Dyslexia Assessment

Welcome to “London Educational Assessment Service” which is a Diagnostic Assessment service for children and young adults who are concerned about their progress at school or college. Assessments are suitable for students in the primary and secondary school years, and for Higher Education and Further Education. Assessments may also be undertaken for those applying for Access Arrangements.

An assessment by “London Educational Assessment Service” will identify whether you or your child have any specific learning difficulties, signpost appropriate remedial measures and detail recommendations for support at school/college and at home.

The main learning difficulty identified from assessment is Dyslexia. While the assessment tests for this condition, other potential issues such as Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI) may also be investigated.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

London Educational Diagnostic Assessment Service provides diagnostic assessment for learners with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia in London and Hertfordshire.
People of all ages who may have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, processing problems and dyscalculia are welcome. Full diagnostic assessments are carried out, providing detailed reports for anyone with a suspected SpLD including recommendations for support at school/college and at home. Full diagnostic assessments, along with reports, are provided for those applying for Access Arrangements.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

There are many reasons to have a Diagnostic Assessment. You may want to have a greater understanding of why you or your child is experiencing difficulties at school or college, and how these can best be supported. You may also wish to apply for Exam Access Arrangements.
A Diagnostic Assessment usually takes up to three hours to complete. The assessment can be carried out at either my home in Chelsea or Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. Alternatively, I am happy to come to the student’s home in London or Hertfordshire.
Before the assessment, students receive a Diagnostic Assessment Booking Form detailing a contract, payment details & cancellation policy, and a questionnaire to be completed by the student/ parent and by the school.

WHAT TESTS ARE USED?

During an assessment a wide range of diagnostic tests are used to explore ability and attainment. This includes:

Cognitive abilities: - underlying ability, phonological abilities, visual processing speed, short-term and working memory

Literacy: - single-word reading, non-word reading, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, single-word spelling

Numeracy: - number processing and mathematics

Motor skills: - visual and motor integration abilities; handwriting and fine motor skills

There is usually an informal chat before the assessment to gather a little more background information.

WHAT IS THE AIM?

The aim is to:

formally diagnose dyslexia (if this is supported by the test results)

assess performance on a range of items, in order to identify strengths and weaknesses

gather information on reading, writing and spelling

identify discrepancies between attainment and underlying levels of ability

determine other factors which may be affecting learning

identify whether any Reasonable Adjustments need to be made in order for a student to fully access the curriculum and exams

empower the student to use strengths and understand weaknesses, and provide practical strategies to support achieving goals.

WHO AM I?

I am a fully qualified teacher and Specialist Teacher with over thirty years’ experience in schools across London and Hertfordshire.
I am available to do assessments either in Chelsea or in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. I am also available to travel to the student’s school or home setting across London and Hertfordshire. Weekday and weekends are available.

My qualifications include B.Ed (Hons) (No RP86/45148)
M.A. (Education)
B.P.S. Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology
M.Sc. (Clinical Child Psychology)
O.C.R. Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties
O.C.R. Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties
Assessment Practising Certificate (APC No 500003030-OF8743)
I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) from the Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) (Patoss). As a Patoss professional, I adhere to the Patoss Code of Conduct and hold professional indemnity insurance. As a member of SpLD Assessment Standards Committee, I am committed to supporting and advancing standards in assessment and to encouraging best practice in the assessment of specific learning difficulties. I also hold a current DBS certificate.

My Services & What Next?

A REPORT IS PROVIDED

After an assessment, a written report is sent within two weeks. This report provides evidence of the individual’s learning skills and dyslexic profile (if identified by the test results). It also provides signposting to other organisations or further assessment of specific learning difficulties (if required).
The report also includes recommendations about how the individual can be effectively supported both in the home and school environment. The report intends to be one which the individual is happy to share with family, teachers and other professionals involved.
If the report is for a specific purpose such as Access Arrangements, clear explanations on how to proceed will be given.
No information from the assessment report or information gained from families is used in any way other than to provide a diagnostic report for specific learning difficulties. Any reports are confidential to the person seeking them and are only circulated with the permission and agreement of the family, young person or adult that the report concerns.

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It is a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing. Unlike a learning disability, intelligence is not affected.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition which can have a significant impact on education during the school years. It can not only affect the individual's ability to read and write, but also can affect areas such as coordination, organisation and memory. Individual experiences of dyslexia are unique; ranging from mild to severe, and can concur with other learning difficulties.
It is believed that dyslexia affects about ten per cent of the population, but despite these figures, it is often poorly understood. However, with early identification and the appropriate support, individuals can be empowered to use their strengths effectively to achieve high academic standards and so lead fulfilling and rewarding careers.
Whilst signs of dyslexia may be apparent to a professional during the pre-school years, they often remain undetected until the child starts the primary school years. As a parent, it is important to speak to the school about any concerns that you may have. Early detection and identification are essential to ensure that the necessary levels of effective support are put in place as soon as possible. Diagnostic Assessments can take place from age 7. A Diagnostic Assessment is the only way that dyslexia can be formally identified, and Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments be implemented.

FEES & CONTACT DETAILS

Fees
Full dyslexia assessment and report, including Access Arrangements where suitable.
Access arrangement report only. Please contact for quote.

Contact
I would be delighted to have a no obligation telephone conversation to discuss any learning concerns you may have about you or your child. Please contact me on 07817 890541 or email me on s.hodgsonjones@btinternet.com

Contact Me

SARAH HODGSON-JONES

Address: Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK.

E-mail: s.hodgsonjones@btinternet.com

Phone: 07817 890541