Training to become a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner

Whilst studying on either of our Level 5 or Level 7 SpLD Teaching programmes, participants will gain access to the unique resources of the Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP).

What is DALP?

The Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) is a comprehensive specialist literacy programme for SpLD specialist teachers/practitioners. The programme has been developed by the postgraduate tutor team at Dyslexia Action; it provides a pathway, for learners with literacy difficulties of all ages, through individual placement identification.

DALP builds upon previous works by Orton, Gillingham and Stillman, Cox, Hickey, the Dyslexia Institute (Literacy Programme – DILP) and Hornsby, which all promoted the concept of structured, cumulative learning. Using this as a central tenet, The Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) brings metacognitive learning and the development of metalinguistic awareness to the forefront which, with the placement process as the underpinning strand of the specialist literacy support scheme, enables the practitioner to further extend their reach to those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

• For graduates holding a degree qualification (foundation degrees are not eligible)
• Who have at least two years recent and relevant experience in a school or college setting working with learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia/SpLD
• Who work in Primary/Secondary, those supporting adults or those based overseas
• Who can commit to 13 (notional) hours of study per week for one year
• Please note, this qualification does not carry level 7 masters credits so cannot be used towards an MEd in the future but can be used in the pathway to gaining an APC
• Courses run three times a year in September, January and April

Click here for further information, a programme brochure and how to book

• For non-graduates and graduates
• Who have at least one year of recent and relevant experience in a school or college setting working with learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia/SpLD
• Who work in Primary/Secondary, those supporting adults or those based overseas
• Those who can commit to 3-5 (notional) hours of study per week in the first year, and 13 (notional) hours study in the second year
• Please note, this qualification does not carry level 7 masters credits so cannot be used towards an MEd in the future
• Part one runs six times a year in September, November, January, March, May and July.  Part two runs three times a year in November, March and June

Click here for further information, a programme brochure and how to book

• For graduates holding a degree qualification (foundation degrees are not eligible)
• Who have at least two years recent and relevant experience in a school or college setting working with learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia/SpLD
• Who can commit to 15-20 (notional) hours of study per week for one year
• This qualification carries level 7 masters credits so can be used towards an MEd and also be used in the pathway to gaining an APC
• Courses run twice a year in October and April

Click here for further information and a programme brochure.

The Level 5 Diploma (DIST) and the Level 7 Teaching Certificate confer eligibility for Associate Membership of The Dyslexia Guild (ADG) recognised as the first grade of professional membership for a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner.

The Level 5 Diploma is accredited by The CPD Standards Office (subject to accreditation). The Level 7 Certificate is validated by Middlesex University. 

The Level 5 Diploma is also accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (subject to accreditation) for Approved Teacher Status or Approved Practitioner Status (ATS/APS) and PATOSS for Associate membership (the Level 7 Teaching Certificate is subject to approval by the British Dyslexia Association).

After completing a specialist teaching programme at Level 5 or Level 7 you will have the option to continue your studies to become an assessor at Level 7 who is able to apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate APC (15-20 hours of study a week). See this page for more details.