Private Dyslexia Tuition.

Information for Parents and Tutors.

Many Local Dyslexia Associations hold a list of specialist dyslexia teachers working in their area. There are specialist dyslexia teaching centres in different parts of England and Wales. The BDA publishes a list of those who are Organisational Members.

PATOSS (Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties) has a national tutor index list available and is also able to arrange insurance for teachers.

Ground rules should be established from the start and both parties should satisfy themselves that the tutor is able to meet the child's needs and that they are able to relate well.

The following information may be used for guidelines.

Specialist Teaching.

• Teachers should be able to produce qualifications with dates, including Department for Education and Skills number if held.
• Details of experience of teaching dyslexic children are essential.
• One of the following specialist dyslexia teacher training qualification is preferable: (See SpLD courses accredited by BDA.)
• • An SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) Certificate qualification for either primary, secondary or adult levels. The level accredited should be indicated. (Holders of this diploma may be eligible to apply for ATS (Approved Teacher Status from BDA).
  • An SpLD Diploma which accredits all three levels. (Holders of this diploma may be eligible to apply for AMBDA (Associate Member of BDA).
• Teachers should be regularly updating their knowledge with courses, seminars and conferences etc. and they may like to be members of other specialist groups such as PATOSS.
• It should be possible for teachers to produce references on request which would be applicable to teaching the particular child.

Detail to consider.

• Would a multi-sensory structured programme such as Hickey, Alpha to Omega, etc., be used for literacy?
• Would it be appropriate for the specialist teacher to be familiar with the National Curriculum, or with particular GCSE syllabuses?
• Would study skills need to be taught?
• Would ICT be available and/or beneficial?
• Are there recommendations from a Chartered Educational Psychologist's Assessment to work from?
• Would the teacher be suitably qualified to make an assessment either for their own teaching purposes or otherwise, e.g. for provisions for examinations such as GCSE (SpLD Diploma holders only)?
• Would the teacher be required to write reports or be prepared to attend meetings at school or liase with the school
• Clarification needs to be established as to when, where and how frequently the lessons will take place. It is possible for a school to approve absence for an education activity including:

"franchised pupils receiving part of their tuition at another location while remaining under overall supervision of the home / school (i.e. a flexible arrangement short of formal dual registration). This can include special tuition for dyslexic children and sick children being taught at home but remaining on roll." DfES, formerly DfEE, Circular 10/99.

• Would the parent want to observe the lessons?
• Would homework be set with guidelines for parental assistance?

Fees and Conditions.

• It needs to be established as to whether the lessons will be on an individual or group basis.
• Duration of lessons and fees together with payment arrangements need to be agreed.
• Parents need to be informed as to whether there will be cancellation fees or additional charges for materials.
• Agreement is needed as to how frequently verbal or written reports might be produced and whether these would be chargeable. Progress should be reviewed regularly, e.g. termly or at six monthly intervals with reports.
• Insurance for the teacher would be advisable. PATOSS is able to arrange this.
• Certificates confirming police checks should be obtained. Those teachers employed by a DfES registered school should have this already in place.
• Both verbal and written references should be readily available.

Useful Contacts.
Applications for ATS and AMBDA can be made to the BDA.
Tel: Administration 0118 966 2677.
Email: admin@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
Tel: 020 7925 5000 Web: www.dfes.gov.uk/

PATOSS The Professional Ass'n of Teachers of Students with SpLD
Tel: 01386 712 650 Fax: 01386 712 716
E-mail: patoss@evesham.ac.uk Web: www.patoss-dyslexia.org

See BDA information:

see BDA Organisational Members

SpLD courses accredited by BDA.

Criteria for recognition of specialist teachers

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Page updated 28 February 2008