Inclusion and send

Understanding and Supporting Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (Short Course)

Aimed at support staff, ‘Understanding and Supporting Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (Short Course)’ equips you with practical, evidence-informed strategies to boost learner confidence and progress.
Led by Liv Gisby, this course focuses on your vital role in the classroom, exploring how learners with dyslexia and dyscalculia process literacy and maths. You will walk away with practical techniques for breaking down complex tasks, applying effective visual scaffolding, and delivering adaptive teaching that unlocks every pupil's full potential.

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Liv Gisby,
Hayley Wallace & Jess Hursit

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

develop your understanding of how to differentiate between the specific traits of dyscalculia and general mathematics challenges (such as maths anxiety), and between dyslexia and broader literacy needs, by identifying underlying processing barriers;
recognise the subtle signs of masking and internalised distress, particularly in high-attaining learners whose cognitive ability may be masking significant processing differences that require proactive adaptation;
implement immediate, high-impact reasonable adjustments (including assistive technology and instructional scaffolding) as soon as a need is identified, without the requirement of a prior formal diagnostic report;
develop your understanding of neuro-inclusive teaching methods, such as the CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) model for mathematics and morphemic/phonological strategies for literacy;
learn about a learner’s Normal Way of Working (NWOW) to ensure that eligible learners receive the correct Exam Access Arrangements (EAA), upholding their right to demonstrate their true potential.

Course Lessons

Written by: Liv Gisby 

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Liv Gisby brings a unique perspective to education, drawing on over 15 years of experience across mainstream and special school settings, combined with four years of service as a Police Detective. Her educational career includes roles as a class teacher across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), key stage 1 and key stage 2, before specialising as a SENDCo for six years, during which she gained the National Award for SEN Coordination. Liv has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and extensive further training in Speech and Language (SALT); Occupational Therapy (OT); Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC); trauma; attachment and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia.

As a senior leader, she was responsible for managing staff development and delivering whole-school CPD related to special educational needs. Her ability to navigate complex safeguarding issues and multi-agency work is enhanced by her background as a detective, where she focused on domestic abuse and child protection.

This dual expertise now informs her work creating essential training materials for educators. Liv specialises in bridging the gap between clinical theory, classroom practice and critical welfare needs, ensuring that every resource she develops provides educators with the knowledge and practical tools required to offer truly holistic and impactful support for all pupils.

Presented by: Hayley Wallace

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Hayley is a video content creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She has over 15 years of teaching experience as a primary classroom teacher and specialist science teacher in both primary and secondary. She has been a subject lead in science for over 12 years and successfully led departments of experienced and trainee teachers. As well as completing a PGCE in Primary Education, she has achieved a BSc (Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a postgraduate qualification in Forensic Science. Hayley has also held leadership roles in whole-school wellbeing and is passionate about school culture and making education a positive experience for both pupils and staff.

Presented by: Jess Hursit

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former maths lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.