Diagnostic assessments can only be undertaken by a suitably qualified psychologist or a specialist teacher (with a qualification called an Assessment Practising Certificate or APC). We have both available for assessment at SDC.
Usually, but not exclusively, adults and young people 16 years old and over are assessed by independent, chartered occupational psychologist, Mrs Justine Webb and children under the age of 16, by specialist teachers, Mrs Karen Anderson and Mrs Jo Wilson.
Assessments with Justine are currently being held via Zoom (but face to face in Nottingham can be arranged, if preferred or for anyone under 16 years of age).
Year 6 SATS
A diagnostic assessment is not required for the application for extra time etc in Year 6 SATs. This provision is based on normal way of working within the classroom.
GCSE/ GCE /etc
A diagnostic assessment is not required for the application for extra time in formal examinations.
Access Arrangement & Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) or Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) for example, the provision of extra time in formal examinations, are the responsibility of the school/ college. They depend on results obtained from testing undertaken from the beginning of Year 9, plus supporting evidence from teaching staff within school. This testing is preferably undertaken by the school or college themselves. However, if the young person is to undergo a diagnostic assessment, which involves more in-depth testing, some (but not all) schools /colleges will use these results for this purpose.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (D.S.A.)
Although previously only reports obtained after the age of 16 were admissible, now any diagnostic report from 7 years of age can be used as evidence of specific learning difficulties when applying for support through DSA in Higher Education.
TO BOOK:
Please contact us via email and you will be sent the appropriate questionnaire(s).
Once your questionnaire has been returned, (the school one, if applicable, can be returned nearer to the date of the assessment) you will be placed on our waiting list and contacted as soon as we can offer you an appointment date.
Before the assessment appointment:
You will receive a confirmation email, with travel directions or Zoom details, and an invoice with payment details.
Any information received from the professionals working regularly with your child/ young person and previous screening reports are very helpful
For Year 6 and younger
Please pass on the School Questionnaire for your child’s class teacher or SENDCo to complete.
For Year 7 and above
The completion of our School Questionnaire is not usually practicable. However, any recent school reports/ comments are very welcome.
For Year 9 and above:
If the results obtained are appropriate for application for post 16 exam access arrangements, 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 up to 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 discuss the information contained in your questionnaires and your current needs and concerns.
The formal process involves assessment of verbal and non-verbal reasoning, current levels of attainment in reading, spelling, writing (and maths, if appropriate) and investigation of information processing skills, to investigate the presence of dyslexia.
Possible indications of other specific learning difficulties will be noted.
Areas of strength are identified as well as any 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.