The Dyslexia Award

Level 5 Dyslexia Award

About this course

The Dyslexia Award is a short practical training programme, focusing on understanding and supporting groups of learners with dyslexia and/or specific learning differences taught through a range of videos, cartoons, activities and power points. It was developed in response to demand from teaching assistants/teachers/SENDCos for a shorter course on dyslexia to be available as an alternative to the Level 5 Specialist Teacher Diploma. Unit 1 of this course can be used as accredited learning for those that wish to progress onto the Level 5 Diploma within the next 3 years.

About Dyslexia Matters

Dyslexia Matters has been recognised for many years as providers of excellent training. Liz and Julia, Directors, are co-authors of the Gateway nationally recognised specialist teacher qualifications, accredited by the BDA and Patoss. Feedback from awarding bodies and candidate reviews reflect the quality of the training. Dyslexia Matters has successfully trained more than 500 specialist teachers.

Pricing

The total cost of this Level 5 course is: £1000 (Inc. VAT)

Costing explained

The course fees cover the cost of an assessor who will guide and mark all of your work and be a point of contact throughout the whole time you study with us. As well as this, they also cover the cost of all of your registration fees throughout your course.

Funding

Unfortunately, there are not any central funding options available at the moment. We are regularly checking for updates on funding opportunities. Local charities and/or churches are worth exploring for funding opportunities in their particular area. We have had several candidates obtain funding this way. Dorset Community Foundation is an example of a localised charity offering support (https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/who-we-help/). We have had several candidates obtain funding this way.

Several of our candidates have been fully funded or in part by their school or educational setting. It is worth a conversation with your school or educational setting to discuss potential opportunities that are mutually beneficial.

MOD Funding

We are a registered ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services) course provider. So anyone applying from the MOD has the opportunity to apply for funding this way. For more information please visit: https://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/

VAT

All of our courses are VAT deductible, so if a school or charity is paying for the course, the VAT (20%) can be offset.

Eligibility

Who is it for?

You don’t have to be a teacher to become a specialist practitioner. Anyone with a Level 3 qualification or higher is eligible for this course. The reason we set a requirement to have a level 3 qualification or higher is due to the education demands of the course – to find out more about the demands of the course, here is a link to Studying at Level 5′ (Click Here)

Becoming eligible

If you don’t currently hold a Level 3 qualification or above, we offer a Level 3 course(Click here). Not only will this make you eligible for this Level 5 course, it will also give you a foundation of knowledge, giving you an excellent platform to succeed on this course.

Background

We are fortunate enough to have trained over 500 Specialist Teachers. However, not all of those were from a teaching background to start with. Here are a few examples of their backgrounds prior to becoming a specialist teacher with us:

    • Teacher assistants
    • Speech and Language Therapists
    • Occupational Therapists
    • Tutors
    • SENDCOs 
    • A parent who would like to make a difference
    • Anyone looking for a new career!
DBS

There is a requirement to hold a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service). However this is not an immediate requirement, you will have time to apply for this once you start the course. For more information on this please visit:(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service)

Learners

There is a requirement to have access to three learners. You will be teaching your group for 15 minutes per week, for 6 weeks. The learners typically are underperforming in literacy, but do not have to have a diagnosis of dyslexia.

Technology

As this course is taught remotely – there is a requirement to have access to a computer to be able to complete the course, as well as communicate with your assessor. It will help you to have a basic understanding of using computers. For example – organising files and documents that you have completed in order to send them to your assessor either via email or via a USB (memory) stick.

Length

Total Length

This online course tasks will take approximately 150 hours to complete over 6 – 9 months.

Breakdown

The Dyslexia Award comprises 4 units, of which candidates must complete three to complete the course. Units 1 and 2 are compulsory, with a choice between units 3 and 4.

  • Unit 3 is appropriate for TAs, teachers etc. as it is the practical teaching element, whereas
  • Unit 4 is designed for Senior Managers who wish to monitor whole-school provision for learners with dyslexia/SpLD.

This course trains candidates to support learners of all ages and into adulthood, in 1:1 and group settings.

Course certificates can take up to 4 months after your course end date to arrive from the awarding body.

We understand that there are often unforeseen circumstances that could potentially hinder the completion of the course. We endeavour to be as flexible as possible in any situation that arises.

UNITS OF WORK:

Unit 1 (compulsory):

  • Understanding the context of legislation and guidance with regards to Special Educational Needs and Equality in relation to dyslexia and/or specific learning differences and barriers to literacy

Unit 2 (compulsory):

  • Assessing learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties in Preparation for Teaching Interventions

Unit 3 (optional):

  • Group Interventions for Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties

Unit 4 (optional):

  • Understanding the Quality Assurance of a Provision for Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties

Location

This course is remote. 

Online Learning Platform

We provide an online learning platform for you, which you have access to throughout your course. The content includes videos and quizzes, helping you to embed your knowledge.

We also provide dedicated IT support if required. 

Communication

Regular contact is maintained through-out this course. Candidates send work via email directly to assessors

Why do we do it remotely?
    • We believe teaching remotely provides people nationally and internationally an equal opportunity to complete our courses; giving as many learners as possible the opportunity to receive the support they require.
    • Candidates learn at different paces.
    • Candidates are available at different times.
    • Enables us to adapt and ensure the course content is 100% accurate and delivered in the best way possible.

Delivery

Role of assessor

Candidates are assigned an assessor for the duration of their course. Regular communication is maintained between assessor and candidate. Assignments are sent to and from the candidate via email. The Assessor provides feedback, guidance and where relevant signposting to develop the candidate’s skills further.

Our standards

We regularly conduct internal quality assurance exercises alongside regular external quality assurance inspections. This ensures we maintain our high standards.

Background

This course is delivered by co-authors of the course. It has been designed in a way that is realistic and practical – preparing you for real-life as a specialist practitioner. The course is delivered by people who have previous experience of:

    • Working in mainstream settings
    • Founding and running a specialist school
    • Working as teachers
    • Working as headteachers in both mainstream and specialist settings
    • Supporting and training within the Public sector.
    • Working as governors.
Course progression

We start this course at a level that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their previous experience. By the end of the course, candidates will have the skills to assess, plan and execute a programme of study for learners of all ages.

Marking process

The interaction with your assessor is an ongoing dialogue and discussion. The assessor’s remit is to help candidates develop into reflective practitioners. The assessor provides feedback and comments to candidates on all activities. As it is an independent study course assessors ask questions and prompt candidates to find solutions.

Computing

As the course is delivered remotely, there is, therefore, a requirement to have access to a computer. We do provide IT Support if required.