Getting a formal assessment for your child can provide a comprehensive understanding of their learning profile. The assessment will cover handwriting, spelling, writing and reading skills, numeracy, cognitive ability, and general underlying ability.

The assessment can occur at school, your home or the assessor’s home and usually takes around three hours, with breaks given as required.

Once the assessment is complete, a written report will be provided with recommendations for any support required in the classroom. The report will also include a summary of your child's strengths and any diagnosis, if required.  

If your child meets the criteria, the report will also include exam access arrangements, which can be helpful for forthcoming exams like SATs, ISEB, and 11+.  

To make things easier for busy teachers and professionals, a concise summary of the findings, diagnosis, and recommendations will be provided at the beginning of the report, which can be detached.

The assessment process includes:

• Complimentary 45-min initial telephone consultation with parent(s)

• Parental questionnaires to be completed and reviewed before the child’s formal assessment

• Liaison with the child’s school, including questionnaires to be completed by designated teachers

• Depending on the child, an initial chat may take place

• Minimum three-hour in-person formal assessment in person

• Initial verbal feedback to parents and the school

• Comprehensive written report, provided within ten working days

Cost: £475

What are access arrangements?

Schools are required to make Exam Access Arrangements to ensure that students with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries can access exams on an equal footing. These arrangements enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without any unfair advantage. In addition to any reasonable adjustments in the classroom, Access Arrangements play a critical role in ensuring fairness in education. 

Access Arrangements may include: 

• Extra time  

• A reader or a scribe

• A laptop 

• Supervised rest breaks

Access Arrangement Assessments are shorter than full assessments and are not intended to diagnose Specific Learning Difficulties. They do not usually assess a child's general ability. Tests are conducted to determine relevant access arrangements for exams in consultation with the child's school or college as required by the Joint Council of Qualifications (JCQ).

The assessor requires information from the school to establish relevant access arrangements gathered via a School Questionnaire. Access arrangements must reflect the child's history of need and usual way of working.

It is important to note that while the assessor will report on appropriate access arrangements, it is solely the school's responsibility to decide which arrangements to apply for and to make the application. The assessor will complete the relevant sections of Form 8* as required by JCQ* and sent to the child’s school or college.

Cost: £95

As part of the service of formal assessments, I regularly liaise and collaborate with schools (state and independent), colleges and universities.

I help teachers and educational professionals navigate the assessment process, providing guidance and support every step of the way.

I am proud to have several excellent working relationships with SEND professionals.

Additionally, I am fully DBS-subscribed and insured.

Every formal assessment for children (or students with consent) will begin with a friendly, no-obligation conversation.

This allows you to speak freely about your observations and for me to listen to any concerns you have noticed.

Whatever stage of the process you are at, please feel free to get in touch to see how I can support you.