Course Overview

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) often work with children who, alongside care needs, may also have learning differences such as dyslexia. This course is designed to help SNAs understand dyslexia and its impact so they can support access, participation, and independence within their role and under teacher direction.

With a practical, role-appropriate approach, this course provides clear information about what dyslexia is, how it affects children, and the challenges it can create in the classroom. SNAs will learn strategies to assist with organisation, emotional well-being, and the use of assistive tools—always with the goal of enabling the child to engage in learning and develop independence.

This course is also of interest to teachers working with students with Dyslexia.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand what dyslexia is, dispel common misconceptions, and recognise its impact on learning and well-being.
• Identify ways SNAs can support participation in classroom activities under teacher guidance, without taking on a teaching role.
• Promote confidence and emotional well-being through reassurance, encouragement, and strategies that foster self-esteem and resilience.
• Explore assistive tools (e.g., text-to-speech, audiobooks) and understand how to help students access them appropriately.
• Support organisational skills to help children follow routines and participate actively in lessons.
• Engage in reflective practice to ensure support remains aligned with the SNA role and the principles of promoting independence.