Dyslexia and Reading
At nasen, we believe that reading is both a right and a responsibility. Every learner deserves access to the written word — and every educator, regardless of subject or setting, has a role to play in making that possible. This includes colleagues in secondary schools and post-16 education, where reading support may not traditionally be seen as part of the job. We believe that every classroom can be a place where reading is made possible, expected and valued.
Ensuring that all learners can read confidently is a cornerstone of inclusive education. Yet for many practitioners, particularly those outside primary or specialist roles, the challenge isn’t a lack of commitment - it’s a lack of clear, practical guidance. That’s why we’ve brought together this collection of resources to inform whole-school strategies, and evidence-informed approaches for supporting learners with dyslexia and other literacy-related learning differences.
You may also find our Assistive Technology guidance useful in developing the use of readily available digital and technological solutions and learning how tools like text-to-speech and voice-to-text can empower learners without requiring traditional literacy.
Online Units relating to reading and supporting learners with dyslexia
We’ve worked with a range of leading specialists from the sector, condensing many years of experience and understanding into these bite-sized modules.
Each one takes under an hour to complete, and provides practitioners – whatever their role or level of experience – with clear guidance on adaptations to help meet the needs of all learners.
There’s no need to complete units in order, and partially completed units can be saved and picked up again as required without the fear of ‘losing’ work.
Useful units for supporting development of reading and learners with dyslexia:
- Units 1 - 3: Ensuring your learning environment promotes safety and belonging
- Unit 14: Understanding executive functioning
- Unit 15: Memory for learning
- Unit 16: Supporting reading and comprehension across the curriculum
- Unit 19: Promoting independence
Teacher Handbook: SEND
With chapters on 'Knowledge of the Learner', 'Planning Inclusive Lessons' and 'Creating an Inclusive Environment', this comprehensive resource is crucial in enabling teachers to create learning environments where all children and young people can thrive.
The section on specific learning difficulties includes dyslexia-specific guidance.
A selection of our webinars and resources
Twilight Talks: Unlocking Digital Reading for Every Young Person
- Webcasts
- 15 May 2025
This session was delivered by representatives from Dolphin and Daisy
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Twilight Talks Research Series: Identifying and supporting children with developmental language disorder in the classroom
- Webcasts
- 13 May 2025
In this session, Dr Juhayna Taha Institute of Education, UCL’s faculty for Education and Society, will talk about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
![twilight talks promo image [grey background with white text that reads twilight talks Research Series' alongside a cartoon owl on a branch]](https://asset.nasen.org.uk/styles/690_250/public/media/2023-08/Twilight%20Talks%20Research%20Series%20Banners%20-%20grey.png?h=59f14d13&itok=j9NSF82N)
Twilight Talks Research Series: Can literacy apps be used to support language learning in the classroom?
- Webcasts
- 01 Apr 2025
In this talk, Joanna Kolak (Institute of Education, UCL’s faculty for Education and Society) reviews studies on the educational potential of language in children’s apps.
Twilight Talks Research Series: Digital story telling in inclusive primary settings
- Webcasts
- 18 Oct 2024
In this session delivered by Kalliopi Kritsotaki, UCL’s faculty for Education and Society, participants will explore how Digital Storytelling can enhance writing skills for students with dyslexia by addressing spelling difficulties
An introduction to dyslexia
- Webcasts
- 23 Nov 2023
This webinar is suitable for SENCOs, teachers and support staff who would like an overview on the basics of dyslexia.
This resource is FREE with SEND CPD on Demand
Understanding Dyslexia
- Webcasts
- 09 Nov 2023
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of current research and understanding around dyslexia.
This resource is FREE with SEND CPD on Demand
The Power of Different
- General
- 14 Oct 2023
This moving article looks first hand at what its like to live with Dyslexia and how modern day technologies can open lots of opportunities, especially for those who may think differently.
Condition-specific video: Dyslexia
- Webcasts
- 16 Dec 2020
Our condition-specific videos aim to develop a newly qualified teachers’ knowledge of SEND and to introduce them to helpful resources and tips for the classroom.
Dyslexia True or False? CPD starter for SENCOs
- General
- 02 Dec 2019
A useful resource for SENCOs from Early Years settings, schools and colleges which can be used to support SENCOs in their role in delivering effective CPD for staff. Using this resource can help you to ensure SEND CPD sessions are active, engaging and use
