Small Shoots Dyslexia
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Independent Diagnostic Assessment
Introducing Myself
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I am a specialist Dyslexia Teacher/Assessor, AMBDA qualified with a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma and Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). I carry out full diagnostic dyslexia assessments. I am also a HASA - Hellen Arkell Specialist Assessor.
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Teaching in primary education for over 25 years, I understand what dyslexia ‘looks like in the classroom’ and as the parent of a dyslexic child myself, I appreciate how valuable it is to investigate 'barriers to learning' which may account for unexpected attainment.
The diagnostic process enables an understanding of a pupil’s unique dyslexic profile, helping them to recognise their strengths and aptitudes which can support their journey to achieve their potential. In my diagnostic decision I aim to reflect the ‘whole person’ I assess, whilst also exploring their individual needs.
A diagnostic decision of dyslexia should be seen not as ‘a label’ but rather as facilitating change, empowering the individual to use their strengths and understand their weaknesses. Finding learning styles that suit them best and suggesting strategies to support them with their difficulties will be valuable whilst in education and also for their future.
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Why Assess?
Diagnostic Assessment
A full Diagnostic Assessment can be very helpful, both for the individual concerned and also for those that want to support them. An assessment will commonly address concerns relating to educational progress and can often provide explanations as to why an individual finds some areas of literacy acquisition (and/or other cognitive areas) unexpectedly difficult.
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Assessment is about facilitating change, empowering the individual to uncover strengths and understand weaknesses. Having a formal diagnosis can provide a way to explain difficulties to others and uncover specific barriers to learning that will help to ensure that any support put in place, is as effective as possible.
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Additionally, a Diagnostic Assessment of Dyslexia can be used:
To apply for Exam Access Arrangements at school.
To apply for funded support at university known as Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
As evidence for Exam Access Arrangements whilst studying at college, university or for professional qualifications.
To provide more information for employers so that they can make Reasonable Adjustments for an employee with specific difficulties.
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What does a Specialist Assessor aim to do?
To formally diagnose dyslexia (if this is supported by the test results)
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To assess performance on a range of items, allowing the assessor to consider strengths and weaknesses.
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To collect information about reading, spelling and writing skills.
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To identify a general level of ability and reading and writing attainment.
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To consider other factors which may be affecting learning.
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To identify whether any Reasonable Adjustments will need to be made in order for a person to fully access the curriculum and exams.
The Assessment Process
Where does the assessment take place?
Assessments take place at The Harborough Innovation Centre, LE16 7WB or at the student’s school, within a practicable radius of LE16. Locations further afield can be requested but will incur an additional cost.
Prior to the assessment
I speak with parents/carers to discuss their child's specific profile in order collect background information.
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Information will be gathered from the school/class teacher giving details of the pupil’s strengths and weakness and attainment, in addition to any other valuable information that might be insightful.
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Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice will be forwarded to you, and then the assessment date can be secured with a deposit.
On the assessment day
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A Diagnostic Assessment will usually take up to three hours to complete. If necessary, an assessment can be carried out over several sessions, but this will usually be decided beforehand. Rest breaks will be planned in.
The assessment itself will include a full set of tests to gain a cognitive profile. It is pupil centred and led by the information previously acquired and during the assessment process itself. Each pupil is unique and additional tests administered may be selected according to their needs.
​After a Diagnostic Assessment
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You will receive a full and detailed written report within 4 weeks of the assessment date. The Diagnostic Assessment report will be in line with guidelines set by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). This report will provide evidence of the individual’s dyslexic profile (if the individual has been confirmed as having dyslexia). The report will include recommendations about how to support the individual in the context of their study, the workplace or day-to-day life.
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The aim is that the report is a document that the individual is happy to share with family, teachers, tutors, other professionals and employers if they wish, as this will give them information on how they can help to provide support.
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A follow up meeting with parents/carers is offered to discuss the findings of the report (which should ideally involve/or be communicated to the school).
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Further Information
Under the Equality Act (2010) Schools are required to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that a pupil can access the curriculum and learn in line with their peers.
Schools must engage in a discussion with the parent/carer to ensure they are meeting the pupil’s needs, so every child is supported and can make progress at school. The school does not have to put in place every recommendation made by the assessor, but they do need to consider what is needed and what is reasonable within their budget and staffing resourcing.
Exam access arrangements are carried out by the school at the time of the exams taking place. Many children get access arrangements without a diagnosis based on their needs. Having a diagnosis and assessment report may however help you as the parent/carer to discuss the need to have your child assessed for access arrangements.
More about me
In order to assess and diagnose dyslexia I hold the following:
A current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC - Patoss).​
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AMBDA (Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association)
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Post Graduate Diploma in Assessing and Teaching Learners with Dyslexia.
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Member of Patoss, BDA, Allied Health and Therapy Network
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Enhanced DBS clearance and Professional Indemnity Insurance
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Additional qualifications :
BSc., Dip. App. SS, P.G.C.E, Q.T.S
L5 Cert. in Dyslexia
Contact Me
Please email me to enquire about assessment availability or any further enquiries
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Susan Mann
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