How to become a specialist teacher with BDA accreditation
Contents
Accredited Tutor Status FE-HE
What is ATS FE-HE?
Accredited Tutor Status Further/Higher Education (ATS FE-HE) can be applied for on successful completion of a BDA accredited course for teaching learners with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia aged 18 or over in a further/higher educational setting.
Holders of this accreditation are recognised as specialist tutors able to conduct informal, curriculum based assessments and deliver specialist teaching/tutoring programmes to learners aged 18 and over, including adults.
Who can apply for ATS FE-HE?
Applicants that have successfully completed a BDA accredited course for ATS FE-HE within the last three years, and have a minimum of two years (1,900 hours) relevant professional experience teaching/supporting learners aged 18 or over in FE/HE settings. This may be a full-time or part-time posts.
You may also apply for ATS FE-HE via an Individual Merit route if you have significant experience in the teaching of learners with SpLD, and have completed an SpLD course more than 5 years ago, however this should not be seen as an alternative to taking a course in teaching learners with SpLD/dyslexia.
How to apply for ATS FE-HE
To apply for ATS FE/HE start your online application via the Professional Membership page:
- You will need a completed and signed Tutor form from your course leader to upload
- Read and agree to adhere to the BDA Code of Ethics
- If your employer is paying please request an invoice.
Courses accredited for ATS FE-HE
Courses are delivered at postgraduate Level 7 unless stated otherwise.
Course provider | More information |
| PASSHE - Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialists in Higher Education (formerly ADSHE) | Level 5: Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Differences in FE/HE |
| University of Birmingham (eLearning) | PG Cert Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (ATS FE/HE) |
| British Dyslexia Association | Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia; Literacy, Support and Intervention |
University of Chester | |
Dyslexia Action (Blended learning) | Level 7 Professional Certificate in Structured Teaching Intervention for Dyslexia and Literacy Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy |
Edge Hill University | |
University of South Wales | Postgraduate Diploma SEN/ALN (Specific Learning Difficulties) |
What's next?
AMBDA FE-HE
On successful completion of an ATS FE-HE course specialist tutors can apply for courses leading to AMBDA FE-HE which will enable them to conduct formal diagnostic assessments, write diagnostic reports and assess for Exam Access Arrangements. To find out more visit the AMBDA webpage.
Keeping ATS FE-HE 'Active'
Holders of BDA accreditations must keep their practice up to date and submit CPD every three years on the anniversary of their award. Find out more, visit the BDA CPD webpage.