Free Online Dyslexia Course

Develop a clearer understanding of dyslexia and how it can affect learning with this flexible free online dyslexia course from Oxford Home Study Centre. The course introduces the characteristics associated with dyslexia, its possible effects on learners and general strategies that may support participation in the classroom.

Dyslexia can affect reading, writing, spelling, memory, organisation and information processing in different ways. These differences do not indicate low intelligence or limited potential. With appropriate teaching, reasonable adjustments and encouragement, learners with dyslexia can build on their strengths and participate more confidently in education.

This introductory course may be useful for teaching assistants, prospective classroom-support staff, parents, carers and anyone seeking a better understanding of dyslexia. It does not require previous teaching or special educational needs experience.

Course access, online learning materials and required assignments are provided without a course fee. The estimated study duration is 20 hours, and learners may begin at any time. Optional certification is available to purchase following successful completion.

Interested in related subjects? Compare OHSC’s free teaching assistant courses or explore the complete selection of online courses.

Dyslexia and Classroom Learning

A pupil with dyslexia may understand a subject well but find it difficult to demonstrate that understanding through reading or written work. Tasks involving copying from a board, remembering a sequence of instructions or producing written answers under time pressure may present particular challenges.

Supportive practice may include presenting instructions clearly, breaking longer activities into manageable stages and allowing sufficient processing time. Some learners may benefit from visual prompts, structured worksheets or assistive technology where approved and available.

Teaching assistants should follow the methods agreed by the class teacher, special educational needs coordinator and other responsible professionals. Adjustments need to reflect the individual pupil rather than being applied automatically to everyone with dyslexia.

Supporting Confidence and Wellbeing

Repeated difficulty with reading, spelling or written tasks can affect a learner’s confidence. A pupil may become reluctant to contribute, avoid particular activities or compare their performance unfavourably with that of classmates.

Support should be encouraging without drawing unnecessary attention to the learner. Recognising genuine effort, providing clear feedback and creating realistic opportunities for success can help pupils remain engaged.

Teaching assistants should not diagnose anxiety, depression or another mental-health condition. Concerns about a learner’s emotional wellbeing must be handled through the school’s safeguarding and support procedures.

Screening, Assessment and Diagnosis

Recognising that a pupil may be experiencing difficulty is not the same as diagnosing dyslexia. Teachers and teaching assistants can record observations and raise concerns through the appropriate school channels, but formal assessment must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional.

Screening can help identify whether further investigation may be appropriate, but it does not always provide a diagnosis. The learner’s history, educational experience and wider needs may also need to be considered.

This distinction is important because reading or writing difficulties can have several causes. Support staff should avoid assigning a label and should instead report factual observations to the responsible teacher or special educational needs coordinator.

How Online Study Works

Enrolment is available throughout the year. Once registered, learners can access the course and its learning materials through the online platform.

The course is self-paced, enabling learners to organise study around employment, family responsibilities and other commitments. Its estimated duration is 20 hours, although individual completion times may differ.

Learners should work through the supplied material carefully and complete the required assignments. Internet access is necessary to use the learning platform and submit course work.

Assessment and Course Completion

Assessment is carried out through the assignments provided with the course. These are based on the learning materials and must be completed successfully before optional certification can be requested.

Course completion demonstrates that the learner has met the requirements of this introductory programme. It does not confer qualified-teacher status, specialist assessor status or authority to diagnose dyslexia.

Professional and Safeguarding Clarification

This short course provides introductory educational awareness. It does not qualify a learner to:

• Diagnose dyslexia or another learning difference
• Conduct a formal diagnostic assessment
• Work as a specialist dyslexia assessor
• Practise as a teacher, psychologist or therapist
• Independently determine a pupil’s educational provision
• Replace advice from qualified education or healthcare professionals

Anyone working with children must follow their organisation’s safeguarding policy, professional boundaries and reporting procedures. Concerns about a child’s learning, safety or wellbeing should be referred to the appropriate responsible person.

Further Teaching Assistant Study

This course focuses on general dyslexia awareness. Learners seeking more extensive study of targeted support for dyslexic pupils may wish to compare it with the separate Supporting Children with Dyslexia programme.

A wider selection of free introductory options is available through OHSC’s free teaching assistant course hub. Learners looking for longer or higher-level programmes can review the available teaching assistant courses online.

Further qualifications, supervised experience, safeguarding training or background checks may be required for particular roles. Requirements should be confirmed with the relevant employer or institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dyslexia course free?

Yes. Enrolment, online access, learning materials and required assignments are provided without a course fee. Optional certification is purchased separately.

Is a free certificate included?

No. Learners may choose to purchase a certificate after successfully completing the course. Current prices, formats and delivery charges should be checked before ordering.

Do I need teaching experience?

No. The course is introductory and open to learners from all backgrounds.

How long does the course take?

The estimated duration is 20 hours. Learners study independently, so actual completion times may vary.

Can I study entirely online?

Yes. The course materials and required assignments are accessed through the online learning platform.

Does the course qualify me to diagnose dyslexia?

No. Formal diagnosis and specialist assessment must be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals.

Will this course qualify me as a teaching assistant?

No. It provides introductory knowledge but does not award qualified-teacher status or guarantee eligibility for a teaching-assistant position.

What is the difference between this course and Supporting Children with Dyslexia?

This course provides a concise introduction to dyslexia, its possible effects and general classroom considerations. Supporting Children with Dyslexia is a separate programme with its own syllabus and course requirements.

Can parents and carers take the course?

Yes. The course is open to parents, carers and anyone interested in understanding how dyslexia may affect learning.

Does every learner with dyslexia need the same support?

No. Dyslexia affects individuals differently. Support should be based on the learner’s assessed needs, preferences and agreed educational provision.

Can this course replace specialist training?

No. Anyone responsible for specialist assessment or provision may require further qualifications, professional training and supervised experience.

Begin Your Dyslexia Awareness Studies

Build an introductory understanding of dyslexia, explore potential barriers to learning and consider how appropriate classroom support can encourage participation and confidence.

Enrol in the free dyslexia course today and begin studying online at your preferred pace.