Frequently asked questions
I am a specialist teacher assessor and so have direct classroom teacher experience (which is not always true of Ed Psychs). We also have access to a slightly different battery of tests to the ones used by an Ed Psych. The usual recommendation is that if your child is working significantly behind where they should be (i.e., 3-4 years) and you are looking to get an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), looking for an Ed Psych may be the best way forwards. As a specialist teacher assessor, I do have classroom experience, which means the recommendations I make may be slightly more specific.
This is very much dependent on the child. Online assessments for children can be carried out for children from 8 upwards, with the proviso that they are often more tiring and may take longer as more rest breaks are needed. There will be certain tasks missing from an online assessment (the more practical ones) and the assessment will require input and facilitation from parents. You also need to ensure that you have a good internet connection (or can ‘hotspot’ your phone) and a screen at least 25cm diagonally. A dyslexia assessment cannot be carried out on a phone.
The price for an assessment is £550. I offer a free 30-minute chat after the assessment to discuss the report and next steps and am always available to answer emails.
I offer a supplemental in-depth maths assessment/dyscalculia screener which costs £50 when added to the assessment.
If you require me to fill in any forms/provide substantial additional information, this is charged at my normal hourly consultancy rate (£60).
If you are over 16, yes. I would usually suggest a combined dyslexia and dyspraxia assessment as the difficulties overlap so much. Please note that a dyspraxia assessment in this way is done for ‘educational purposes’, evidence for Access to Work or your own interest – I can’t suggest exercises or add this to your medical record.
If under 16, then no. For children, dyspraxia is a medical issue. If your child comes for an assessment, I will gather information about motor skills and then can refer them onwards for investigation.
Yes – please contact me to discuss your requirements!
I can provide:
I am not able to provide advice for EHCP applications or attend EHCP tribunals. The best place for impartial or independent advice would be your local SENDIASS.
Dorset SENDIASS: https://www.dorsetsendiass.co.uk/
Hampshire SENDIASS: https://www.hampshiresendiass.co.uk/
Wiltshire SENDIASS: https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/wiltshire-sendiass/
I generally only travel for assessments ordered by schools and colleges or by workplaces. I do on some occasions travel to private homes, but this is considered on a case-by-case basis and only within a certain travelling distance from my office.
Necessarily, when you or your child gets a diagnosis of dyslexia, they will then have a ‘label’. However, I try and ensure that my practise is very centred on progress and strategies rather than just labelling. My reports, whether dyslexia is found or not, have recommendations for home, school and the workplace to help address the areas of need found during the assessment. So whilst the diagnosis is important, for me it is not the most important thing – instead, finding learning strategies is the most important.
That very much depends on the school. My reports have a range of recommendations which can be put into place for your child. Generally, schools are great at doing this, although some of these recommendations will cost more than others to put into place (both in terms of resources and staffing). However, schools don’t generally get extra funding for children just diagnosed with dyslexia, so schools may not be able to put in all of the recommendations in one go. If you do feel that the assessment report is being ignored it is covered by the Equality Act 2010 and you have recourse to your local council SEN department.
Yes – lots! I am also happy to be contacted to provide more if you need this.
Jenny is fully insured and DBS checked