Services and Assessments
From discussions with parents, reading school and professional reports, I will give you an initial opinion on your child’s current educational provision.
In order to support parents, I will attend meetings or reviews at a child’s school.
I will inspect and report on school provision.
If required, I will complete assessments to determine a child’s learning style, strengths and weaknesses, literacy skills and self esteem.
The Assessments may include all or some of:
- Lucid Assessments for Schools (LASS) which assesses levels of Visual Spatial Memory, Auditory Sequential Memory, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Phonics, Phonological Processing Ability, Single Word Reading, Sentence Reading and Spelling. These assessments are completed on my laptop or iPad.
- Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT5) which assesses Single Word Reading and Spelling, Reading Comprehension, and Maths skills
- British Picture Vocabulary Scale (BPVS3) – is a test of hearing (receptive) vocabulary for Standard English, covering the age range 3 years to 16 years 11 months, but is also suitable for adults. It can provide a reasonably good measure of academic aptitude.
- Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA2), which assesses levels of Reading Accuracy, Comprehension and Speed
- Tests of self esteem and/or academic self image
The BPVS3 and the Reasoning modules of the LASS can provide a measure of academic aptitude.
I have also completed Key Stage 2 tests in English and Maths, when progress recorded is disputed with a child’s primary school.
My assessments may complement or challenge other assessments and reports completed by School Teachers, Educational Psychologists and other professionals.
My assessments are usually (but not always) completed in the family home, or as discussed and agreed.
Based on a child’s results, reports and records, I will give an opinion and advise on what I consider to be the appropriate educational provision. I will give advice on the way forward in securing this provision.
I will discuss with parents if I consider there is the need or feasibility of obtaining other professional assessments and reports (from Independent Educational Psychologist, Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist). If required, I will suggest who to contact.
If required, I will advise on suitable specialist solicitors or advocates who can support and lead parents through the maze of the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, and represent them at a Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal.
I will outline the possible costs which may be required for this professional support, and suggest alternatives if such finance is not available or feasible.
If relevant, I will discuss appropriate specialist school placement.
My costs for attending meetings, completing assessments, writing reports and attending Tribunals and relevant expenses including appropriate travel and accommodation are reasonable. Costs will be agreed beforehand with parents. There will be no nasty surprises and I normally do not charge for travel time.
I am willing to travel anywhere to support children and their parents.