Diagnostic assessments for children aged 7 to 15 years old are undertaken within our centre by our experienced, specialist teachers Mrs Karen Anderson and Mrs Jo Wilson who hold current Assessment Practising Certificates (APC).
Before the assessment appointment:
- Your email enquiry to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is received - Our Family Questionnaire will be sent to you via email. You will also be sent a School Questionnaire, if appropriate (usually for primary aged children only).
- When you have returned your completed Family Questionnaire (the school one can wait until nearer the appointment time), you will receive an email confirming that you have been placed on the waiting list.
- As soon as possible you will be offered an appointment date. (Dates are usually offered in half-termly “batches” to the next group on the waiting list and places allocated on a first come- first served based on parental preferences.)
- You will receive an email confirming your appointment, with further details including travel directions.
- Please email to confirm acceptance of the appointment.
- An invoice will be issued to be paid, as specified, before the assessment date
Young children and those with additional needs.
Although we strive to make every child comfortable within the assessment process, it is quite an intense session. Unless they are fully co-operative and happy to work with a previously unknown adult, on their own after the initial settling in period, the process will not be successful.
Although children can be diagnosed from 7 years old, sometimes a firm decision cannot be reached at this age.
For Year 9 and above: If the application for GCSE or GCE exam access arrangements is a likely outcome, a joint email to the school/college SENDCo and SDC is required giving permission for us to liaise with the school or college. This will be required BEFORE the assessment for the completion of the necessary paperwork.
During the assessment appointment:
Please allow approximately 3 hours for the appointment.
Accompanying friends or family are welcome to use our waiting room or return in time for feedback. Ample, free parking is available on site.
The assessor will invite the child/young person and their accompanying adults into the room together. They will discuss the information contained in your questionnaires and any current needs and concerns.
Once, the child is comfortable, the adults will be asked to withdraw to the waiting room or are free to leave.
Breaks within the process are allowed/encouraged to ensure the child remains as focused as possible.
The formal process involves assessment of performance in verbal and non-verbal underlying ability, levels of attainment in reading, spelling, writing (and usually maths) and diagnostic testing to investigate the presence of dyslexia and possible indications of other specific learning difficulties.
Areas of strength are identified as well as problem areas.
Some verbal feedback will be provided at the end of the session.
Following the assessment appointment:
The completed report is usually emailed within 3 working weeks of the assessment date.
This comprehensive report details scores, conclusions reached and personalised suggestions for support. These recommendations are not legally binding, but schools want their students to be successful and, in our experience, will provide support wherever possible.
If appropriate, specialist tuition and/ or onward referral will be recommended.
After the report has been received, a ½ hour post-assessment feedback session can be arranged to discuss the findings/recommendations in the report, if required.
Cost: £480