Question 1

How long does a Full Diagnostic Assessment take?

Accepted Answer

The assessment takes 3 hours and will be conducted during a morning (9am-12 noon). This will include breaks as it is a tiring process. During the assessment we will go through a series of tests and puzzles, which look at: Literacy skills (reading, spelling and writing). Cognitive processing (how the brain continuously takes in information and transforms it, stores it, recovers it, and puts it to work). General ability (aspects of verbal and visual ability).

Question 2

Can a child younger than 8 Years be assessed?

Accepted Answer

While the ‘gold standard’ for dyslexia support is early identification and early intervention, it is advised to be cautious when deciding whether to assess a child younger than 8. Current best practice is for a child to have undergone a structured programme of intervention support, before considering whether they have a formal diagnosis such as dyslexia. Children develop literacy skills at different rates and a slower rate of development does not necessarily mean that they are at risk of dyslexia. I usually only assess learners at the end of Year 3 at the earliest, with the understanding that appropriate intervention has been in place to try and close gaps in learning. With a younger child, it may not yet be possible to give a definite ‘yes or no’ as to whether they have dyslexia. The main aim of the assessment is to provide a clearer picture of their profile of strengths and difficulties and to offer practical suggestions for intervention and support.

Question 3

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Please e-mail me at literacyassessment.dyslexia@gmail.com or reach me through my website contact form. Please give me a brief description of your concerns. I will then contact you to arrange for a short phone call so we can establish that I am the right professional to help you. I prefer to complete my assessments in schools so with your help I will liaise with the school Senco and ask whether it will be possible for them to provide me with a small room for the morning where I can complete the assessment with your child. If this is not possible, we can arrange for an assessment to take place at your home. Once an assessment date has been agreed, I will send you a Google Calendar link that contains all the information you need to know about the assessment (this includes links to provide me with background information via electronic forms, visual stress questionnaire, Safeguarding and Privacy Policy as well as terms and conditions of the assessment booking. If the school Senco has been able to organise a school venue, then they will be sent the Google calendar link too. *I am based in Leicestershire and will travel free of charge to schools and homes within the county. If I am required to travel outside the county there will be additional travel and time

Question 4

Will you pick up on other needs?

Accepted Answer

Having been a teacher and assessor for many years I can very quickly pick up on other needs through pre-assessment information (background information questionnaires) and on the day of the assessment. I regularly see signs of other needs such as ADHD, speech on language, Autism, Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder, sensory processing and visual discomfort/ disturbances. I am not able to diagnose these needs, however I will be able to offer advice about how further assessments can be pursued.

Question 5

What do I get afterwards? Is it a certificate?

Accepted Answer

After the assessment, you will receive a very detailed 30+ page report within 15 working days. This will include a detailed recommendations section at the end of the report that will give suggestions and ideas to support better progress for both home and school. If a dyslexia diagnosis is given this report is for life and can be used as evidence for additional support and adjustments. For example, consideration for Access Arrangements for GCSE/A Level examinations, DSA support, Access to Work. If there are additional concerns that arise from the full assessment, I will make suggestions as to the possible benefit of further investigations into additional needs.

Question 6

Are Literacy Assessment & Dyslexia Services reports accepted by schools and
universities?

Accepted Answer

I have been an assessor for over 10 years working with primary and secondary schools as well as colleges throughout Leicestershire. I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) which is the gold mark that anyone pursuing an assessment should look for in an assessor. Renewing an APC is a stringent process that happens every three years. Clients and schools can check to see if an assessor has an APC on the Sasc website www.sasc.org.uk (www.sasc.org.uk)My reports are accepted by universities, by Student Finance England for those applying for the Disabled students Students’ allowance (DSA), and various professional bodies.

Question 7

What if the assessment results in a “not dyslexic” diagnosis

Accepted Answer

Having a private assessment for dyslexia does not guarantee a diagnosis. It may instead result in a profile of strengths and challenges with ‘no label’ attached. This will be useful for everyone as it will facilitate a better understanding of learning needs. Further advice will be provided if referrals to other professionals are suggested.

Question 8

My child is studying for their GCSE/A level examinations, and I think they need
extra time. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Schools and colleges play a critical role in determining whether students need support in their exams because any help put in place must reflect their needs and normal way of working. A formal diagnosis of dyslexia does not automatically entitle students to exam access arrangements. If you have concerns about your young person managing exams you must speak to the Senco first to see whether the school can conduct a brief assessment for this. If they cannot do this, please ask school whether it will accept an external report from someone like myself, as I am happy to complete the relevant section of the JCQ Form 8, but school would need to send me this form with their sections completed before the assessment takes place. It is important that I establish a working relationship with the school Senco and Exams Officer prior to any assessment. I currently work with several colleges across Leicestershire as the nominated Access Arrangement Assessor. You could give the Senco a link to this website.

Question 9

What is a dyslexia Screener?

Accepted Answer

A dyslexia screener can look for ‘signs’ of dyslexia, but they do not provide a diagnosis. Screeners can be a useful first step before investigating difficulties further, but they are not 100% reliable. They are useful as they provide a profile of a child’s learning which will include their strengths and challenges. I use the GL assessment dyslexia portfolio which is administered by myself on a 1-1 basis. This allows for additional qualitative observation which is very supportive when considered in conjunction with the screener results. You will receive the GL assessment Screener report and in addition to this you will receive a short report from me which will include recommendations to support better progress. The Screener is useful to share with school as it provides a more in-depth investigation into some of the challenges your child may be experiencing. Time taken: 1 ½ - 2 hours

Question 10

Do you have a DBS and Safeguard Training?

Accepted Answer

I am registered on the annual update DBS service. My certificate number and identity is routinely provided for all schools that I visit to support their Safeguarding Policies. I also compete safeguard training relevant to working in schools and colleges on a yearly basis.