Deborah Richards
- Wallingford, Oxfordshire
- Member since Feb 2022
- 07720959589
- [email protected]
Services: Dyscalculia Assessment at person’s homeDyscalculia Assessment at the assessor’s address or an agreed locationSpecialist maths tutor at tutor’s address or an agreed location
Ages: PrimarySecondary
About
I have over twenty years’ experience in education, as a primary teacher in both the state and private sectors, a private tutor, a specialist dyslexia and dyscalculia teacher and a specialist assessor for dyslexia and dyscalculia. I also have a keen interest in the impact of retained reflexes on learning, and how movement can have beneficial effects on school performance. Teaching and assessments take place in the peace and quiet of my shepherd’s hut with stunning views – therapy dog optional!
Teaching Qualification 23years experience
23 years of teaching experience
In England, it’s the professional accreditation you need to teach in most state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools. QTS demonstrates that you’ve met the required teaching standards set by the Department for Education (DfE), including:
- Subject knowledge
- Effective planning and teaching skills
- Classroom management
- Ability to assess and track pupil progress
- Professional and ethical conduct
You typically gain QTS by completing an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme—such as a PGCE, School Direct, or Teach First route—and passing assessments of your teaching practice. Once awarded, QTS is recorded with the Teaching Regulation Agency.
Without QTS, you can still teach in certain settings—like private schools, free schools, academies, and some unqualified teacher roles—but QTS gives you full recognition and access to standard pay scales in the maintained sector.
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Level 7 or equivalent SpLD qualification
This is the highest UK training level for specialising in dyscalculia — it’s equivalent to Master’s degree level on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
It’s designed for experienced educators who want to become fully qualified dyscalculia specialists and, crucially, diagnostic assessors.
Key Features
Level
- RQF Level 7 = Master’s level study (postgraduate standard).
- Usually taken by qualified teachers, SENCOs, or Level 5-trained specialist teachers who want to move into assessment and formal reporting.
What It Covers
- In-depth Theoretical Knowledge
- Neurological and cognitive research on dyscalculia
- Links between dyscalculia, dyslexia, and other SpLD
- Developmental number sense and conceptual understanding
- Formal Assessment Skills
- Training in the use of standardised, psychometric tests
- Administration, scoring, and interpretation of diagnostic assessments
- Producing legally robust assessment reports in line with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) regulations
- Specialist Teaching Practice
- Designing and delivering high-impact interventions
- Using evidence-based multi-sensory approaches
- Working in one-to-one and group contexts
- Professional & Ethical Practice
- SEND Code of Practice
- Equality Act compliance
- Confidentiality and data protection in assessment
What It qualifies you to do
- Formally diagnose dyscalculia and write assessment reports for exam access arrangements and statutory support
- Work as a Specialist Teacher and Assessor in schools, colleges, or private practice
- Train and mentor other teachers in dyscalculia support strategies
- Deliver high-level specialist interventions backed by assessment evidence
Typical Entry Requirements
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or equivalent recognised teaching qualification
- Significant classroom experience
- Often a Level 5 SpLD/Dyscalculia qualification first, though some providers allow direct entry with strong experience
- Degree-level education (often a requirement for Level 7 study)
Examples of Level 7 Dyscalculia Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties (Real Training)
- Level 7 Diploma in Assessing and Teaching Learners with Dyscalculia (Dyscalculia Association)
- Master’s modules in Dyscalculia (e.g., University of Chester, University of Derby, University of Cumbria or Edge Hill University).)
APC qualification
The Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) is a professional certification that permits you to carry out and sign off diagnostic assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), including dyslexia and dyscalculia, particularly for access arrangements (e.g., exam accommodations) and funding (e.g., Disabled Students’ Allowance – DSA).
Note: Not all Level 7 qualifications automatically grant the right to assess independently for official purposes. The APC confirms your eligibility.
Conditions Needed for Holding an APC (Dyscalculia)
To be awarded and maintain an APC, you typically must meet the following criteria:
- Level 7 Qualification in SpLD Assessment & Reporting
- You must hold a Level 7 postgraduate qualification in SpLD diagnostic assessment, with a strong focus on dyslexia and/or dyscalculia.
- This should include training in:
- Psychometric testing
- Cognitive profiling
- Report writing for formal diagnoses
- Specialist Teacher Status / Registration
You should also have one or more of the following:
- Membership with a professional body, e.g.:
- PATOSS
- BDA (British Dyslexia Association)
- ADSHE
- The Dyslexia Guild
- Current Professional Practice
- You must be actively assessing learners for SpLDs.
- You need to demonstrate recent and relevant practice (usually within the last 2 years).
- You must submit examples of your reports as part of your application or renewal.
- Knowledge of Legal and Ethical Standards
- Must demonstrate understanding of:
- JCQ Guidelines (for access arrangements)
- SASC report-writing standards
- Equality Act 2010
- Ethical practice in assessment and confidentiality
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- You need to show regular CPD, typically:
- 30+ hours over 3 years
- At least some CPD related specifically to dyscalculia, if that’s your focus
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Required if you’re operating independently or in private practice
- An APC is valid for 3 years and renewal requires:
- Evidence of recent assessment work
- Submission of updated reports
- CPD record
- Continued adherence to SASC standards
Disclaimer: The Dyscalculia Network takes the utmost care to check that the assessors and tutors who are listed on the website hold the actual qualifications that are included on their individual profile page. The copies of certificates and references are kept on record by The Dyscalculia Network but will not be displayed on their profile page.
