Professional Accreditation
Accredited Learning Support Assistant (ALSA)
What is ALSA?
Accredited Learning Support Assistant (ALSA) accredited courses equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide effective support for learners with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties within educational settings under the guidance of the class teacher.
ALSA accreditation offers formal recognition of this specialist knowledge and demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed support to learners. Holding ALSA accreditation can help practitioners showcase their expertise, enhance their professional profile and provide assurance to employers, schools and families that they have completed recognised training in supporting learners with dyslexia.
These courses are commonly delivered as part of an undergraduate education programmes at universities or through local authority partnerships with higher education providers. They are currently available at levels 4, 5 and 6.
How to apply for ALSA
To apply for an ALSA accreditation please start your online application via the application box on the right of this page.
- There is a fee of £25 which you will need to pay via the credit/debit card link within the application process
- If your employer/school is paying please select the invoice option in the application process
To maintain ALSA and ensure practitioners remain up to date with current guidance and best practice, accreditation is renewed every three years through the submission of continuing professional development (CPD) log. This process supports ongoing professional learning and helps practitioners continue to provide effective, informed support to learners with specific learning difficulties.
To renew please complete and submit the CPD log available here.
Completed CPD logs should be emailed to accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk a payment link for £25 will be issued once your renewal application has been received.
Courses accredited for ALSA
| 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 | Level 4: Lead Practitioner for Individual Learning Needs |
| University of Chester | Level 6 Module: Specialist Support for Professional Development within the BA (Hons) Special Education and Disabilities |
| The Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Academy | Level 4 - Dyslexia Certificate |
| Liverpool Hope University | Level 4 - Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) for Support Assistants |
| Positive Dyslexia | Level 3 - Accredited Learning Support Assistant |
| Wrexham Glyndŵr University | Supporting Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties |
| 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 Accredited Teacher/Practitioner Status (ATS/APS) and/or Accredited Teacher/Practitioner Dyscalculia (ATD/APD)