Level 4 Certificate: Professional Development in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention Certificate Syllabus
Copyright All rights reserved. The information and materials in this document and on the associated website are copyrighted and owned by Dyslexia Academy, a trading name of ESENDI Services Ltd. To request permission to use any content from the Dyslexia Academy site, please contact Dyslexia Academy at info@dyslexia-academy.co.uk. Disclaimer This document is regularly updated and replaces all earlier versions produced by Dyslexia Academy. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, Dyslexia Academy does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, whether in this document or on the related website. Dyslexia Academy reserves the right to modify the information provided and to adjust course content as needed. The Academy accepts no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and materials in its publications or downloaded from its website. Inclusivity If you have any questions at all about this document please contact us directly for help. You can email: courseenquiries@dyslexia-academy.co.uk
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Table of Contents
Introduction
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Your Qualification
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Meet The Specialist Team Frequently Asked Questions
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School & Organisation Booking Page
Individuals Booking Page
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Hello, I’m Katie Nelson, and I’m excited to introduce you to our Level 4 Certificate: Professional Development in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention. The Level 4 qualification was written by me, Katie Nelson, Founder of the Dyslexia Academy. I’m an experienced Level 7 Dyslexia Specialist, SEND School Advisor, former SENDCo, and, most importantly, a proud mum to a wonderful daughter with dyslexia. In my role as a SEND School Advisor, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly amazing Teaching Assistants, Teachers, and SENDCo's, offering them Specialist Support and Consultancy. Many of them wanted to learn more about how to support children in their classes at a deeper level. But, as many of you know all too well, the demands on Educators’ time can make extra study a challenge, if not an unrealistic expectation. My mission with this certification is to reach and support as many students with dyslexia and literacy difficulties as possible by empowering teachers to feel equipped to do just that. I understand firsthand how precious your time is, so, together with my good friend and fellow highly experienced Dyslexia Specialist, Caroline Hunt, we’ve designed this Level 4 course to be as accessible and manageable as possible. You’ll find bite-sized lessons, video tutorials, and a comprehensive online/printable Study Handbook to track your progress, refer back to key concepts, and look ahead to what’s coming. You’ll even have the flexibility to submit your work in a way that fits your schedule and at a pace that works for you. While this certification stands strong on its own with a total of 12 credits (you can check out the Government Level Descriptors HERE), it can also serve as a stepping stone toward a Level 5 qualification through APEL. Dyslexia Academy will be launching the Level 5 qualification in 2025, pending approval from The British Dyslexia Association. I’ve designed this course with a personable approach and a deep passion for helping as many students with dyslexia as possible, as quickly as possible. Through professional development and training in the Dyslexia Academy Screening Portfolio, alongside a range of readily available intervention programs, this course equips you to support pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. We’ve referenced evidence from Brooks’s Report (2020), What Works for Children with Literacy Difficulties , to ensure that you’re working with interventions that are proven to be effective. This Level 4 Certificate is different from a Level 5 qualification in that the Level 5 focuses on training teachers to plan, deliver, and evaluate a bespoke multi-sensory, structured, and cumulative Literacy Programme whereas this Level 4 Certificate focuses on readily available interventions and programs. The idea is to make sure students get the support they need quickly, addressing key deficits outlined in the Delphi Definition of Dyslexia (2024). With this qualification, Teachers and Tutors can make a real difference in a timely manner, achieve Dyslexia Academy Approved Practitioner Status, and advance their careers, all while keeping the door open to Level 5 Accreditation if they choose to pursue it. I’m so looking forward to seeing how this course will benefit not only the students you support but also your own professional journey!
Course Author & Leader Founder of the Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Academy Katie
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Your Qualification
Join our community of dyslexia specialist Teachers & Practitioners and earn a level 4 recognised Open College Network qualification in Professional Development in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention. This recognised certification empowers you to transform students' lives and advance your career in dyslexia education.
Upon course completion you can apply for Dyslexia Academy Approved Practitioner Status, a prestigious credential that sets you apart as a trusted expert in the field.
This OCN-accredited, self-paced course gives you everything you need to: ✔ Make a lasting impact for dyslexic learners.
✔ Grow your tutoring or teaching business with confidence. ✔ Earn the recognition and results you’ve been striving for.
Qualification Structure:
Module 1: Dyslexia Awareness Understand the signs, cognitive models, and emotional impact of dyslexia.
Module 2: Comprehensive Screening Learn to use our Dyslexia Academy Screening Portfolio to confidently identify learners who need support. Module 3: Targeted Intervention Master practical strategies, assistive technology, and tailored intervention plans (including Code Breakers by Georgina Smith and Morph Mastery by Louise Selby).
Learning Outcomes:
Module 1: Dyslexia Awareness 1. Identify the key features of dyslexia and understand how dyslexia impacts on learning. 2. Explore causal models and cognitive theories relating to dyslexia. 3. Identify the key features of dyslexia and understand how dyslexia impacts on learning. 4. Understand that dyslexia can have repercussions for emotional wellbeing. 5. Explore Policies and Curriculum information relating to dyslexia. Module 2: Comprehensive Screening 1. Explore what dyslexia screening is and understand its purpose. 2. Demonstrate the ability to effectively select an appropriate learner for the screening process, while recognising the critical importance of obtaining parental consent.
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3. Examine and evaluate screening tools for dyslexia. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity to prepare thoroughly prior to screening. 4. Use a range of screening tools, record findings and create a detailed and professional Screening Report.
Module 3: Targeted Intervention 1. Identify the features of quality first dyslexia-friendly teaching strategies for supporting memory, sequencing, organisation, reading, writing, maths and wellbeing. 2. Promote the development of efficient study skills and understand why this is particularly important for dyslexic students. Explore the potential of Assistive Technology (AT) & review the range of available tools. 3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges dyslexic learners can face with literacy and learning, evaluate the theoretical foundations of effective interventions, and critically analyse a selection of potential interventions. 4. Demonstrate the ability to effectively prepare for, implement and evaluate a 10-hour intervention programme by creating detailed lesson plans, conducting thorough evaluations and summarising learner progress. Assessment: The overall grade for the qualification is a ‘pass’. The learner must achieve all the required modules as indicated in the specified qualification structure. To pass a module the learner must: • achieve all specified learning outcomes • satisfy all the assessment criteria by providing sufficient and valid evidence for each criterion • show that the evidence is their own The assessment criteria include a range of activities, Dyslexia Academy Forum Contribution, quizzes, lesson plans and evaluations in each module. Activities throughout each module will deepen your understanding and help you apply what you’ve learned. Suggested reading and activity at the end of each module will help you better grasp key concepts discussed. Module 3 includes planning, preparing and completing 10 hours of an intervention programme for a chosen student. Participants of this qualification must identify one student who primarily struggles with literacy and is not receiving other specialist support. If you work in a school, this should be done within the school setting. If you are an independent tutor, this can take place in a home setting, provided the necessary permissions are obtained, but it must not involve your own child. Demands Each module tasks are released gradually each week with the Dyslexia Academy accompanying Study Guide to guide you through the on demand tutorials with our specialist team and the learning activities. There are no live tutorials or scheduled meetings, allowing you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
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Meet The Specialist Team KATIE NELSON
Katie Nelson is a distinguished expert in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties, with a long-standing commitment to improving educational outcomes for both children and adults. As the founder of the Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Academy, Dyslexia Centre North West, and ESENDI SEND Services for Schools, Katie leverages over 20 years of experience to provide specialised diagnostic assessments, interventions, and training programmes that are tailored to meet the
unique needs of each learner.
Katie holds a prestigious Level 7 qualifications in teaching and assessing learners with specific learning difficulties, Dyslexia & Dyscalculia alongside a current Dyslexia Practising Certificate. This certification underscores her continued dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the field. Her expertise is enriched by her personal experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child, which brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to her work. Her approach emphasises early identification and intervention, aiming to make a profound difference in the lives of those she works with.
CAROLINE HUNT Caroline is a seasoned educator with over three decades of experience, holding a Qualified Teacher Status (KS1) since 1992. She further honed her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy from Dyslexia Action and York University in 2012. Caroline is also accredited with current Assessment Practising Certificates from Patoss, maintained since 2012. Caroline has been instrumental in delivering and overseeing 1:1 interventions and
support for students in local primary schools. Her work extends beyond the classroom, providing after-school tutoring and conducting assessments for access arrangements for SATs, GCSEs, and A-levels. Currently, Caroline's focus is on diagnostic dyslexia assessments and consultancy, where she brings her extensive knowledge and passion to support individuals in unlocking their full potential. Outside of her professional life, Caroline enjoys a vibrant family life, married with two adult children, and a small, beloved dog.
DR HELEN ROSS Helen is a trustee of the British Dyslexia Association and is Chair of the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association. She has consulted for the British Dyslexia Association, The Committee for Science and Technology, and Wiltshire Local Authority. She also works internationally with various third sector and commercial organisations with evaluation, consultancy and resource development.
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Helen’s research explores stakeholder experiences of SEND provision within the mainstream education sector, focussing on the empowerment of those supporting young people, to help them to take ownership of their own learning. Her research uses methods grounded within Bourdieu’s sociological project to explore barriers to participation in learning and engagement with institutions.
LOUISE SELBY Louise is a highly experienced dyslexia specialist teacher and assessor, bringing over 25 years of expertise in education. Her diverse background includes roles as a teacher, SENCO, and specialist advisor within schools, as well as extensive experience in assessing individuals for specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia. Louise holds an OCR Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties, along with a current Assessors’ Practising Certificate.
Beyond her professional qualifications, she is also a dedicated parent who has actively engaged with children and families in the community, bringing a personal touch to her work.
Through professional development and training in the Dyslexia Academy Screening Portfolio, alongside a range of readily available intervention programs, this course equips you to support pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
You will gain the expertise that sets you apart from other teachers, tutors, and teaching assistants, making you the go- to professional for students who need specialised support. As a certified specialist, you can confidently charge higher rates, knowing your unique skills are in high demand. After all, when you know your worth, others will too.
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Frequently Asked Questions How will I be assessed? There are a range of activities, Dyslexia Academy Forum Contribution, quizzes, lesson plans and evaluations are required for submission in the Level 4 Certificate. Activities and quizzes are included within the course at designated assessment check points, with further screening and intervention assessments being completed within the module 2 and module 3 Study Guides. Successful competition of the course will require completed and accurate submission of Study Guides 1, 2 & 3. What is the Screening Practice & 10 hour intervention? You need to find someone who has some literacy learning difficulties who you will be screening for dyslexia before planning and implementing an intervention for a total of 10 hours. We will refer to this person as your ‘Learner’. This course gives you an opportunity to really observe a Learner with a specific learning difficulty (potentially dyslexia) rather than someone who is struggling with all aspects of learning (general or global learning difficulties). Your Learner could be a pupil in the school you work in, or if you are a tutor, it could be one of your students. It could be a child of a family friend. You will also need an independent party who can sign off your lesson plans and evaluations before you submit them and confirm that the full 10-hours of the intervention has been completed. This could be another teacher in school, or if you are a tutor or working with a friend’s child, your Learner’s parent could sign (using their initials to preserve anonymity). Please note that you may also be asked to provide some anonymised evidence of the work your Learner has completed (screenshots, printouts, photocopies). It isn’t usually appropriate to work with one of your own children for a course like this. Firstly, the dynamics can be a bit challenging as many children prefer parents to be parents and don’t respond well to having even more lessons, especially after a long day in school or at weekends! This can be frustrating for their parent too. Secondly, there might not be an obvious independent party to verify your paperwork. We do understand that a lot of people are motivated to train because they have a child who’s struggling: so please be reassured that this course should equip you with very valuable skills to help you understand and support your own children too. It may be best if your Learner isn’t already doing a lot of interventions in school as it could be difficult to justify them having even more time out of the classroom. It could also be confusing to the Learner as some of the strategies taught could be different in other interventions (e.g. how to split words into syllables or chunks or phonemes). Once you’ve found a potential Learner, it’s usually good practice to ask for permission from their parents/carers before you go ahead with screening them. This is also an opportunity to get some valuable background information which will help you build a profile of your Learner. We have provided a template letter for this Will I be able to diagnose dyslexia? The Dyslexia Academy Level 4 Certificate in Professional Development: Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening, and Targeted Interventions equips practitioners with the skills to confidently screen for dyslexia using a variety of tools. While this course does not authorise practitioners to diagnose dyslexia—a task reserved for Level 7 qualified specialists—it provides a strong foundation in dyslexia screening. In addition, this
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qualification serves as a fast track actionable stepping stone for those wishing to progress to Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications. This course is designed to empower practitioners to make an immediate and meaningful impact on the lives of their students by using screening data to develop and implement targeted interventions. How will this qualification help my career? The Dyslexia Academy Level 4 Certificate: Professional Development in Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Interventions opens a wealth of career advancement opportunities. You may currently be working in school and wish to elevate your specialist knowledge in the field of dyslexia, or you may be an independent tutor who wishes to demonstrate their professional and specialist knowledge in order to apply for Dyslexia Academy Approved Practitioner Status. You may want to be listed as a Level 4 Dyslexia Academy Specialist Practitioner on our directory so that parents looking for specialist practitioner support can find the help that they need. There are additional routes planned for 2025 for a level 5 Specialist Teacher qualification which (pending approval) would enable participants to apply for Approved Teacher Status or Approved Practitioner Status with the British Dyslexia Association. Am I eligible? To be eligible for this qualification it is a requirement you are an Educational Professional and that you have prior learning at level 3 ONE of the following or equivalent qualifications: • Teaching & Learning Support Assistant • Study Skills Tutor • Higher Level Teaching Assistant • Qualified Teacher Status • SENDCo- National SENDCo Award If you do not have one of these qualifications and wish to participate in this course, please get in touch to discuss career advancements opportunities: courseenquiries@dyslexia- academy.co.uk Will I need a DBS check? Since an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is mandatory for working with children and young people, you should select a person for any practical teaching from within your school or workplace who already has an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. If you are an independent tutor, you must ensure that you possess your own Enhanced Disclosure. We reserve the right to request your DBS information. For assistance with applying for an Enhanced DBS, please email: info@dyslexia-academy.co.uk. Are there deadlines? The Certificate Course Content is gradually released weekly apart from when embarking on dyslexia screening and intervention work which will differ between each individual. There are no specific deadlines to submit the completed Study Guides from Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3; however, there is a maximum of 12 months to complete the qualification. For Student Teachers that have unforeseen mitigating circumstances an application for extension can be made via email: courseenquiries@dyslexia-academy.co.uk
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What are the IT requirements for this course? You will need the following: • Internet Connection: A high-speed internet connection is required. While basic course content can be accessed on phones, tablets, or iPads, doing so may reduce the quality of your learning experience, and certain video or audio content might not be available. • Device: A PC or laptop is recommended for optimal engagement with the course. • Email Account: The email address you use to register for Dyslexia Academy courses must match the name under which you are enrolled. This ensures accurate tracking of your progress and facilitates the use of professionally appropriate emails during practical modules that involve communication with learners' parents and schools. You must use a personal or individual work email account. Shared or family email addresses are not compliant with GDPR guidelines and are not suitable for course communications. How much will it cost? Module1: Professional Development in Dyslexia Awareness £595 Module 2: Comprehensive Screening £595 Module 3: Quality First Teaching and Targeted Intervention £595 The full course fee is £1785 There is a payment plan that can be offered to spread the cost. Please do email us for further information at : courseenquiries@dyslexia-academy.co.uk Are there any additional costs? At the time of course completion there is a £75 fee for the course certificate. There is an optional £95 registration fee to apply for and be listed on the Dyslexia- Academy Directory as a Dyslexia Academy Approved Practitioner and therefore be able to use the Dyslexia Academy Approved Practitioner logo as a testament to showcase your Dyslexia knowledge and to receive ongoing support from the level 7 Dyslexia Specialist Team. There are optional readily available screeners, intervention and programmes that are covered in the learning of this course: however, it is fully possible to complete the course without the additional materials if you so wish. There is a recommended reading list provided for your reference here; however, please do not feel as though each of these publications need to be purchased prior to the course (unless you want to of course).
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Recommended Reading List Recommended optional reading: 1. Assessment for Dyslexia and Learning Differences: A Concise Guide for Teachers and Parents. Reid, G., & Guise, J. (2019). London: Routledge. This guide provides a clear and practical approach for educators and parents, focusing on the assessment and support of individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences. 2. Dyslexia: A Complete Guide for Parents and Those Who Help Them (2nd ed.). Reid, G. (2016). London: Wiley. A comprehensive resource for parents and practitioners, offering insights and strategies to support children with dyslexia at home and in educational settings. 3. Dyslexia: A Practitioner's Handbook (5th ed.). Reid, G. (2017). London: Wiley. This handbook serves as an essential resource for professionals working with dyslexic individuals, providing evidence-based strategies and interventions. 4. The Dyslexia Debate Revisited. Elliott, J., & Grigorenko, E. (2024). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. A critical examination of the conceptualisation and diagnosis of dyslexia, exploring contemporary debates and perspectives in the field. 5. Dyslexia: Theories, Assessment and Support. Everatt, J., & Denstonke, A. (2021). London: Sage Publications. This book presents an overview of the latest theories, assessment techniques, and support strategies for dyslexia, making it a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers.
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School & Organisation Booking Page Click below for the Level 4 Certificate: Professional Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention. This form is for schools who are funding the course place for a member of staff. For all other enquiries please email: courseenquiries@dyslexia- academy.co.uk
CLICK HERE!
Booking Page for Schools and/or Organisations
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Individuals Booking Page
Click below for the Level 4 Certificate: Professional Dyslexia Awareness, Comprehensive Screening and Targeted Intervention. This form is for independently paying course participants. For all other enquiries please email: courseenquiries@dyslexia-academy.co.uk
CLICK HERE!
Booking Page for Independently Paying Course Participants
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