Specialist tuition
Consultancy & INSET PROVISION
What Are The Benefits Of Having An Assessment?
Dyslexia and dyscalculia can only be formally identified with a full diagnostic assessment. This can be carried out by either an Educational Psychologist or a qualified specialist teacher such as myself. Such an assessment will last the lifetime of the individual.
Why have a diagnostic Assessment?
You may be worried about your child’s progress and feel their academic results don’t reflect their true ability.
Your child’s school may have concerns or have identified signs of dyslexia or dyscalculia by carrying out a screening test.
There may be a history of specific learning needs in the family.
It can improve an individual’s self-esteem and confidence by allowing them to understand why they find some things difficult. My assessment reports highlight the many strengths of the individual and how they can use these to help support areas that may be more challenging.
In providing recommendations for targeted support, it can guide both parents and teachers.
It can suggest appropriate Examination Access Arrangements (The final decision for these lies with the school SENCO).
What happens during the assessment process?
Before the Assessment
Before the assessment, you will be asked to fill in some questionnaires so I can understand the student’s background and current difficulties. It is possible to do these together, if preferred. Questionnaires will also be sent to school, in order to explore the difficulties observed in the classroom.
It is essential to make sure there has been a recent eye-test (within the last year) as, without this, test results may be invalid. I will also ask for copies of recent school reports and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) if you have them, as well as reports from any other professionals you may have seen (such as a speech and language therapist).
During the Assessment
The assessment itself typically takes 3-5 hours and is conducted over more than one session either in school, at your house, or at my premises. We take as many breaks as necessary; it is so important for your child to be comfortable. They will be asked to do standardised tests for reading, spelling, writing and maths. I will also assess areas of cognitive processing, such as tests of memory and processing speed. I know that the assessment process can be daunting, so great care is taken to put your child at ease and to create a calm, positive environment for the assessment.
(I do not conduct assessments over Zoom.)
After the Assessment
You will receive a detailed written report within 4 weeks of the assessment. The report will provide evidence of your child’s cognitive and academic profile, together with recommendations about how to best support them both at home and at school. If appropriate, suggestions for access arrangements will also be made. All recommendations I make not only reflect my experience as a specialist teacher and assessor, but also my understanding of the classroom and the school environment. I am available to answer any questions or queries you may have about the report and the next steps you may wish to take.