The Individual Session?
The assessment takes between two and two and a half hours, depending on the child’s age and pace of working. The work undertaken consists of a series of short activities, some of which are more like games than tests. Children normally have at least one break during the session and, for those who are young or experience particular difficulty with concentration, the assessment can be arranged over two or more days. As well as some reading, writing and number work, there will be activities that look at verbal and non-verbal abilities as well as information-processing skills such as memory and processing speed. The tests used form a structured interview and it is not just the results that are important, but how the individual approaches tasks and the response, both cognitive and emotional.
From all the information gathered, and information given by parents and teachers, I am then able to give an outline of strengths and weaknesses and where any difficulties lie. You will be given verbal feedback following the session and receive a written report within a couple of weeks. The report will include recommendations and suggestions as to how best to support progress both at home and at school. In most cases, but only with the parents’ agreement, some feedback is given to the young person.
After the Session?
The reports that I write are individual to the child and written in plain, accessible, jargon-free English, with any statistical information explained. The focus of the report is to enable schools and parents to understand where difficulties lie and move forward to produce a positive outcome for everyone. Reports are confidential and are sent exclusively to you.
What might be recommended after an assessment?
For most children there will be areas of difficulty that can be addressed by particular teaching approaches or strategies. Specific programmes of work may be appropriate to build reading, spelling or maths skills. These will vary from individual to individual and reflect strengths or patterns of weakness that have been shown in the assessment.
The difficulties shown by older pupils may entitle them to special access arrangements for exams, either at school or for public exams. This may be in the form of additional time allowances, use of a laptop, or in some cases a reader and scribe. Pupils leaving school for university may be entitled to apply for a Disabled Student's Allowance to help with funding access to learning support and/or a laptop.