About Sarah Beard | Dyslexia Specialist Assessor and Tutor UK
Sarah Beard is a dyslexia specialist assessor, tutor and trainer with over 30 years’ experience working in the field of Specific Learning Difficulties. She is the founder of SJB Assessments Ltd, Dyslexia Solutions Online LLP and DITTAS Training, providing dyslexia assessments, specialist tuition and professional training across the UK, both online and face to face.
Dyslexia Specialist with Over 30 Years' Experience
Sarah began her career as a specialist dyslexia tutor before qualifying as a diagnostic assessor. Over the past three decades, she has worked with children, young people and adults, supporting a wide range of dyslexia profiles across primary, secondary and further education.
Her experience includes working in schools, colleges and private practice, as well as supporting families who are seeking a clear understanding of their child’s learning needs and the right support going forward.
Alongside her professional experience, Sarah brings a strong personal
understanding of neurodiversity. She has grown-up children, two of whom have dyslexia and ADHD, and another who had an EHCP (known as a statement at the time) for verbal dyspraxia. Sarah herself, although not formally diagnosed, considers herself to be dyspraxic.
This lived experience gives her a deeper insight into the challenges families face, both academically and emotionally, and informs the practical, supportive approach she takes in her work. Her children are now grown up and have gone on to have successful careers that suit their individual profiles, reinforcing her belief in the importance of the right support and understanding.
Dyslexia Assessment Services
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Through her work with SJB Assessments, Sarah provides full diagnostic dyslexia assessments for both children and adults. These assessments are detailed and practical, identifying strengths and areas of difficulty, and providing clear recommendations for school, home and workplace support.
Assessments are available across the UK and can be carried out either face to face or remotely, depending on location and preference.
Specialist Dyslexia Tuition
Alongside assessment work, Sarah oversees specialist dyslexia tuition through Dyslexia Solutions Online. This provision is delivered by qualified dyslexia specialists with recognised Level 5 qualifications and above.
The focus is on structured, multisensory teaching that supports the development of reading, spelling and writing skills, rather than simply addressing gaps in learning. Tuition is available online for students across the UK.
Training for Dyslexia Assessors and Teachers
Sarah is also the founder of DITTAS Training, where she delivers training and mentoring for dyslexia assessors and specialist teachers. She has trained and supported hundreds of professionals in areas including assessment practice, report
writing and intervention. Through DITTAS, Sarah also runs a Mastermind Membership for dyslexia assessors, providing ongoing professional development, practical guidance and a supportive community for both new and experienced practitioners.
Between 2007 and 2020, Sarah ran accredited Level 5 and Level 7 training courses, supporting over 200 teachers and teaching assistants to qualify as dyslexia specialist tutors and assessors. She was also co-founder of the PAPPA course, alongside Caroline Reed, which trained over 300 teachers and teaching assistants to qualify as exam access arrangements assessors. Her training reflects current guidance, including developments linked to the Delphi
Definition of Dyslexia, and is designed to be practical, relevant and directly applicable to professional practice.
Working with Families and Professionals Across the UK
With over 30 years’ experience, Sarah continues to work directly with students, families and professionals. Her combined work in assessment, tuition and training provides a joined-up approach to supporting individuals with dyslexia at every stage.