Assessments
To understand which assessment might be right for you click the tabs below to explore the different types.
This is the best option to identify dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. It is the most comprehensive and in depth assessment and will provide a full cognitive (how the brain works) profile of the individual’s learning style.
Educational psychology (EP) reports can be used as evidence for Examination Boards, Tribunals, Colleges and Universities.
What is involved?
- First we send you a questionnaire, which gives important background information to the EP
- We also send a questionnaire for you to take to school if the assessment is for a child
- A brief initial chat with the EP
- 2-2 ½ hours of activities and some small chunks of reading and writing.
- A brief discussion about the results
- A full written confidential report with recommendations is sent after approximately 3 weeks
The results give a profile of learning strengths and weaknesses. A diagnosis of dyslexia is often based upon the EP’s experience and low scores in those areas generally affected by dyslexia.
All Psychologists are independent, HCPC registered, fully qualified and highly experienced professionals. All information is confidential and will not be shared without your prior permission.
Available for children only – These assessments are comprehensive, but are not as broad ranging or as in depth as a psychologist’s assessment. They can however identify dyslexia and make recommendations for support.
What is involved?
- First we send you a questionnaire, which gives important background information to the teacher
- A brief initial chat with the specialist teacher
- 2 hours of activities & some small chunks of reading and writing
- A brief discussion about the results at the end
- A written confidential report with recommendations is sent after approximately 3 weeks
Dyslexics with a past history of specialist help and /or a previous assessment report that identifies dyslexic difficulties may be eligible for special arrangements in public examinations- if they also fit the current criteria set by JCQ.
In some cases, updated test data is required by the exam board, in which case an exam assessment can be carried out. Evidence and past history of support, including a record of extra time / allowances in school exams is required. Agreement from the school to accept an externally commissioned assessment AND provision from the school, of a prepared form 8 must be provided in advance.
Dispensations usually take the form of extra time (as dyslexics may process information more slowly this puts them on an equal footing with non-dyslexics) but can also be use of a computer to word process, scribe, reader, rest breaks and more.
What is involved?
- You provide a copy of your full assessment and the pre-prepared form 8 from school
- 1 hour or so of activities & some small chunks of reading and writing
- A brief discussion about the results at the end
- A written summary of scores and ‘section C’ of Form 8 is provided
A 40 minute consultation can also be considered. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s difficulties, or adults to discuss their issues, to ask advice and suggestions for remediation. An hour consultation with brief diagnostic assessments and standardised reading and spelling tests can also be presented if required, with a short summary report of the findings. However, for a thorough and accurate diagnosis a full cognitive assessment should be carried out. (See Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher assessments above).
An independent visiting occupational therapist will give an initial assessment. This will be written up into a programme of intervention. Follow up treatments can then be arranged.Occupational therapy addresses difficulties with balance and co-ordination.
Difficulties can range from large (gross) movements like riding a bicycle to small (fine) movements like illegible handwriting. It is often helpful for addressing co-ordination problems associated with dyspraxia / Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD).
An independent visiting speech and language therapist will give an initial assessment. This will be written up into a programme of intervention.
Follow up treatments can then be arranged.Treatments can also be given in BDC teaching sessions, following the programme devised by the speech therapist.
How to book an assessment
To book please contact us initially to find out current availability. At times, we will be operating a waiting list system.
Once you have an appointment booked in, we will then send you the assessment pack. A 50% deposit is required to confirm the appointment.
