I conduct full diagnostic assessments with children aged 8 and older.
Yes, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher or SENCO before seeking a formal assessment. Schools may already be providing support, and extra help can be given without a diagnostic assessment. However, a formal diagnosis can only be made through a full diagnostic assessment.
A full diagnostic assessment is not necessary to apply for Exam Access Arrangements. However, if your child comes to me for a diagnostic dyslexia/dyscalculia assessment no earlier than the end of Year 9, the results can be used to support an application for Exam Access Arrangements at GCSE and A Level. Prior to the assessment I must have contact with the SENCO at your child’s school – this is a requirement of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). I will work alongside the SENCO to support an application.
A report that provides a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or dyscalculia can be used as part of an application for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Further and Higher Education. The assessment must be conducted by an assessor with an active Assessment Practicing Certificate.
Assessments can be carried out in your home, your child’s school (if there is a quiet room available), or at a community centre in Dore, Sheffield. I work across Sheffield, North-East Derbyshire, Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster.
The assessment usually takes between three and three and a half hours, with short comfort breaks. For an assessment involving both dyslexia and dyscalculia, the assessment takes place over two mornings.
