Level 5 Diploma

for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences & Barriers to Literacy

This course is recognised by the BDA, PATOSS, The Dyslexia Guild and PASSHE.

This course leads to BDA Accreditation as a Specialist Tutor ATS/APS and ATS FE-HE

The course is also accredited by the BDA (British Dyslexia Association).

Applications now open for September 2025 start!

Course Information Download Find out more

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The Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy will:

Develop candidates’ understanding of Specific Learning Differences and how they can impact on learning and cognition
Develop candidates’ understanding of the context of learning and of the national and regional policies which affect SEN and Equality policies and provision within their own workplace
Develop candidates’ ability to identify and assess the needs of learners with specific learning differences, using observation and evidence-based assessment
Develop candidates’ ability to plan, deliver, review and evaluate effective teaching programmes for learners with specific learning differences, in individual and small group settings
Plan, deliver and evaluate programmes which include both literacy and numeracy, and understand how difficulties with language and literacy will affect the development of numeracy skills
Develop candidates’ ability to work with others in supporting learners with Specific Learning Differences
Develop candidates’ professional values and commitment to professional standards.

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Course Structure

The next cohort starts on 29th September 2025 and runs for 12 months, with contact time on a Monday 6.30-8.30pm online for 30 weeks.

The course is ideally structured to ensure learners achieve a positive learning experience and provides one-to one tutor support and opportunities for candidates to network with colleagues and experience up to date knowledge on assistive technology and strategies being used by professionals currently working in the sector.

Enrolment is from September 2025 with completion in October 2026. Places are limited so please contact us as soon as possible to book your place.

The following cohort will be starting in February 2026.

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Pre-requisites for the course

Candidates will be asked to complete an application form, which includes confirming qualifications and documents specified as entry requirements of the course:

Photo identification e.g. passport or photo driving licence
Current DBS certificate or registration with the DBS update service
Level 2 English and Maths (e.g. GCSE grade A-C) or equivalent
Level 4 teaching or training qualification
Education to degree level or equivalent
2 years experience working in an educational setting.

Candidates who are accepted onto the course and invited for enrolment must provide evidence of their qualifications and produce their documents at that stage.

The Learning Support Centre promotes open access to all qualifications. Candidates who do not have a professional background in education and learning support may find it difficult to access opportunities to generate the full range of evidence required to achieve this qualification. Please contact us prior to application if you have concerns about meeting the pre-requisites of the course.

British Dyslexia Association (B.D.A): The Level 5 Diploma is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (B.D.A) and confers eligibility for Approved Teacher Status (ATS or ATS FE/HE) or Approved Practitioner Status (APS) This means that if you successfully complete all elements of that course, you can then apply for the appropriate B.D.A award. See: bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/professional-accreditation. ‘Accreditation’ means that the course has been evaluated by a Liaison Team (LT) from the B.D.A. Accreditation Board and found to meet all the criteria for that award. These criteria can be found on the B.D.A. web site at: bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/professional-accreditation. If you have any concerns about the content or assessment of the course, with regard to compliance with the B.D.A. course Accreditation criteria, you can contact the B.D.A. at: accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk. However, the B.D.A. can take no responsibility for the delivery of the course, e.g., inter alia, its tutors, facilities, registration, fees, continuance, etc. These are entirely a matter for the course provider. It is your responsibility before registering for the course to satisfy yourself that these are acceptable and meet your needs. If you have any concerns regarding these matters, you should, in the first instance, contact the Course Leader and if this does not produce a satisfactory result a representative of the Course Provider.

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Course fees

Level 5 Diploma

£2800 Inclusive of VAT

We also offer training on other specialisms:

ADHD
Autism
Disability support practitioner
Electronic note taking
Manual note taking
Mental health conditions
Visual impairment and sighted guide support

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“I have learnt so much, and I feel more confident supporting learners in this area of expertise.”

Olivia Brown

“Always helpful, professional and with a keen interest in the individual.”

Helen Garry

“The support I received exceeded my expectations. The methods I have learnt have allowed me to work faster and plan my work in a more effective manner.”

Jane Smith

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