Definition
A Specialist Teacher is a qualified teacher with additional accredited training in a specific area of SEND, for example dyslexia (AMBDA), visual impairment (QTVI), hearing impairment (QToD), autism, or multi-sensory impairment. Mandatory qualifications apply for QTVI, QToD, and QTMSI under DfE policy.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- A Specialist Teacher is a qualified teacher with additional accredited training in a specific area of SEND.
- Mandatory qualifications: QTVI (vision impairment), QToD (hearing impairment), QTMSI (multi-sensory impairment) under DfE policy.
- AMBDA (Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association) is the standard dyslexia specialist accreditation; needs APC (Assessment Practising Certificate) for diagnostic assessment.
- For JCQ access arrangements, AMBDA + APC is the recognised dyslexia assessor combination.
- NatSIP eligibility framework is used by most LAs to band the level of specialist teaching support.
The "Specialist Teacher" label covers a range of accredited routes, each with a specific qualification. AMBDA (Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association): for specialist teaching of dyslexia, requires a Level 7 course plus an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) for diagnostic assessors. QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment): mandatory for teaching pupils with VI, delivered via UCL, University of Birmingham, or University of Edinburgh. QToD (Qualified Teacher of the Deaf): mandatory for teaching deaf pupils, delivered via the same providers. QTMSI (Qualified Teacher of Multi-Sensory Impairment): for deafblind pupils.
In SEND practice, specialist teachers typically work in one of three settings. Within a specialist school, providing the core teaching for pupils with a particular need. Within an LA peripatetic service (often called the "Sensory Support Service" or "Specialist Teaching Service"), visiting mainstream schools to advise and provide direct teaching to specific pupils. In independent practice, providing diagnostic assessment, intervention, and EHCP-grade reports.
For dyslexia specifically, the AMBDA + APC combination is what JCQ recognises for access arrangements evidence. The school's exams officer applies via JCQ Form 8 / equivalent, and the assessor's report must demonstrate the qualification.
For VI and HI, the NatSIP eligibility framework is used by most LAs to band the level of specialist teaching support a pupil needs. Section F provision should specify the hours by NatSIP banding, the qualification of the deliverer (QTVI or QToD), and the in-class and direct teaching split.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside Specialist Teacher.
Advisory Teacher
A specialist teacher employed by the local authority who advises schools and families about supporting children with a particular type of SEND, rather than teaching the child directly.
Visual Impairment(VI)
Reduced vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses and affects access to learning. Provision is usually supported by a Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment (QTVI).
Hearing Impairment(HI)
Reduced hearing that affects access to spoken language and learning. Provision is usually supported by a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) and may include British Sign Language.
Dyslexia
A specific learning difficulty affecting accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It is independent of intelligence and typically responds well to structured, multisensory phonics teaching.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page when looking for a specific specialist teacher type (an AMBDA assessor for a dyslexia assessment, a QTVI for VI support, or a QToD for a deaf child) or when checking whether the person delivering Section F provision has the right qualification. Searches include "find a specialist dyslexia teacher", "AMBDA assessor near me", and "QTVI versus QToD". A Beaakon specialist teacher can carry out a diagnostic assessment, deliver direct teaching, and produce a tribunal-grade report for an EHC needs assessment.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.