New Assessor Accelerator
A comprehensive on-demand training programme to help you carry out high-quality dyslexia assessments with confidence.
Is This You?
Starting out as a dyslexia assessor is one of the most rewarding steps in your career. It can also be one of the most overwhelming. If any of the following sound familiar, the New Assessor Accelerator was built for you.
You are not sure where to start with assessments
You know you need to carry out diagnostic assessments but the process feels complex and the stakes feel high. You want a clear, structured approach you can follow with confidence.
You are returning to assessment after a break
The field has changed. New report formats, updated SASC guidance and the 2025 changes mean that even experienced assessors need to refresh their knowledge before returning to practice.
You struggle with statistics
Confidence intervals, significance, prevalence and unexpectedness, interpreting statistical data is one of the biggest challenges for new assessors. You are not alone.
Your report writing needs work
Writing clear, evidence-based reports and making well-supported diagnostic decisions is a skill in itself. Getting it right from the start will save you significant time and stress.
You lack confidence in making diagnostic decisions
Knowing how to interpret your results and translate them into a clear, defensible diagnosis is something many new assessors find daunting. The New Assessor Accelerator gives you a step-by-step framework to follow.
If any of these resonate, the New Assessor Accelerator was designed for you.
What the Video Modules Cover
The programme covers every stage of the dyslexia assessment process in a clear, structured sequence.
✓ Planning your assessment
✓ Designing questionnaires and writing your background
✓ Assessing language, reasoning, cognitive processing and attainment
✓ Writing the main body of the report
✓ Writing the diagnostic decision
✓ Recommendations and appendices
✓ Understanding statistics in dyslexia assessment
✓ Avoiding common mistakes made by new assessors
Bonus Support Included With Every Enrolment
As well as the full training programme, every enrolment includes a package of additional support.
Three Months DITTAS Mastermind Membership
Three months complimentary access to the DITTAS Mastermind Membership, including expert training sessions, monthly Q&A, live drop-in sessions with Sarah and a supportive community of dyslexia assessors. Taken at any point during your 12-month access period.
50% Off One-to-One Mentoring
Receive 50% off a two-hour one-to-one mentoring session with Sarah, taken during your enrolment period. Personalised support exactly when you need it.
Live Group Q&A Every Term
Access to a live group question and answer session every term where you can bring your questions and get direct answers from Sarah.
Slack Support with Sarah
Ask questions as you work through the programme via Slack, with access to Sarah for guidance and support throughout your enrolment.
Saving of Over £165
By enrolling in the New Assessor Accelerator you are saving over £165 on the individual cost of all components included in the programme.
Your Trainer, Sarah Beard
The New Assessor Accelerator is delivered by Sarah Beard, APC, AMBDA, a dyslexia specialist assessor, tutor and trainer with over 30 years of experience in Specific Learning Difficulties. Sarah has trained over 300 teachers and assessors and was the first in the UK to offer the OCR Level 5 course in a remote format.
She understands exactly what new assessors need and has designed this programme to give you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to carry out high-quality assessments from day one.
Sarah Beard, APC, AMBDA - Founder of DITTAS Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the New Assessor Accelerator designed for?
The programme is designed for dyslexia assessors who are new to carrying out diagnostic assessments or returning to assessment after a break. It is ideal if you are just starting out, feeling unsure about the assessment process, or lacking confidence in areas such as selecting appropriate tests, interpreting results, writing reports and making diagnostic decisions.
Is this programme only for new assessors?
No. The programme is for any assessor who wants structured training and practical guidance on carrying out high-quality dyslexia assessments. It is also suitable for experienced assessors returning to practice after a break who want to refresh their knowledge of current SASC expectations.
What is included in the programme?
The programme includes a comprehensive series of on-demand training modules, downloadable templates and practical resources, step-by-step guidance through the assessment process, and immediate access on enrolment. You also receive three months complimentary DITTAS Mastermind Membership, 50% off a two-hour one-to-one mentoring session with Sarah, access to live group Q&A sessions every term, and Slack support throughout your enrolment.
How long do I have access to the programme?
You will have access to all training materials for 12 months from the date of enrolment.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered entirely online. You can access the training at any time and work through the modules at your own pace. There are no live sessions to attend and no fixed schedule to follow.
What topics are covered?
The programme covers planning your assessment, designing questionnaires and writing your background, assessing language, reasoning, cognitive processing and attainment, writing the main body of the report, writing the diagnostic decision, recommendations and appendices, understanding statistics in dyslexia assessment, and avoiding common mistakes made by new assessors.
Do I need prior experience?
The programme is designed for professionals who are new to assessment. It is most suitable for those who already hold, or are working towards, an appropriate specialist qualification in dyslexia or specific learning difficulties.
Is this suitable if I lack confidence with statistics?
Absolutely. Statistical concepts such as confidence intervals, significance, prevalence and unexpectedness are explained in a clear and practical way throughout the programme.
Will this help me improve my report writing?
Yes. A key focus of the programme is helping you write clear, evidence-based reports and make well-supported diagnostic decisions.
How does the mentoring work?
You receive 50% off a two-hour one-to-one mentoring session with Sarah, taken at any point during your enrolment period. Sessions are delivered via Zoom and can focus on any aspect of your assessment practice.
What is included in the DITTAS Mastermind Membership?
The membership includes monthly training sessions, monthly Q&A sessions, monthly live drop-in sessions with Sarah, access to a supportive community of dyslexia assessors, and a growing library of training resources and recordings.
Can I ask questions if I get stuck?
Yes. You can ask questions via Slack throughout your enrolment and attend live Q&A and drop-in sessions as part of your three months DITTAS Mastermind Membership.
Will I receive a CPD certificate?
Yes. On successful completion of 90% or more of the programme you will receive a certificate for five hours of SASC-authorised CPD.
What happens after I enrol?
You will receive immediate access to all programme materials and details of how to access your bonus DITTAS Mastermind Membership.
Enrol in the New Assessor Accelerator
Both options give you immediate access to all training modules, resources and your bonus support package.
Four Monthly Instalments
£106.25
x 4 months
Spread the cost over four months. Full access from day one.
Enrol Now
12 months access from the date of enrolment.
Ready to Assess With Confidence?
Join the New Assessor Accelerator and get the expert training, practical resources and bonus support you need to carry out high-quality dyslexia assessments from day one.
Enrol Now12 months access. Expert on-demand training from Sarah Beard.