Vicki Lader
- Brighton, Brighton and Hove
- Member since Jun 2025
- 07988637350
- [email protected]
Services: Dyscalculia Assessment at person’s home
Ages: 9 to 14AdultF/EPrimarySecondary
About
After 15 years of working with schools on a range of projects linked to emotional wellbeing and various aspects of health, I trained to be a primary school teacher as I wanted to support children in a direct way. I moved on to the role of SENCO as I am passionate about meeting the needs of children so that they can reach their potential and have a positive educational experience.
In my years as a SENCO and as a local authority adviser I have gained a deep understanding of the range of neurodiverse conditions and how best to help children by building on strengths and identifying and supporting areas of challenge.
In 2018 I commenced training as a specialist teacher and assessor for dyslexia and started to work independently in 2021. I have since then undertaken considerable training in dyscalculia and maths difficulties having gained specialist teacher status and I completed the level 7 specialist assessor training in January 2026.
I have a wealth of experience in assessing both children and adults for both dyslexia and dyscalculia and further details on these assessments can be found at www.360dyslexia.co.uk
I hold a current Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Assessment Practising Certificate with PATOSS
Teaching Qualification 16years experience
16 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 5 or equivalent SpLD qualification
A Level 5 Dyscalculia qualification is an advanced training programme that equips you to specialise in supporting learners with dyscalculia and, often, broader maths learning difficulties.
Here’s what it typically means:
Qualification Level
- Level 5 is roughly equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
- It’s aimed at experienced teachers, SENCOs, learning support staff, or educational professionals who already have strong teaching foundations (often at Level 3 or above).
Content Focus
A Level 5 Dyscalculia course usually covers:
- Understanding Dyscalculia & Maths Difficulties
- Neurological and cognitive aspects of dyscalculia
- Distinction between dyscalculia, dyslexia, and general numeracy challenges
- Developmental stages of mathematical learning
- Assessment & Screening
- Use of informal and standardised screening tools
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses in mathematical understanding
- Analysing learner profiles to inform teaching
- Intervention Strategies
- Multi-sensory maths teaching methods
- Visual and concrete learning approaches
- Lesson adaptations for different age groups
- Practical Application
- Planning and delivering targeted interventions
- Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies
- Working with parents, schools, and other professionals
What It Qualifies You To Do
- Provide specialist support for learners with dyscalculia
- Deliver targeted interventions in schools or private practice
- Train colleagues in dyscalculia awareness and strategies
Important: A Level 5 qualification does not qualify you to make a formal diagnosis of dyscalculia.
Examples of Level 5 Dyscalculia Qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyscalculia & Maths Learning Difficulties (e.g., Dyscalculia Association, Real Training)
- Level 5 Certificate in Dyscalculia and Numeracy
- Level 5 Specialist Teacher Award – Dyscalculia
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).)
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.
