Assessment
What Happens?
You can choose from the following options. Please contact me if you are not sure
Full Diagnostic Assessment Dyslexia
The assessment includes tests for reading, spelling, handwriting speed, reasoning ability, phonological skills and speed of processing using approved published tests and free writing. The assessment will show if dyslexia is present or not. If there are any signs of possible dyspraxia (DCD) advice will be given about obtaining a medical referral if the child is under 16 years old. The last section of the report contains a list of strategies and resources to use at home and at school.
The report also gives detailed information about the learner’s strengths and weaknesses. The full diagnostic assessment includes a detailed report and summary of all the results according to the SpLD Working Group/DfES Guidelines. The report will provide evidence for Access Arrangements for exams and/or application for a Disabled Student Allowance if applicable. Full reports will normally be available within 7 days and are emailed to the parent/carer or client. A paper copy can be provided for an additional £10 charge. Assessments usually take about 3 hours (a little less for younger children) but can take up to 4 hours for students aged 16+ and adults.
Follow up telephone support and advice is included for parents, students and adults.
Fees from January 2024
Full Diagnostic Assessment for children aged 8 years £500
Full Diagnostic Assessment for children and students aged 9 – 15 years £520
Full Diagnostic Report Dyslexia/Dyspraxia/Attention Deficit conditions for students aged 16+ £530 – can be used to apply for help at university and the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) for students in Higher Education. A full diagnostic report can also be used to apply for adjustments in all public tests (e.g. driving theory test) and for adjustments in recruitment tests.
Full Diagnostic Report for Dyslexia/Dyspraxia for adults in the workplace to provide evidence for a Workplace Needs Assessment £540.
Why Assess?
Here are some of the reasons for having an assessment:
Reports for primary school aged children will highlight strengths and any areas of difficulty that may require adjustments in the Key Stage 2 SATs. The full diagnostic assessment also includes recommendations for teachers to help meet the learner’s needs at school and will also include suggestions for parents who wish to help their child at home.
Full diagnostic assessments for older children (Y9-10 and up) can be used to supply evidence of need in the JCQ Form 8, an application for Access Arrangements in GCSEs, A Levels and other educational provision. It is very important that the school SENCo/Learning Support Leader is contacted by the parents before the assessment takes place if it is likely that Access Arrangements will be needed.
The post 16 assessment report can also be used to apply for access arrangements and reasonable adjustments in Higher Education. Some students may also qualify to apply for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) The DSA is currently under review and there are likely to be some changes in the way that funded provision is organised.
Reports for older students will include details of study skills strategies, supportive software and technology.
Full diagnostic assessment reports are emailed directly to the client or to their parents if the student is under 18 years old, usually within one
week.
If a school has requested the assessment and is paying for it, the report is sent to the school who will then share it with parents/carers.
Who Can Assess?
Full diagnostic assessments can only be carried out by Chartered Psychologists and Specialist Teacher/Assessors with appropriate training and experience in assessment. They should have a current Practising Certificate in SpLD Assessment (see below) which needs to be renewed every 3 years.
Initial screenings can be carried out by teachers who have experience and understanding of the tests but this should be followed by specialist assessment if school or college Access Arrangements are required. An application for the University Disabled Student Allowance must be supported by a full diagnostic assessment report. This needs to be carried out after the student’s 16th birthday.
All specialist teacher assessors or psychologists who are qualified to carry out recognised assessments are listed on the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee website. Assessment Practising Certificates can be issued by Dyslexia Action, PATOSS or the British Dyslexia Association.
http://www.sasc.org.uk/
In the past many parents would be directed towards Educational Psychologists for assessment of specific learning difficulties but this is now rarely necessary. Trained specialist teacher/assessors can now use all the essential published tests. A full Educational or Clinical Psychologist assessment can be very expensive.
What to do next?
Please phone or email me for further details contact me.
I always provide free phone consultations before appointments. This is to discuss the reasons for the appointment and what you hope to get from it. We can then decide which type of assessment would be the most useful for your situation. I have a wide variety of assessment materials in up to date versions suitable for the age range 6 – adult.
If you book an appointment I will write to confirm and send paper versions of the questionnaires for you to complete and bring with you to your appointment. The questionnaires include one for the school or college and there is one for adult workplace difficulties if relevant.
Whenever possible it is very helpful to have some information from the school but if parents do not wish to involve the school it is their choice.
All questionnaires can also be emailed to you.