What ages are assessed?
I specialise in school aged children.
How do I arrange a diagnostic assessment?
You can complete this form Request for Diagnostic Assessment
Or if you would like to have a chat first please call Jan on 0238 104 0108 who will be happy to discuss and explain the process.
How to I arrange a screening for dyscalculia or dyslexia?
You can complete this form Request for Screening and then you can book a suitable time via SpLD Screening Appointments
Or if you would like to have a chat first please call Jan on 0238 104 0108 who will be happy to discuss and explain the process.
Where does the assessment take place?
At Southampton Tuition Centre, please see Get in Touch for directions. There is dedicated parking.
Already diagnoised wtih Dyslexia but need Dyscalculia investigation
If you already have had a diagnosis of dyslexia done but require further investigation into dyscalculia then so long as it has been at least 6 months since the previous testing was done then a new investigation can be undertaken.
If you require both dyslexia and dyscalculia to be investigated then it is better to get them tested for together as many of the tests are the same.
Can I be in the room whilst my child is being assessed?
Sorry, no.
There are a number of reasons why but mainly it’s to avoid distractions.
The tests are also copywritten so are not allowed to be seen by anybody other than a qualified assessor and the person being assessed, and they can only see their part.
However, the room has windows and you
wait in reception so you’re child knows you’re near by.
We also have breaks so they will come out to have a snack etc.
What background information is needed?
You will be sent links to some questionnaires.
In order to get input from your child’s school there is a ‘permission to share’. The school will then be emailed and asked to complete a questionnaire about your child and their school achievement, any difficulties etc.
The family background questionnaire that you complete is essential to establishing you child’s difficulties. SpLDs are developmental therefore knowing if your child has had health issues, eyesight, hearing or any major periods of illness that impacted school is important to determining any factors that have impacted their achievements.
There is a visual screening conducted to identify if visual stress might be a factor. Should it be identified that this might be an issue you can be referred to a behavioural optometrist. This is not the same as a standard eye test done in the high street.
A neurodiversity checklist is used to identify if other conditions might be involved in your child’s difficulties.
Please complete these with as much detail as possible. Ideally sit down with your child and their other parent (or carers) if possible to fill these in. The more information you provide the better. This isn’t a 5 minute job, be prepared to spend an hour or so as the diagnosis has to be supported by evidence of both strengths and difficulties.
Can you assess for exam access arrangements?
Yes, but that is really down to the examination centre (the school). If they would like me to complete part 2 of the form 8, then they need to have a working relationship with me prior to me conducting any testing and send me the already completed part 1. There might be an extra charge for this service.
I work for schools as an independent exam access arrangements assessor. Any school requiring this service should contact me for availability and prices.
Can I bring other children with me?
No, please don’t.
It is important that the tests are free from interruption.
Other children would be bored and noise must be kept to a minimum so the sound (or knowledge) that a sibling is playing on a tablet can be enough to cause distraction.
