Dyslexia Assessor & Specialist Teacher

Emma Blackburn, is a qualified teacher and accredited specialist dyslexia assessor with over 15 years’ experience in education. She has worked as both a class teacher and English Lead in a local preparatory school. Over the past 5 years, she moved into private teaching and specialist support, working with learners with a range of additional needs, including those educated through alternative provision. During this time, she completed specialist training in dyslexia and qualified as a specialist teacher and assessor. Now focus primarily on dyslexia assessment, working with children, young people, and adults through both school-based work and her private practice, WordWise Dyslexia Services.​​

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Emma holds an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and AMBDA accreditation – the highest nationally recognised standards for dyslexia professionals in the UK. Alongside school-based roles, she also supported students with complex needs through EOTAS and EHCPs. Now working as an Associate Assessor and specialist teacher for the British Dyslexia Association - one of the UK's most trusted dyslexia organisations. Emma offers assessments and support through her private practice, WordWise Dyslexia Services.

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Emma works with children, young people (ages 6–18), and adults, providing assessment and support for dyslexia and literacy-based learning needs. Her practice is rooted in the latest SASC guidance and the Delphi definition of dyslexia, using structured, evidence-based tools to create a clear picture of each learner’s profile. Alongside private assessments, Emma wor directly with primary and secondary schools:

In secondary schools, she supports SEND departments by carrying out literacy screening and profiling, as well as assessments required for exam access arrangements under JCQ regulations.

In primary schools, the focus is on early identification through screening and assessment, helping schools understand pupils’ learning profiles and put effective support in place.​

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Emma's approach is warm, individualised, and grounded in experience. Whether you are seeking a full diagnostic assessment, a shorter screening profile, or specialist tuition, she aims to provide clarity, confidence, and practical support for learners of all ages -  children, young people, and adults.​​with clients across primary, secondary, and adult settings. Based in Hawkhurst, Ninfield, Rye, Bexhill, Emma offers face-to-face assessments in calm, welcoming environments. She can also travel to schools, homes, and workplaces across Kent and East Sussex.

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Qualifications & Memberships

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

PGCE in Primary Education

BA Hons in English Literature

PG Cert Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia (BDA-accredited)

Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) – current

Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)

Full DBS, insurance, and safeguarding training