Introduction
Dyslexia and other specific learning differences are common, Meaning that in any classroom of 30 children, approximately six or more are likely to be neurodivergent meaning that their brains function, learn and process information differently and that they may have particular strengths or challenges.
Dyslexia Herts are able to work with schools, colleges, universities or apprenticeship providers to provide training, support and guidance on identifying and meeting the needs of all learners. This will equip teachers, teaching assistants and lecturersby raising awareness of specific learning differences. Find out more about our training.
We offer flexibility and can provide assessments in a way that suits you and your staff. Assessments can be:
- Online
- In person at our centre in Berkhamsted
- At your school, college or university (travel costs may apply)
Our Assessments:
Full diagnostic Assessment
A full diagnostic assessment is for anyone who has not previously been assessed and wants to know if they have specific learning differences, dyslexia, or for those who need an updated report after having been assessed as a child as they are planning on going to college or university or the workplace.
A detailed assessment report is produced, including a diagnosis of dyslexia where appropriate. The assessment usually takes around three hours, including breaks.
During the assessment the learner would need to complete a range of different tasks that tell us how they process information. We would look at language & reasoning skills and cognitive processing (this includes assessments of working memory, phonological awareness, processing speed, orthographic processing and other areas as required). It will also include assessments of literacy skills and maths, if appropriate.
Before the assessment we will ask parents (dependent on age), the learner and relevant staff to complete some forms to gather background information.
After the assessment you will receive:
- A full diagnostic assessment confirming dyslexia
- Recommendations for onward referrals if other SpLDs are possible, appropriate adjustments, teaching and learning strategies, additional support, assistive technology, for future work/ further or higher education
- Feedback meeting on completion of report to advise teachers and parents
- JCQ Form 8 if required (secondary pupils)
This assessment would also meet the requirements for DSA applications for university
Literacy/ Numeracy Review
This is a shorter assessment focusing on areas of concern in literacy or numeracy to investigate current levels of performance and strengths and weaknesses in these areas and progress made. It will not be possible for a diagnosis of dyslexia to be made, as only some cognitive testing will be carried out.
The assessment session may last about 1 – 1 ½ hours and could include appropriate testing such as reading skills- word reading, comprehension, oral reading skills, writing skills- spelling, handwriting and written composition or maths skills.
The Literacy or Numeracy Review is appropriate for younger children below 8 or for school who have concerns about aspects of a child’s literacy or numeracy and would like to know what they can do to help at home.
The Literacy/Numeracy Review would provide recommendations for school and for home, including resources and assistive technology that may help to move learning forward.
Access Arrangement Assessments
Dyslexia Herts have experience in working with schools and colleges assessing learners whose teachers have noticed that they have difficulty completing work in the classroom, in tests or examinations.
We can provide the service that is right for you- we are happy to:
- help with assessments at busy times of the year
- ensure your learners are assessed and you meet the JCQ timescales
- assess learners with more complex profiles
- work with you and your staff to manage the access arrangement assessment process from start to finish
- provide whole school training on access arrangements
- complete a JCQ Form 8 and access arrangement report if required
We can assess learners individually and/or in a group which makes the process very efficient and cost effective.
All of our assessors have the Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and have comprehensive sets of tests that will enable us to assess literacy skills and relevant aspects of cognitive processing.