New Dyslexia Teacher Training programme offered at Edge Hill

As the government programme of the same name states ‘Every Child Matters' and it is with this in mind that a new course is being delivered at Edge Hill University to help ensure this philosophy is put into practice.

The new ‘Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers' programme has been designed to provide teachers with training in the theories and practices of how to support pupils with dyslexia, with Edge Hill set to be one of the largest providers of the course in the country. 

Edge Hill's Partnership Development Co-ordinator, Chris Joynson, explains why such a course is needed: "This new programme clearly addresses the aims and outcomes of the Every Child Matters (ECM) agenda by targeting the knowledge, understanding and skills needed by a teacher to maximise the opportunities open to pupils with dyslexia to improve their life chances and fulfil their potential."

"The programme is fully funded by the Training Development Agency and will prepare participants to support and develop the skills of staff in their own school as well as neighbouring schools. Teachers completing the course will be recognised as specialist teachers of dyslexia and become Associate Members of the British Dyslexic Association - AMBDA.  This will provide them with the ability to assess and diagnose children with dyslexia and put in place effective strategies to support children's outcomes."

The main aims of the course are to increase the participation of pupils with dyslexia, raise their achievement in schools and colleges and improve their wellbeing. Those who become specialist dyslexia teachers will deliver specialist interventions on a one-to-one basis, or in a small group context, and may also support staff in more than one school, taking on a strong monitoring and training role.

"There's no doubt that gaining this qualification will be really important," Chris added. "Not only for a teacher's own professional development, but also because they will be able to make a real difference to pupils and other teachers in supporting those with specific learning needs."

The course is open to all teachers who have qualified teacher status in primary, early years, secondary and special school settings, as well as those working in colleges of further education and sixth forms.

The course at Edge Hill will be taught by specialists in the field of dyslexia who have AMBDA and participants will be supported throughout via online contact, face-to-face tutorials and special training sessions which include practise-based work within schools.

Chris explains more about the other, added benefits of Edge Hill's programme: "Our unique approach to partnership working means we have significant levels of expertise available to deliver all aspects of the programme, including the British Dyslexia Association's training commitment. As an example, our university-based tutors work closely alongside experts from schools and local authorities, so we know what is relevant and what aspects of training are the most important.

"Also, Edge Hill's position as a major provider of postgraduate professional development for teachers, including special educational needs, as well as our national reputation for innovative approaches to teacher training, means that those who choose to undertake the programme with us can be assured about the quality of learning they will receive."  

The programme begins with an induction which includes an individual training needs analysis to ensure a personalised and relevant training programme is developed.

The induction also includes an introduction to the extensive library and support facilities at the Ormskirk campus and outreach centres linked to local authorities and schools across the country. Library resources include journals, e-journals, books, e-books and postal loan access.  In addition, the University's Edge Ahead Centre can be utilised which provides information and resources to support all learners in relation to study skills and ICT.

Successful completion of the course will give practitioners both AMBDA and Approved Teacher (ATS) status, giving them the right to assess and make recommendations about provisions for external examinations. "There's no doubt that dyslexia-friendly practice is becoming more and more important," Chris concludes. "So, changing practice to accommodate dyslexic individuals definitely results in good practice for everyone, which can only be good for teaching as a whole."

For further information about Edge Hill's Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers programme (including AMBDA and ATS), please contact Chris Joynson (Partnership Development Co-ordinator) on 01695 584476 or Karen Boardman (Programme Leader for Dyslexia) on 01695 650844. Alternatively, email dyslexia@edgehill.ac.uk