courses | Helen Arkell

Three CPD Courses for specialist assessors

Three fantastic courses for assessors are now available to book.

We have been developing our range of CPD training for specialist assessors. All courses are now available to book here: Courses for assessors | Helen Arkell

Introduction to the Intelligence and Development Scales 2^nd Edition (IDS-2)

This presentation includes an overview of how the test battery is constructed, its strengths for assessing the areas of cognition and attainment that are most relevant for dyslexia, and scoring. Sarah Sainty, the course presenter, is an Assessment Consultant for Hogrefe and a highly experienced assessor. She enjoys using the IDS-2 and will explain the wealth of information it yields. We give thanks to Hogrefe for this presentation. For more details and to book: Introduction to the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS-2) | Helen Arkell

WIAT-III UK: A comparison with the WIAT-III UK-T

This course is for specialist assessors who are familiar with administering the WIAT-III UK-T and would like to understand the additional areas of testing offered by the WIAT-III UK. The course includes an overview of the WIAT-III UK, a comparison of the test materials in both versions, a comparison of the subtests offered in both versions, a recap of the administration of existing key subtests, and guidance on administration of the new subtests in the WIAT-III UK in areas of language, reading, spelling, writing and maths. Helen Barrett, an experienced assessor, presents this course. For more details and to book: WIAT-III UK: A Comparison with the WIAT-III UK-T | Helen Arkell

Alternative Tests of Underlying Ability

This course is for specialist assessors who are considering alternatives to the Wide Range Intelligence Test (WRIT) which will be withdrawn from the SASC list of approved tests at the start of January 2026. The course includes an overview of conceptualisations of intelligence, the structure and conceptualisation of intelligence of 5 test batteries: RIAS-2, IDS-2, WCJIV-Cog, TOD and CAS-2, the subtests in each battery that aim to measure intelligence and/or the ability to find ways to tackle learning tasks, and how these relate to the requirements of the current SASC report format, examples of the kinds of tasks an examinee would be asked to complete in these subtests, and basic test information including age range, approximate costs, administration time, standardisation, validity and reliability. Anita Haigh, an experienced assessor, presents this course. For more details and to book: Alternative Tests of Underlying Ability | Helen Arkell

By Vicky Brighton|2025-11-13T10:01:37+00:00November 13th, 2025|Course news, Latest news|Comments Off

Morph Mastery Course: Practical Tools for Supporting Dyslexic Learners

Join Louise Selby at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity on Monday 29th September for a Morph Mastery training course – a hands-on opportunity to explore effective ways of teaching spelling, reading and vocabulary through morphology.

Based on research, this course introduces ten adaptable strategies ideal for learners with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Designed for ages 9–13 (but easily extended to other age groups), the approach is structured, multi-sensory and flexible enough for classroom, group or one-to-one teaching.

Spaces are limited; book early to secure your place.

To book please visit Louise’s webpage here.

About this Course

Morph Mastery is both an intervention and a resource book offering practical ways to teach spelling, reading and vocabulary using morphology (the system of language based on prefixes, suffixes and roots). It is based on research into what works for learners with specific learning difficulties and dyslexia. It’s multi-sensory, structured and can be adapted and personalised. The intervention is aimed for ages 9 – 13 but the strategies can be used with a wider age range in groups and class.

This is a practical course in which you learn ten key strategies in Morph Mastery which you’ll be able to adapt to your setting, whether it is whole class teaching, group work, or 1:1.

Venue: Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, 24 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR

Date: Monday 29th Sept 9:30 – 3:30

Cost: £125 per person

Audience: This course is suitable for SENCOs, SEN teachers, English leads, teaching assistants, and tutors

By Vicky Brighton|2025-06-30T12:53:59+01:00June 30th, 2025|Course news|Comments Off

Neurodiversity workshops with expert Fintan O’Regan

Once again, we are are pleased to offer workshops with neurodiversity expert Fintan O’Regan. These will be useful to parents and teachers who have children with:

Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Learning, behaviour and socialisation difference

Friday 10 November 2024, 1 to 4 pm – Fin O’Regan’s ASC and ADHD Workshop We are able to subsidise places on this course for lower-income families.
Friday 26 April 2024, 1 to 4 pm – ODD and PDA Workshop for Educators
Friday 3 May 2024, 1 to 4 pm – ODD and PDA Workshop for Parents We are able to subsidise places on this course for lower-income families.

All the courses will be held at The Museum of Farnham, 38 West Street, Farnham – just a few doors down from our Centre.

About Fintan O’Regan

Fintan was the Head Teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising in issues related to ADHD, ASC, ODD and PDA.

He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, Michigan University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and is a member of the council of CReSTeD and the Special Educational Needs Consortium.

He has written a number of books and published articles and works as a trainer and consultant both nationally and internationally with regard to supporting schools, children and families with SEND and behaviour issues.

Book today!

By Helen Arkell|2024-07-23T16:35:25+01:00March 3rd, 2024|Course news|Comments Off