Level 3 DELSA Programme

Level 3 DELSA Programme

Dynamic Emotional Learning and Strengths Assistant

DELSA is a 120-hour professional programme from NeuroLearn Online. It prepares adults to support the emotional wellbeing, regulation and strengths of neurodivergent children and young people.

The programme is built on Lane Anthony’s Awakening Approach and the Dynamic Development Plan (DDP). You will learn to understand the whole young person, to connect before you intervene, to change the environment rather than only the child, and to keep the young person’s own voice at the centre of everything you do.

What you will learn

• Module 1: Becoming a DELSA. Neurodiversity, the Awakening Approach, the DELSA role, ethics and safeguarding.
• Module 2: Understanding the Whole Young Person. The Dynamic Development Plan, and strengths, communication, sensory and regulation profiles.
• Module 3: Connection Before Intervention. Relational safety, becoming a trusted adult, communication without compliance, and masking.
• Module 4: Understanding the Emotional World. Emotional literacy, interoception, anxiety and rejection, and loss and change.
• Module 5: Regulation Before Behaviour. The nervous system, sensory overload, shutdown and meltdown, and co-regulation.
• Module 6: Discovering and Building Strengths. Strengths-based practice, interests, identity and belonging.
• Module 7: Change the Environment, Not Just the Young Person. Accessible environments, transitions, and working with families and the wider team.
• Module 8: Empowerment and DELSA Practice. Self-advocacy, designing support, measuring what matters, referral and escalation.

How you will learn

• 32 online lessons, self-paced, each about 1.5 hours, with worked examples, activities and a Knowledge Check after each module.
• Eight live tutor workshops, each 3.5 hours, held by video, with captions and transcripts.
• 20 hours of supervised practice in your own setting, with a practice supervisor agreed by your setting.

We recommend completing the programme in 12 to 16 weeks. You have six months’ access.

How you will be assessed

Your assessor looks at your lesson evidence, a practice portfolio with a verified log of your supervised practice, at least two observations of your practice, an applied case study and a professional discussion. The result is Pass or Refer, with clear feedback and a route for reassessment and appeal. Your certificate is issued after the assessor’s decision.

Who it is for

Teaching assistants and HLTAs, learning mentors, SEND and pastoral staff, inclusion practitioners and youth workers who support children and young people in education and youth settings.

What you need to join

• You are normally aged 18 or over.
• You have a relevant role, or a supervised placement, in a suitable setting.
• Your setting has agreed a practice supervisor for you.
• You can contact your setting’s designated safeguarding lead.

Accessible by design

In most lessons you can give your evidence in writing, by speaking or in a visual format. If you need more time or another adjustment, talk to your tutor. Asking is always welcome.

Questions?

Email us at info@neurolearn.online. Schools paying by invoice are welcome to get in touch.

The Level 3 DELSA Programme is an independently developed NeuroLearn Online professional programme. It is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification and carries no awarding-body approval, credits or official ELSA affiliation. Safeguarding content is written for settings in England.