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DALP stands for Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (formerly DILP - Dyslexia Institute Literacy Programme). Read more about DALP →
Read more about DALP on our programme page →
You can also visit the Dyslexia Action website → for further information.
A DALP Literacy Programme differs from many Tier 2 interventions in that it is specialist, diagnostic, and individualised, rather than broadly targeted. While Tier 2 support is often designed for groups of pupils with similar needs, DALP is tailored to the specific literacy profile of the individual learner, informed by specialist assessment and ongoing observation. Teaching is delivered with fidelity to a structured, cumulative programme, but adapted responsively to the learner's pace, gaps, and emotional needs. This depth and precision mean that a DALP can address the underlying causes of persistent literacy difficulties, not just provide short-term catch-up, leading to more secure progress, increased confidence, and longer-lasting outcomes.
There are several ways classroom teachers can reinforce DALP learning between sessions. Read more in our blog →
In deciding if a learner is right for the course, you only need ask: is their literacy level significantly lower than age-related levels AND have they not responded positively, or quickly, to one-to-one or small group intervention already? They do not need to have or be suspected of having dyslexia.
The evidence for DALP's effectiveness is strong. Over 2,000 children have made statistically significant reading gains, and typical results include 5 point improvements in comprehension and 3 point gains in word identification over 6 months.
See home page and What I Offer for full details.
| Offer | Lessons | DPS | Cost per Lesson | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Strides | 8 Accelerated Lessons | Reduced rate | £80 | £840 |
| September Strides | 12 Accelerated Lessons | Reduced rate | £80 | £1,210 |
| Course | Duration | Applications Open | DPS | Cost per Lesson | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Strides | 12–14 weeks | Sept – March *May–July | £250 | £95 | £1,390 |
| 20 Strides | 20–24 weeks | Sept – April *May–July | £250 | £85 | £1,950 |
| 33 Strides | 33–38 weeks | *May–July only | £250 | £75 | £2,725 |
| 12 Strides (Accel.) | 6–8 weeks | Sept – March *May–July | £300 | £95 | £1,440 |
| 20 Strides (Accel.) | 10–12 weeks | Sept – March *May–July | £300 | £85 | £2,000 |
| 33 Strides (Accel.) | 17–20 weeks | Sept – April *May–July | £300 | £75 | £2,775 |
*May–July indicates applications can be made and DPS completed, but the course will commence in the following academic year. Lavender rows = Accelerated option.
You will be advised on the suggested length of intervention needed following the DPS. You can then choose how to structure that for your learner and your budget. You may wish to book a short course and add a further course later if needed.
The accelerated option (two lessons per week) may be appropriate if:
The programme is best suited to an intensive period of cumulative discovery due to its systematic design. Avoiding a long break over the summer holiday maximises the efficacy of the course for the learner. The deadlines allow for the DPS to take place, lessons to begin, and the course to complete within a sensible timeline, allowing for flexibility caused by absence/illness.
The programme is best suited to an intensive period of cumulative discovery due to its systematic design. Avoiding a long break over the summer holiday maximises the efficacy of the course for the learner. The deadlines allow for the DPS to take place, lessons to begin and the course to complete within a sensible timeline, allowing for flexibility caused by absence/illness.
Yes. Every lesson makes use of individually designed online games and activities accessed via an iPad. Learners may bring their own iPad from school resources or use one provided.
Not currently, but the programme can be adapted appropriately to deliver online if necessary. Please get in touch to discuss.
This depends in part on the extent of the learner's difficulties, but the DALP Course is designed to equip even very young learners with the skills to continue their learning journey independently. The programme is routine based and systematic, such that a learner can employ the strategies they have acquired to remediate their own learning without the teacher's guidance.
The DALP commitment may be one or two terms for some learners, or longer in other cases. It is important to note that the DALP course is not designed for ongoing additional support. It is a remediating intervention designed to ensure learners are achieving their full literacy potential.
DPS stands for Diagnostic Placement Screening. This takes place over 2 hours on consecutive days and allows the collection of all the data needed to design the individual programme for the learner. Following the DPS, a report of the findings will be sent to the school and on payment of the course fee, an individualised programme will be created. The aim is to begin the course within 4–6 weeks of completing the DPS.
The Dynamic Appraisal refers to the reports provided to the school of the progress made at key moments in the course. Depending on the course length, you may receive one or more Interim Dynamic Appraisal Reports during the course, and a Final Dynamic Appraisal Report on completion.
Once you have decided a DALP course is required, complete an application form and we will book in a DPS for your learner as soon as possible.
See the full step-by-step application process and payment schedule →
Places are very limited. Check the website regularly for updates on when applications are open for each course and when sessions are available to book. There is also a waiting list. Do not hesitate to fill in an application form if you would like to be placed on the list for first notice when bookings are open.