1. Introduction.
2. The BDA Accreditation Board.
3. Submitting an application.
4. Continuing Professional Development.
5. Queries,
1. Introduction.
The BDA does not run any specialist courses for teachers or learning support assistants. However, we do accredit specialist courses run by other institutions.
In this section you can find out about BDA accredited courses for:
You can also read more about the criteria for gaining AMBDA, ATS or their FE/HE equivalents.
2. The BDA Accreditation Board.
The Accreditation Board underpins the highest level work of the BDA within educational terms. Accreditation through this Board is recognised as the accolade in teacher training internationally and is held in high regard by UK government bodies.
All courses and individuals seeking accreditation must have their application approved by the Accreditation Board. To do this they must meet rigorous criteria at AMBDA or ATS level, or their FE/HE equivalents.
You can read more about the Board and its work here.
3. Submitting an Application.
a. Individual applications.
b. Course applications.
c. Deadlines for submissions.
a. Individual Applications.
Individual recognition at one of the levels below is available to anyone who meets the appropriate criteria in full.
- AMBDA .
- ATS.
- AMBDA FE/HE .
- ATS FE/HE .
- Individual Merit checklist
- Individual Merit Guidelines
To make an application you need to complete application forms. There is one form for you to complete and one for your tutor on your specialist course. Both forms are available by emailing the BDA or telephoning 0845 251 9003. Please note these forms are not available to download from this website.
The cost of applying for any of the above awards is £70. Individual Merit is £100. The cost of submitting an application for AMBDA Overseas is £75. All fees are made as a one off payment and are non refundable.
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b. Course Applications.
Courses for Teachers and Other Professionals (AMBDA or ATS).
Courses for Learning Support Assistants (ALSA).
Courses for Teachers and Other Professionals.
The BDA Accreditation Board will review the content of any course submitted for approval. If it meets the appropriate criteria, your course will gain BDA accreditation. This means your students have the chance to apply for BDA recognition.
Before submitting your course documentation for review, please ensure that you have read the:
1. Guidelines (these apply to all levels of courses).
2. Checklist.
3. Criteria appropriate to the level of your course.
There are also guidelines for video/DVD evidence and information about course validation.
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Courses for Learning Support Assistants.
The BDA Accreditation Board also accredits course for learning support assistants. Once your course has gained accreditation, your students can gain recognition at ALSA level (Accredited Learning Support Assistant).
The fee for ALSA is £50, which is a one off payment and is non refundable.
For more information about these courses, please refer to the:
1. Guidelines.
2. Checklist.
3. ALSA criteria.
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Deadlines for Submissions.
The Accreditation Board meets 3 times every year to consider individual and course applications. We set a deadline of approximately one month before each meeting for receipt of all documentation.
The deadlines are as follows:
Applications must be received by 5 December 2008 for January 2009 meeting.
Or 3 April 2009 for the May 2009 meeting.
If you miss a deadline, your application will be considered at the following meeting.
Please note that individual applications will only be considered if both the Candidate Form and Tutor Forms are completed, signed and received by the deadline. Full payment must also be received.
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4. Continuing Professional Development.
The awards of either Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) or Approved Teacher Status (ATS) indicate that their holders have a high level of understanding of dyslexia and professional competence in teaching and supporting dyslexic learners. As with all professions, it is important both for the continuing credibility of the designation and the provision of accurate information for ‘consumers’, that these understandings and competencies are up to date and current. Both are of equal importance. The BDA must be able to confirm, when asked, that for any holder of a designation this is so.
The BDA Accreditation Board is pleased to note that the impact of dyslexia on learners of all ages is now increasingly recognised. Also there are increasing developments in its understanding and methods of teaching and support, stemming from those developments. Consequently the Accreditation Board has decided that every three years holders of AMBDA and ATS should be asked to demonstrate the Professional Development Activities and direct teaching they have undertaken so as to remain conversant with knowledge, skills and professional competence required of them in their specialist teaching role.
Please click on the links below to download the full pack you will require:
1. AMBDA and ATS Continuing Professional Development Covering Letter.
2. Guidelines for recording Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
3. Continuing Professional Development Portfolio.
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5. Queries.
If you have any queries on any aspect of BDA accreditation please contact 0845 251 9003.
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Page updated: 22 August 2008