The DALP Programme

DALP (Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme, formerly DILP - Dyslexia Institute Literacy Programme) draws upon decades of literacy research and data to develop fully confident learners through structured, language-based pedagogy.

DALP is a personalised, cumulative, multi-sensory structured learning programme which delivers a highly individualised progression through remediation of errors and extending literacy skills. The core research underpinning the programme is the work of Orton, Gillingham, Stillman, Cox and Hickey whose teaching principles (multi-sensory, structured and sequential, explicit, diagnostic and prescriptive, synthetic and analytic and emotionally supportive) are the foundation for the DALP Courses and represent the gold standard of literacy intervention worldwide.

DALP continues to be one of the most faithful modern programmes of these principles, quality assured through rigorous accredited trained specialist teachers to guarantee fidelity and consistency. The programme extends beyond decoding of words to composition, vocabulary and meta-cognition. There is a built-in framework for assessment. Specialists use standardised measures and on-going diagnostic records aligning with UK SEND practice and, importantly, it reflects modern science of reading and cognitive linguistics, including phonemic awareness, working memory and orthographic mapping and therefore sits flexibly alongside school-wide literacy approaches.

The DALP Literacy Programme is built around five core strands, each focusing on a specific aspect of literacy. This structure allows for detailed error analysis and a clear understanding of a learner's individual literacy profile. A Diagnostic Placement Screening (DPS) provides in-depth insight into strengths and needs, ensuring teaching is precisely targeted from the outset.

The programme is highly focused and responsive to the learner. Teaching is designed so that the teacher acts as a skilled facilitator, supporting the learner to actively engage with and make sense of the materials. All resources are carefully personalised - from images to topics - to motivate the learner, increase engagement, and make learning meaningful.

A key strength of the programme is its explicit focus on metacognition and self-efficacy. Learners develop the language to understand and describe their own literacy development, helping them build confidence, independence, and a positive sense of themselves as learners.