Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) tutors

Guidance on working with a SpLD tutor.

A SpLD tutor is a fully qualified specialist, who works with students who are formally assessed as having learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia/developmental co-ordination difficulties (DCD). They focus on improving your study skills and academic abilities, but cannot offer subject-specific support. This specialist support is designed to help you learn and succeed in your own way. 

  1. A Disability Advisor will discuss any areas of studying you find difficult.
  2. You may be recommended study/academic skills sessions with a SpLD Tutor.  If so, funding will be applied to cover the costs for this support.
  3. You will receive funding for a specific number of hours to be used through the academic year.
  4. When you have received confirmation of your funding, you can be matched with a Tutor.  NB: if you have DSA funding you should contact the named supplier listed on your funding award letter to set up your support.
  5. You will be asked to provide your availability so that you can be matched with a tutor who has suitable availability.
  6. The tutor will contact you to set up an initial meeting; remember to check your university email account - your tutor does not communicate through your private email address.
  7. Normally, you will meet your tutor for one hour at a time, either weekly for fortnightly.   

These sessions are aimed at helping you identify your personal strengths and apply them to tackle your challenges.  You will work one-on-one with your tutor to develop the right strategies for you.  It’s important to note that these sessions focus on building academic skills, not subject-specific tutoring.

You and your tutor will agree on the schedule for your sessions.  You can choose to meet regularly throughout the semester or save your hours for times when you need extra help.  Meetings can be conducted online or in person.


  • approach sessions with an open mind
  • help the tutor to identify your strengths and weaknesses and identify your learning priorities
  • take responsibility for your own learning
  • explore techniques over a number of sessions to allow time to make progress
  • reflect on your progress and discuss what has been successful and where you would like to improve

  • Building upon strengths and finding strategies to overcome academic challenges
  • Development of your academic skills using approaches to learning that are tailored to your specific needs
  • Planning your learning
  • Addressing anxieties related to learning through developing metacognition, and through modelling and mentoring by the tutor
  • Effective use of technology integrated within your study skills
  • Understanding of tasks/briefs/essay questions
  • Time management and self-organisation
  • Reading techniques/research strategies
  • Developing reading comprehension
  • Note-taking/recording
  • Note making
  • Mind mapping techniques
  • Concept Mapping
  • Memory techniques
  • The use of colour
  • Essay/project/thesis planning and organisation
  • Spelling /writing skills and grammar
  • Presentation skills
  • Exam preparation and revision
  • Developing editing skills
  • Referencing / bibliographies

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