DYSLEXIA ASSESSMENTS
We offer full Dyslexia diagnostic assessments for children and young adults within the Northamptonshire area. The assessments can take place in schools/colleges and private residences.
The cost of the assessment ranges between £400-£450. Personal circumstances will be taken into consideration.
An assessment takes between 2-3 hours, with a break included. For younger children, it may be beneficial to split the session into two. There are a number of exercises that the learner must complete within the timeframe. Each individual test measures different areas of a leaner’s cognitive profile (e.g. underlying ability, working memory, speed of processing and phonological awareness) and attainment levels (e.g., reading, spelling and writing skills). All tests used are standardised as recommended by PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties) and follow strict guidelines outlined by The SpLD Assessments Standards Committee (SASC). In addition to the tests, parents/guardians and the education setting will be required to provide relevant information about the learner’s history of development and education.
Following the assessment, the results, key information and subsequent recommendations are delivered in a Dyslexia Assessment Report (DAR). There is also an opportunity for a follow-up meeting and a discussion and a school meeting is available on request. The assessment process may highlight signs of other specific learning difficulties, these may be discussed in the report along with recommendations for further support and referrals to other agencies.
All reports are written in accordance with current SASC guidelines.
See http://www.sasc.org.uk/for further details.
FAQs
"Why complete a Dyslexia assessment?"
A dyslexia assessment helps to formally identify a learning need within a learner. However, the benefits of the assessment surpass receiving the diagnosis; it also helps to ensure that the learner secures the appropriate support and guidance in their education and everyday life. It enables the learner themself to gain a deeper understanding of their learning styles, strengths and true underlying potential. This awareness helps to build self-esteem and aspirations for all. Additionally, assessments help to identify the key areas of need so both a clear learning plan and teaching approach can be implemented.
"What are the benefits of an assessment at primary school?"
Early identification of a learning need can be pivotal when learning to read and write. With a greater understanding of a learner’s strengths and areas of needs, the appropriate remedial interventions and reasonable adjustments can be put in place.
"What are the benefits of an assessment at secondary school/6th Form/College?"
The assessments can help to give clear guidance for formal examinations. An assessment advises on what access arrangements the learner may be entitled to and provides the relevant statutory evidence. Access arrangements crucially help eliminate the barriers within formal examinations that prevent them meeting their full potential. Recommendations may include extra time, reader, scribe or the use of assistive technology. Higher Education
"What are the benefits of an assessment prior to or during university?"
Specific university-related recommendations can be provided giving the learner confidence of the continuation of support as they progress into further education. Assessments can also be used as evidence for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) application which provides funding towards equipment and support.
ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Access Arrangement assessments provide The Joint Council for Qualification (JCQ) with evidence of the reasonable adjustments required for a learner during formal examinations (e.g. GCSE, AS, A- Levels). The role of AA is to eliminate any barriers that a learning need may cause and helps to keep the examination process fair and equal for all. The assessment includes a range of cognitive and attainment tests. The tests are used to inform recommendations for adjustments such as extra time, scribe or reader.
This service includes liaising with the education setting about the current way of working of the learner, the completion of all relevant tests, a short summary report of the test outcomes and providing relevant evidence to the school – including the completion of Section 2 of a Form 8.
Access arrangements assessments can be provided on an individual or whole-school basis (please see our School Support section for more information).
The cost of the services is £150. Personal circumstance can be taken into consideration.