What is a dyslexia assessment?

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Dyslexia assessments are available for students from the age of 8 years old. They last for around 3 hours and involve a range of activities focusing on learning ability, working memory, phonological processing and literacy attainment. Observations and results from these assessments, alongside information provided by parents and school, are used to determine whether a young person is dyslexic. The information is used to identify learning strengths and needs which are explained in a detailed report. This also provides personalised recommendations for support and suggestions for onward referrals to other professionals.

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A report confirming a diagnosis of dyslexia can be used when applying for Disability Student Allowance (DSA) in higher education. However, further assessment at different educational stages may be recommended to reflect changing learning needs.​

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When should I get a dyslexia assessment for my child?

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A dyslexia assessment can be carried out with any student from the age of 8 or above. If you have concerns regarding your child’s progress in reading, writing or spelling, it is strongly suggested that you discuss these with their class teacher or school SENCo first. They will be able to explain any additional support in place and whether this has helped your child’s learning.

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If you have done this and your child continues to have difficulties with their reading, writing or spelling, a dyslexia assessment could be considered the next step.

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You may choose to proceed with a dyslexia assessment if:

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• Your child has found learning to read difficult and finds it hard to remember what they have read.

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• Your child's writing contains persistent spelling mistakes and does not reflect their verbal language ability.

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• Your child is working below the expected standard for their age in reading, writing or spelling and is making little or slow progress despite additional support.

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• Your child has been part of ongoing literacy interventions in school, for example phonics, reading, writing or spelling, but continues to find these areas difficult.

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• Your child has been identified as having a moderate to high likelihood of dyslexia on a screener.

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• Your child’s teacher or SENCo has suggested they have dyslexic-type literacy difficulties and you would like to explore these further.

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If you are still unsure whether a full dyslexia assessment is appropriate for your child, please enquire about a learning needs assessment that we can also offer.

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What happens if I decide a dyslexia assessment is right for my child?

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First, get in touch by email or phone so we can arrange a convenient time to discuss your child. If you choose to go ahead, a full dyslexia assessment costs £450. A date will be confirmed by returning a signed contract and a deposit of £100. We will then send you and your child’s school a background information questionnaire which are essential components of the assessment process. 

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The assessment can take place in your house or at our premises in Cirencester. It will last around 3 hours, including rest breaks, which normally takes place in one session. However, it is possible for this to be over 2 sessions by prior arrangement. 

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A written report will be made available within 15 working days of the assessment. This will detail your child’s learning profile, their strengths and needs, and confirm whether your child has dyslexia. Personalised recommendations for support will also be given for support at home and in school. We will provide you with verbal feedback after the assessment and a more detailed conversation after you have had an opportunity to read the report.

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If you decide that a dyslexia assessment is right for your child, please do get in contact with any questions or to enquire about availability.

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WhO COMPLETES THE DYSLEXIA ASSESSMENT?

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JESSICA STEEL

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Hello! My name is Jessica and I am a level 7 qualified dyslexia assessor and specialist tutor accredited through the British Dyslexia Association. 

 

As a SENCo and experienced primary school teacher, I have always been motivated by finding the most effective ways to support children with different learning needs. Early in my teaching career, I quickly recognised the impact reading, writing and spelling difficulties could have on a child’s learning and self-esteem, particularly as they get older. I realised the importance of building a child’s confidence through celebration and recognition of their strengths and successes and this underpins my teaching ethos to this day.

 

Designing individual interventions for children with literacy learning difficulties ignited my interest in dyslexia. I began to understand the need for a different approach to learning and decided to train as a specialist dyslexia tutor. I immediately loved how the multi-sensory approach sparked creativity and fun in both the children I teach and myself. 

 

I decided to qualify as a dyslexia assessor to further my passion for supporting young people. Helping a student understand their learning strengths and needs can positively impact their self-esteem and motivation. Providing them with strategies to support literacy learning across the curriculum can empower them to meet their full potential. This is my motivation!

 

My qualifications and accreditations

Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) with the British Dyslexia Association

Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)

Accredited Teacher Status (ATS)

MA (Education)

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

BSc (Hons) Biology

 

What I offer

Full dyslexia assessment

Learning needs assessment