DACPD84)

How is this short course delivered?

The Developing Reading Skills (DACPD84) short course is delivered online and is part of the Dyslexia Action Training’s Level 4 and 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme.

The CPD Programme is quality-assured by The CPD Standards Office. These short courses are delivered online, supported by a tutor, and are 30 hours of study completed over a 7-week period. Upon completion, you will receive a Dyslexia Action Unit Certificate.

Is this unit part of a wider qualification?

If you wish to progress your studies with us in the future, the Developing Reading Skills (DACPD84) unit can be used as a part in one of the following pathways:

International CPD Programme

• Award in Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia (DAAWD67)
• Certificate in Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia (DACRT67)

Literacy CPD Programme

• Award in Developing Literacy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DAAWD52)
• Certificate in Supporting Literacy in Learners with Dyslexia (DACRT51)

How can I book or find out more?

If you would like to know more about our CPD units or our Level 4 / 5 or 7 International Programmes in general, please visit our website for more details. Courses run six times a year and we have dates in March, May, and July available to book now.

Have you heard of The Dyslexia Guild?

Established in 1994,  The Dyslexia Guild is open to all those with a professional or general interest in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLD) both in the UK and overseas.

Professional members hold designatory letters and 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 discounted professional development courses, online forums, a vibrant annual conference and a range of publications available through our unique online library, membership journal, and e-newsletter.

Our parent company Real Group in conjunction with Real Training are pleased to announce that a brand new Effective SEN Support Provision – Middle Leaders course, created in partnership with Whole School SEND is now live – and all educators can access it free of charge!

This course is aimed at current and aspiring middle leaders who want to develop, embed and enact new skills in SEN support and provision.

You can learn more about the Middle Leaders course and how it could benefit your teams by accessing the dedicated page here. 

Please note: The Effective SEN Support Provision – Middle Leaders courses free course is not recognised as CPD for ADG FE/HE Dyslexia Guild members who have not yet completed The Certificate in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (DACRT56) but may be suitable CPD for qualified Guild members.

How this course benefits participants and their schools?

By completing this free CPD course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand how middle leaders can support strategic SEND provision while identifying opportunities to coordinate with other leaders in the school #

• Consider how effectively whole school approaches are implemented in their subject area

• Reflect on how line management can support effective SEND provision.

• Identify strategies and resources to support colleagues, including early career teachers, within a department to develop their practice

• Reflect on how subject-specific content can be presented to pupils with SEND

• Consider how assessment and tracking can support the identification of pupils with SEND

• Assess the learning environment for pupils with different needs, then identify and implement key strategies and resources that will support them

How is the course delivered and how long does it take?

The Effective SEN Support Provision – Middle Leaders course is delivered fully online and should take most current or aspiring middle leaders no more than 15 hours. The great news is you’ll be able to access the course for 12 months, so you can enjoy the course at a time, place and pace which works for you. However, there is no time like the present to continue to develop your inclusive leadership skills and knowledge.

Black Friday Special Offer

For November 2019 we have some Black Friday special offer available for a selection of our Dyslexia Action Training courses. 

CPD Programme Offers – Units/Awards

• £10 off* a booking for a Level 4 or 5 CPD Unit use code BFCPD2019
• £20 off* a booking Level 4 or 5 CPD Award use code BFAWD2019
• £10 off* is also automatically deducted for current guild members wishing to study one of our level 7 CPD courses
  
  *Please note the discounts can only be applied at the time of booking online and not in retrospect.
  Terms apply

Visit our list of courses and qualifications for more detailed information on the qualifying courses and to book, but don’t delay this offer is only available between 29 November and 13 December 2019.

Level 5 Programme Offers

• £100 off DAAWD80  April 2020 cohort use code BFAWD802019
• £100 off DACRT60 for those eligible to join the April 2020 cohort use code BFCRT602019

*Please note the discounts can only be applied at the time of booking online and not in retrospect.
Terms apply

Visit the online page for more detailed information on the qualifying courses and to book, but don’t delay this offer is only available between 29 November and 13 December 2019.

If you have any queries please email trainingcourses@dyslexiaaction.org.uk 

Dyslexia Online Training

We are an online dyslexia training provider. Dyslexia Action Training offers specialist teacher training/practitioner & specialist teacher/practitioner assessor training. We offer pathways to achieve specialist teacher/practitioner assessor 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.

Dyslexia Action 

Here are some useful links to our main areas of training:

• CPD Programme – Finalist for the Teach Secondary Awards 2019
• Routes to train as a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner at Level 5 or Level 7
• Route to becoming a Specialist SpLD Assessor 
• MEd Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy
• Courses for Qualified SpLD Specialist Teacher Assessors

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance in answering any questions you may have about dyslexia online training.

Join The Dyslexia Guild

You may also be interested in membership of The Dyslexia Guild which offers numerous benefits, including post-nominals (letters after your name), an annual conference, online forums, topical journals, e-newsletter and online library with e-books and e-journals. You can find further details on The Dyslexia Guild website here.

Dyslexia Action Shop

You may have noticed that the Dyslexia Action Shop has many new and popular psychological assessments and resources available to view at the show last month. Please get in touch with our team at the Dyslexia Action Shop on 01784 222339, via email at shop@dyslexiaaction.org.uk or simply visit the website for more details.