The Reality of Being a Dyslexia Assessor

Being a Dyslexia Assessor is rewarding - but it can also be relentless. The field changes constantly, the responsibility is significant, and for many assessors, the work can feel surprisingly lonely. If any of the following sound familiar, you are in exactly the right place.

Professional workspace
◆ Keeping up feels like a full-time job
SASC guidance changes, new report formats land, tests are updated and you're expected to stay on top of all of it while still running a full caseload. It's exhausting trying to keep up on your own.
◆ You're working in professional isolation
When you get a tricky profile or an unusual case, there's nobody in the next office to turn to. Most assessors work independently, and that can leave you second-guessing yourself when it matters most.
◆ The 2025 report changes have left you unsure
The new report format guidance has been a steep learning curve for even the most experienced assessors. If you're still not fully confident in what SASC expects, you are not alone and it's not your fault.
◆ CPD feels expensive and disjointed
Booking individual courses and webinars adds up quickly, and it can still feel like you're never quite doing enough. You need something that gives you consistent, quality development without the constant outlay.

If any of these resonate, DITTAS Mastermind Membership was built for you.

Everything you need in One Place

Your DITTAS Mastermind Membership gives you immediate access to all of the following:

  • Half-Termly Expert Training

    Join Sarah or a guest specialist each half term for focused training on assessment, tests, EAA, tutoring or business. All sessions are recorded so you never miss out

  • Monthly Q&A Sessions

    Bring your real questions, tricky profiles and genuine dilemmas to Sarah and the community. Nothing is off limits. If you can't attend live, post your questions in advance on the Facebook page, they will be answered.

  • A Rich Resource Bank

    Every DITTAS webinar and course is included in your membership including SASC-authorised CPD. Access an ever-growing library of recordings, handouts and resources at any time

  • Private Members Community

    A supportive, confidential Facebook group exclusively for DITTAS Mastermind members for questions and discussion. Plus dedicated Slack peer support groups where you can connect with fellow professionals who truly understand your work.

  • Monthly Drop-in Sessions

    Once a month, join a live drop-in coaching session on Zoom to get quick answers to anything that's come up. If you're unable to join on Zoom, WhatsApp is available so you don't miss out on support.

  • Mentoring Discount

    Members receive 10% off all 1:1 mentoring with Sarah, including APC mentoring and profile discussion calls, so you can access personalised support whenever you need it most.

About Sarah Beard

APC, AMBDA, Founder of DITTAS Training

With over 30 years as a Dyslexia Specialist, my journey began in 1996 as a private tutor supporting children with Dyslexia. Over the years I qualified as an assessor, led OCR Level 5 and Level 7 courses, and in 2010 launched DITTAS Training, combining assessment, tutoring, and specialist CPD for dyslexia professionals.

Dyslexia is not just my profession, it is personal. Several members of my own family, including two of my adult children, have Dyslexia or ADHD, and I have identified as Dyspraxic myself. This lived experience shapes everything I do and the way I support the professionals I train.

Today I dedicate my time to assessments, webinars, mentoring and running DITTAS Mastermind, because I know how isolating and overwhelming this work can be, and I genuinely want every assessor to feel supported, confident and connected.

Join DITTAS Mastermind Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about DITTAS Mastermind Membership

Absolutely. DITTAS Mastermind is designed to support assessors at every stage, whether newly qualified and building confidence, or experienced and wanting to stay at the forefront of best practice. We offer a special Newly Qualified Assessor rate of £150 for six months for those in their first year of practice.
Yes! We offer a special Student Membership rate of £99 for six months, designed specifically for those still working towards their qualification.
Yes. Monthly plan members can cancel any time and retain full access until the end of their billing period. The Newly Qualified Assessor, Student and Annual plans are one off payments and do not auto-renew.
No. All training sessions and Q&As are recorded. If you cannot attend a Q&A live, post your questions in advance on the Facebook page and they will be answered in the session.
Yes. Training sessions, Q&As and SASC authorised courses can all be used as CPD evidence. SASC core hour certificates are available for a small additional fee.
Yes. Sarah provides one to one support during the monthly drop-in sessions on Zoom. WhatsApp is also available for those who cannot join on Zoom.
Yes, please contact Sarah at [email protected] and she will help you make the switch.

Ready to Feel Confident, Connected and Current?

Join a growing community of Dyslexia Assessors who are already benefiting from expert training, real answers and genuine support every single month. Cancel your monthly subscription any time. Immediate access on sign up.