Unlocking Dyslexia: Empowering Educators In the Classroom

The Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic presents an interactive conference tailored for both primary and secondary educators to help understand the complex difficulties of learners dyslexic learners, reimagine the classroom with creative teaching methods and ultimately increase accessibility for all learners in class.

Dyslexia experts from the Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic will lead a series of engaging whole group and school-level sessions designed to deepen your understanding of the complex challenges faced by learners with dyslexia. Gain valuable insights into the various profiles of students with dyslexia and learn to identify the most effective interventions and scaffolds to support them.

During the event, participants will:

• Explore the diverse profiles of students with dyslexia.
• Understand and implement appropriate interventions and scaffolds.
• Break into school-level groups to delve into key areas such as classroom environment, reading comprehension, and writing/spelling strategies.

Workshop Schedule:

DAY 1 08:30 hrs

Whole Group

Introduction

Profiles of Dyslexia

Tricky Profiles

Q&A

LUNCH

Group 1 - PRIMARY

Dyslexia-Friendly Classrooms in Primary

Group 2 - SECONDARY

Dyslexia-Friendly Classrooms in Secondary

DAY 2 08:30 hrs

Group 1 - PRIMARY

Reading Comprehension in Primary

Group 2 - SECONDARY

Reading Comprehension in Secondary

LUNCH

Whole Group

Q&A

Group 1 - PRIMARY

Spelling in Context

Group 2 - SECONDARY

Essay Planning

Whole Group

End

Delia Gascoigne – Director of the Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic
Delia’s late mother, Renee Lawton-Browne, originally founded the Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic back in 1984. Following in her footsteps, Delia received her specialist teaching certificate from HDC, before moving to New York where she worked as a Specialist Teacher at the Allegro School for children on the Autistic Spectrum (ASD). This was a role that allowed her a creative outlet for teaching real-life skills; touch- typing, Maths and English. When Delia returned to the UK she began working alongside Renee at HDC and completed her Masters in Learning and Disability Studies at UCL's Institute of Education for which she gained a distinction. She then went on to receive her Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) from Real Training. Upon Renee's passing Delia continued to run the business with her late father, William, and her husband, Seth. Delia has 30 years experience working in this field. She offers consultancy services, Full Diagnostic Assessments, runs a team of 14 Specialist Teachers and a business that teaches fun touch typing courses to children ages 7-17.
Seth Gascoigne – Director of the Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic
Seth joined HDC Ltd after the passing of its founder, Renee Lawton Browne in 2010. He is a qualified Specialist Teacher, with a PG. Dip. RSA (OCR 7) with a focus on dyscalculia and Maths learning difficulties. Seth is a member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS) and holds an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). He teaches students with Maths learning difficulties, from 9 through to 16 years of age and works as a Consultant and Specialist Assessor, providing Access Arrangements and Full Diagnostic Assessments. In addition, Seth runs multi-sensory touch-typing courses in schools and privately.
Rachel Ellman – Specialist Teacher and Consultant
After graduating with a BA Hons in English from Cambridge University, Rachel pursued an MA in Specific Learning Difficulties, specialising in dyslexia. Rachel then obtained an MPhil in Renaissance Literature from Cambridge University, alongside completing her PGCE/SCITT qualification, at UCL, Institute of Education. She attained a Specialist Dyslexia Teacher and Assessor certification from the British Dyslexia Association. Rachel's professional career spans over two decades, marked by her invaluable contributions to various educational institutions. Her expertise has extended to secondary school teaching, and higher education where she has provided specialised Dyslexia teaching, assessments, and staff training. Rachel’s passion for literacy extends to voluntary work, where she supports young people in improving their self-esteem and independence as learners.
Diane Rees – Specialist Teacher and Consultant
With over three decades of dedicated service to children with Specific Learning Difficulties, Diane has established a strong reputation and a successful career in special educational needs. She is recognised for her insights and practical knowledge, frequently delivering professional development sessions for teachers, as well as being invited by various schools to audit their special educational practices. Her career began at The London Montessori Centre, where she learnt the foundational principles of individualised teaching. Qualifying as a specialist from the Hornsby Dyslexia Centre, now recognised as The British Dyslexia Association (BDA), Diane further honed her experience with a Level 7 Diploma from The Helen Arkell Centre. She also had extensive training from the late Renee Lawton-Browne. Diane’s SEN teaching experience includes several senior roles, such as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at well regarded preparatory schools in London and Hertfordshire. She has been instrumental in setting up and running two dyslexia centres in Central London and continues to teach children both English and Maths both in-schools and privately.

Host or Publisher International School of Amsterdam