Dyslexia Awareness Training for Education Staff

This online dyslexia awareness training combines UK guidance with practical examples, helping participants respond to individual strengths and needs without making assumptions or attempting to diagnose.

Why Dyslexia Awareness Matters

The British Dyslexia Association describes dyslexia as a lifelong difference that can affect how people process information. Possible challenges include reading accuracy, spelling, written expression, working memory, processing speed, organisation and following complex instructions.

However, every dyslexic profile is different. Many dyslexic people demonstrate valuable strengths such as creativity, verbal reasoning, problem-solving and big-picture thinking.

Effective support begins with listening to the learner, recognising barriers and choosing strategies that improve access, participation and independence. This makes dyslexia training for teachers and support staff an essential part of inclusive education and continuing professional development.

Modules Covered in This Dyslexia Awareness Training

This UK dyslexia awareness course follows a practical learning pathway:

1. Understanding dyslexia – explore definitions, individual differences, possible strengths and common misconceptions.
2. Recognising possible signs – consider how dyslexia may present in children, young people and adults.
3. Identification and assessment – understand observation, screening, referral and the role of qualified diagnostic assessors.
4. Inclusive teaching strategies – use explicit instruction, modelling, scaffolding, repetition and multisensory approaches.
5. Literacy and organisation – support reading, spelling, writing, memory, planning and independent study skills.
6. Accessible resources and assistive technology – improve document layouts and explore text-to-speech, speech-to-text and supportive digital tools.
7. UK law, SEND and assessment arrangements – understand reasonable adjustments, evidence requirements and normal ways of working.
8. Apply, record and review – plan support, document decisions, gather learner feedback and evaluate impact.

Who Is This Course For?

This dyslexia awareness course for education staff is suitable for:

• Teachers, teaching assistants and SENCOs
• School leaders and pastoral teams
• Early years practitioners and childcare professionals
• Tutors, assessors and support workers
• Further education, university and apprenticeship staff
• Workplace trainers, employers and HR teams
• Librarians, volunteers, parents and carers

No specialist knowledge is required, making it an accessible introduction and a valuable refresher for experienced professionals seeking practical dyslexia training online.

What Will Learners Gain?

By the end of the training, participants should be better able to recognise possible indicators of dyslexia, communicate respectfully and identify barriers in teaching, assessment and everyday practice.

Learners will explore reasonable adjustments for dyslexic learners, including:

• Clear, concise instructions
• Information divided into manageable steps
• Accessible handouts and learning materials
• Additional processing and response time
• Alternative ways to record learning
• Appropriate assistive technology
• Structured literacy and organisational support

The emphasis is on person-centred decision-making: ask what helps, agree suitable support, record it clearly and review whether it is removing the learner’s actual barrier.

Everyday Dyslexia-Inclusive Practice

Small changes can make a substantial difference. Staff can reduce unnecessary copying, provide key vocabulary before a lesson, combine spoken and visual instructions, allow thinking time, check understanding discreetly and offer structured templates.

These strategies can support many learners while maintaining high expectations. The course also explains why difficulties associated with dyslexia should never be interpreted as laziness, low intelligence or lack of effort.

UK Guidance, Compliance and Good Practice

The course develops awareness of the Equality Act 2010 and the duty to make reasonable adjustments where the statutory disability requirements are met.

For education settings in England, the content also reflects the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years and its graduated approach to identifying and meeting need.

Examination arrangements should follow the current Joint Council for Qualifications guidance, be supported by appropriate evidence and reflect the candidate’s established normal way of working.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate education frameworks. Organisations must apply the guidance relevant to their nation, setting and professional responsibilities.

This course provides education and awareness rather than legal advice or a diagnostic assessment. Its content is informed by legislation, government guidance and established sector resources, strengthening its relevance as SEND and dyslexia training for education staff.

Dyslexia Awareness Training - Frequently Asked Questions