How to become a specialist teacher
Contents
Accredited Learning Support Assistant (ALSA)
What is ALSA?
Accredited Learning Support Assistant (ALSA) provides learning support assistants with the skills to support dyslexic children in the classroom, under the supervision of the class teacher.
These courses are often delivered as a module as part of a university undergraduate course in education or by a local authority in association with a university. Currently they are taught at level 4, 5 and 6.
How to apply for ALSA
To apply for an ALSA certificate you will need to start your online application via the Application box on the right of this page.
- You will need to pay the certificate fee of £50 via the credit/debit card link in the application process
- If your employer/school is paying complete the invoice option in the application process
Courses accredited for ALSA
Course provider | More information |
Bath Spa University | Level 6 Module: Professional Practice: Supporting the Dyslexic Learning in the Classroom |
Access to Education, Birmingham LEA in partnership with Newman University | |
| University of Chester | Level 6 Module: Specialist Support for Professional Development within the BA (Hons) Special Education and Disabilities |
| Liverpool Hope University | Level 4 - Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) for Support Assistants |
Wrexham Glyndŵr University | |
University of South Wales | BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Practice - Year 2 Inclusive Practice in Early Years module |
What's next?
ALSA candidates can go on to take an accredited course at Approved Teacher Status (ATS) and Approved Practitioner Status (APS) and/or Approved Teacher Status Dyscalculia (ATD); Approved Practitioner Status Dyscalculia (APD)
To find out more visit the BDA ATS webpage or the BDA APS webpage
To find out more visit the BDA ATD webpage or the BDA APD webpage