News

We had a fantastic day yesterday at The Dyslexia Guild Online Conference! 

This event provided a valuable platform to explore current trends and expert insights in literacy and dyslexia/SpLD. We would like to express our gratitude to the speakers and panellists for their insightful presentations and engaging discussions and a huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event such a success!

A quick recap:

The conference kicked off with a warm welcome and introduction by Dr. Anna Smith, Head of The Dyslexia Guild, followed by four excellent main speakers:

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We are excited to announce our Dyslexia Guild Annual Online Conference, which will be held on Wednesday 3 July 2024.
The conference offers the opportunity to hear expert views and examine current topical issues relating to literacy, numeracy and dyslexia/SpLD. 

You will have the chance to listen to our four key-note speakers, who will inform you about issues relating to your practice, including why we struggle with maths, the links between dyslexia and anxiety, dyslexia with English as a second language, and a project exploring how neurodivergent young people are at risk of depression. You will also have the opportunity to attend some additional sessions, including an exploration into the free Guild members toolkit and the latest updates from the Dyslexia Action Shop.
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By Jan Beechey, Guild Librarian

It was this time in Spring 1994 – exactly thirty years ago – that The Dyslexia Guild was first established. In the early nineties, knowledge and understanding of dyslexia was expanding with many state schools offering dedicated support. However, the nature of this support varied hugely from setting to setting. The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) had also been introduced in 1993 so it was increasingly important for young people to receive an accurate assessment of need.

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What a wonderful day it was at our first Dyslexia Guild Online Conference! An opportunity to hear expert views and examine current topical issues relating to literacy and dyslexia/SpLD. Thank you to the speakers and panellists for providing an insightful and engaging day. It was inspiring to hear about your products, services and expertise and witness the vibrant communication and discussions.

The day started off with a welcome and introduction from Head of The Dyslexia Guild, Dr Anna Smith. We had four excellent speakers – Mr. Irfaan Adamally, an accredited member and chairman of the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists gave his presentation on Vision & Learning – Beyond 20/20. Jean-Philippe van Dijck, an experimental (neuro) psychologist with a PhD in Psychology, presented his findings regarding Working Memory and Maths Anxiety. One of our own tutors, Jessica Jarman – who works on our renowned Dyslexia Action specialist teaching and assessment programmes, informed us on Supporting EAL Learners with Dyslexia. Lastly, John Casey and Diane Gardner from Citizen Literacy, demonstrated their free, phonics-based learner web app and new Tutor Platform that offer many ground-breaking teaching tools for literacy development with adults. 

Here are a few words about the day from our attendees 

‘An interesting range of speakers bringing their viewpoints to the discussion; inclusion of theory as well as practical suggestions for practice; I am left feeling well informed’

‘I liked the variety of presentations. Loved the vision impact information and the last lecture including EAL students which is extremely relevant to my work with bilingual students.’ 

‘High profile speakers on topics that are relevant for SEN support ‘on the ground’, equipping professionals at different levels’

We would like to thank our Exhibitors: 

• The Dyslexia Action Shop 
• Real Training 
• Dyslexia Action Training 
• The British Association of Behavioural Optometrists 
• Fonetti 
• Sporting Futures Training 
• The Makaton Charity

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. Roll on next year!

Join us online on Thursday, 6 July 2023 for a chance to hear expert views and examine current topical issues relating to literacy and dyslexia/SpLD. 

You’ll have the chance to listen to our speakers, who will inform you about issues related to your practice and you will have the opportunity to meet with and hear from our exhibitors in the breaks, including our very own Dyslexia Action Shop.

We are also providing a drop-in room where experts will be available for you to put questions to. Why not benefit from taking time out of your daily schedule to learn, debate and reflect on cutting-edge practice. The sessions will be recorded to watch back. 

Find out more about our speakers on our dedicated web page here. Our booking form will stay open until 5 July at midday. Invoices need to be processed by 18 June. 

We are pleased to confirm that attendance at our conference this year will now count towards your SASC approved 5 CPD hours.

The Dyslexia Guild Online Conference 2023 is open to everyone, however, you can attend at a discounted rate if you are a member of The Dyslexia Guild. Our membership body is open to all those with a professional or general interest in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLD). 

The Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Conference was held on Friday 8 July 2022 at the University of Bath. After three years, it was great to finally meet face-to-face again and network with our wonderful members!

The conference provided a great opportunity to meet with dyslexia/SpLD specialists and discuss topical issues relating to literacy, maths, dyslexia and so much more. This year is extra special as we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dyslexia Action! Our logo transformed from yellow to gold as our attendees celebrated with some delicious cupcakes. We had a number of speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics: 

Visual processing in children with dyslexia and children with autism – Dr. Catherine Manning

Including all learners in schools through student-teacher dialogues – Professor Kiki Messiou

Dyslexia and the Phonology-Reading Disconnection Hypothesis: Why It Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story! – Dr Valerie Muter 

Making mathematics fun through creativity and toys – Professor Chris Budd OBE

Online Teaching – Showcasing the Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) Rachel Adkins, Katy Parnell and Tania Rogers (Available to purchase)

Here’s what our delegates had to say about the presentations:

“Interesting and engaging. Theories and knowledge could be applied to all ages which made it very applicable”

“Gained more insight into differences between single and multiple deficit models to inform my practice”

We would like to thank our exhibitors for joining us, including:

Auris Tech                        British Association of Behavioural Optometrists

Phonic Books                   SEN Books 

Dyslexia Action Shop

Plans are now in full-swing for the 2023 conference which we plan to hold in London! Keep an eye out for the dates, venues and location on our website and across all our social media channels.

The Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Guild Conference will be held on Friday 8 July 2022 at the University of Bath. The Dyslexia Guild membership body, welcomes all those with a professional interest in dyslexia and SpLDs, including specialist teachers and assessors, psychologists, learning support tutors and assistants. Guild members enjoy a preferential rate and we welcome new members to our community from all settings. 

The conference provides, as always, a great opportunity to meet and network with dyslexia/SpLD specialists, it enables practitioners to hear expert views and examine current topical issues relating to literacy and dyslexia/SpLD in a warm and vibrant conference setting. 

What can I expect during the Dyslexia Guild Annual Summer Conference?

You can expect a warm welcome from our friendly Dyslexia Guild and Dyslexia Action teams, meet researchers and other professionals working in the sector, browse our Dyslexia Action Shop and a selection of other exhibitors, and enjoy a networking lunch. Why not benefit from taking time out of your daily schedule to learn, debate and reflect on cutting-edge practice. An attendance certificate will be provided for your CPD portfolio. View our brochure to give you an idea of what to expect from the day.

Speakers

Confirmed speakers are Dr Valerie Muter, Dr Catherine Manning, Professor Kiki Messiou, Professor Chris Budd OBE. Topics include playful maths, mental wellbeing, literacy difficulties, inclusion, and autism. 

Select your preferred option for attendance – Thursday 7 July and Friday 8 July
Includes evening (networking) two-course buffet dinner, small double ensuite accommodation Thursday evening (Woodlands Court), breakfast, conference, lunch and refreshments Friday.

• Guild Members £165+VAT (£198 inc. VAT)
  Non-Guild Members £195+VAT (£234 inc. VAT)

Select your preferred option for attendance – Friday 8 July – Day Delegate
Includes Friday Conference only, refreshments and lunch.

• Guild Members   £95+VAT (£114 inc. VAT)
• Non-Guild Members £145+VAT (£174 inc. VAT) 

Not yet a member of the Dyslexia Guild? Join now to attend at the member rate.

Full details can be found here

Please note: if you are joining the Guild to receive the members’ conference rate you must join and have confirmation of your membership BEFORE you register for the annual summer conference, the discount cannot be applied in retrospect.

For a detailed brochure and to book your place click here

Dyslexia Action Training are delighted to announce the launch of their validated Master of Education: Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy and its related programmes.

This online distance learning programme was developed and is delivered and assessed, by Dyslexia Action Training.

Dyslexia Action’s validated Postgraduate Programme is awarded and quality assured by Middlesex University. The Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma programmes are also recognised by several professional SpLD membership bodies for accredited specialist teacher/practitioner/assessor status (subject to approval).

Our next cohort starts in April 2022. Read more here.

How is Dyslexia Action’s validated Postgraduate Programme delivered?

The MEd Professional Practice programmes use the VLE Moodle and will allow candidates to benefit from expert tutor support through forums and connect with their peers.

Learn whilst you study, with our practice-led approach helping embed your new theoretical knowledge in your real-world circumstances. Some of the six-month modules may also require you to be involved in practical teaching and assessment whilst others are more theoretically based.

The core curriculum is delivered by means of a range of e-learning resources. These include presentations, articles, exercises, videos and follow-up activities and tasks for participants to carry out at intervals.

There is no attendance required for this course or expectations to be online at specific times for ‘live’ learning. This gives candidates the flexibility to organise their study time around professional and personal commitments.

Other benefits

Exclusive access to the Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP), a comprehensive specialist literacy programme for SpLD Specialist Teachers.  DALP provides a pathway for learners with literacy difficulties of all ages, through individual placement identification

Candidates will automatically become student members of The Dyslexia Guild for the first year of their course while they are actively studying on a Professional Certificate or Diploma Programme with Dyslexia Action.

Would you like to become a member of the Dyslexia Guild?  Join now to attend at the member rate. Full details can be found here.

Celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Week is an amazing opportunity for us to continue to promote conversations, information and research for those whose interest is to help support learners with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week, our sister company Dyslexia Action Training has put together some information for professionals who have an interest in Dyslexia and SpLD training or becoming part of a professional body. The full article is available to read here. 

Four Key Facts About The Dyslexia Guild 

There are many SpLD membership organisations including The Dyslexia Guild, the British Dyslexia Association, PATOSS and ADSHe.  All have the same goal but can offer different benefits.

1. Established in 1994, The Dyslexia Guild is a network of SpLD professionals who are keen to maintain contact and further their specialist teaching, assessment and support for those with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. The Dyslexia Guild aims to promote discussion, information and research as well as keeping members informed of developments in the field through publication and distribution.
2. Our members. Professional members include primary and secondary teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants as well as Further and Higher Education support tutors and advisory specialists. Our network is also highly relevant to dyslexia and specific learning disability assessors, librarians and other specialists through Affiliate membership.
3. Membership Benefits.  Gaining professional membership with The Dyslexia Guild allows its members to access a wealth of benefits to its members including access to a range of publications available through our unique online library, membership journal, and e-newsletter, discounted professional development, and online forums. Members benefit from post-nominals as well as the unique heritage of this specialist professional body. 
4. Join Today. The Dyslexia Guild provides a wealth of benefits to its members including online forums, a vibrant annual conference and a range of publications available through our unique online library, membership journal, and e-newsletter. Members benefit from post-nominals as well as the unique heritage of this specialist professional organisation, If you are not a member but you are considering starting your journey towards gaining professional membership, you can join the Guild here.

Support reading skills during 2021 World Book Day

The recent and ongoing pandemic has changed the way we currently teach our children. It has often been challenging for parents and teachers to consistently provide suitable educational resources to help pupils continue to develop their skills. Recent articles and resources shared by education professionals highlight the importance of supporting pupils’ wellbeing during this unprecedented time. Focusing on educational resources that can help support reading skills and implementing strategies that encourage children to read for pleasure at home has been crucial. 

A recent survey by the National Literacy Trust found that 59.3% of children and young people told us during the first lockdown that reading makes them feel better. This survey shows that today, on World Book Day, it has never been more important to celebrate the love of books and reading with children and young people.  

What is World Book Day? 

Launched by UNESCO in 1995, World Book Day was created as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. It is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The first World Book Day in the UK and Ireland took place in 1997 to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading. This event aims to promote books and reading skills in educational establishments by letting children wear a fancy dress of a character that inspires them. This year, over 15 million £1 World Book Day book tokens will be distributed to children and young people around the country via their schools. Other activities include the possibility of attending live virtual events and online masterclasses.

Find out more about how Dyslexia Action Training courses can help support reading skills

Dyslexia Action is a leading provider of specialist SpLD teacher/practitioner training and specialist SpLD teacher/practitioner assessor training. We offer a range of pathways to achieve specialist teacher/practitioner assessor accredited status. Our courses are designed to strengthen the expertise and confidence of teachers, SENCOs, practitioners, teaching assistants, learning support staff, language therapists, tutors, and lecturers who support students with literacy difficulties, dyslexia, and other specific learning difficulties (SpLD).

me useful links to our main areas of training where you will find details for our courses and useful syllabus brochures for each course:

• CPD Programme – 3-star winner of the Teach Secondary Awards 2020
• Routes to train as a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner at Level 5 or Level 7
• A Route to train as a Specialist SpLD Assessor
• MEd Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy
• Courses for Qualified SpLD Specialist Teacher/Assessors

The Dyslexia Guild

You may also be interested in membership in The Dyslexia Guild. This membership organisation is open to those with a general interest in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties and is a SASC APC awarding body. 

Access professional resources, support forums, and advice, membership also includes free access to our specialist library/National Dyslexia Resource Centre.  

Membership also offers many other benefits including designatory letters and listing in our professional directory.

The Dyslexia Action Shop

You may have noticed that the Dyslexia Action Shop has many new and popular psychological assessments and resources available.  

As a result of continuing surveys and discussions with customers, the shop team is pleased to announce that the ART3ED-Product Range, Access Reading Tests, Third Edition can now be purchased via the Shop website.

Real Group and The National Tutoring Programme

One way that we are currently able to support literacy skills is by being part of the National Tutoring Programme, as lead partners in the Professional Tutoring Partnership. We are the only provider with all tutors being specialist teachers. Visit the website to learn more about our SpLD-specialist tutoring provision, available nationwide and subsidised by the NTP.